Busting Some Myths About Botox

What, you didn’t know that you could get Botox from a dentist in South Miami? You thought that Botox was the exclusive domain of plastic surgeons dermatologists? That’s not the only myth about Botox floating around out there.

Getting Botox from your dentist makes more sense than you might realize at first. After all, the dentist near you is an expert in the structures and muscles of your face, not just your jaw. Beyond that, your dentist has always been committed to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals. Botox treatment is just one more way that they can help. 

Just what is Botox? 

Botox is a neurotoxic protein. It is based on a toxin produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. When strategically placed, botulinum toxin interferes with the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from nerve endings where nerves meet muscles. Essentially, botulinum toxin temporarily paralyzes the muscle by preventing it from being triggered by the nerve. By preventing the muscles from constricting, Botox smoothes lines and creases that are created by the constriction of those muscles. For a few months at a time, the surface of your face will appear smoother.

Botox injections are about more than just beauty, though. Therapeutic Botox in South Miami can also provide relief from migraines, extreme sweating, muscle twitches, Bell’s palsy (sudden muscle weakness in your face) and even incontinence.  

Busting some myths about Botox

Myth 1: Botox injections hurt

Botox needles are so thin and such small volumes of material are injected that, when administered by trained professionals, Botox injections are akin to a bite by a tiny bug. They’re not painful. 

Myth 2: You’ll notice effects immediately

While everyone’s body reacts slightly differently, you will not notice the skin-smoothening effects of a Botox injection immediately. Typically, Botox begins to show effects five to seven days after the injection.

Myth 3: The effects of Botox last forever

The effects of Botox last for a long time —several months — but not forever. To maintain the effects of Botox, you should receive injections on a regular basis. That’s another reason that receiving cosmetic or therapeutic Botox in South Miami from a dentist near you is so convenient. After all, you’re going to see your dentist every three to six months anyway — right? 

Myth 4: Botox makes you stone-faced

Yes, Botox does paralyze muscles in tiny and specific areas to stop them from contracting. That does not prevent you from making facial expressions or otherwise expressing yourself, though. It does change the way individual muscles move and affect the appearance of your face, but you’ll still be able to make a full range of facial expressions. 

Myth 5: Botox gets rid of all wrinkles

Botox is an excellent solution for reducing and eliminating dynamic wrinkles — wrinkles produced by movement such as when you squint. If you have other types of wrinkles present because of the loss of fat or tissue volume in your face, Botox won’t eliminate those wrinkles. To eliminate those static wrinkles, a dentist near you may recommend using dermal fillers. 

If you are interested in receiving cosmetic or therapeutic Botox near you, contact a dentist in South Miami and explain the goals that you’re trying to achieve. As for an assessment of your skin to identify any underlying conditions and to confirm that you’re a good candidate for Botox or dermal fillers depending on the wrinkles you have or the symptoms you’d like eased. While you’re there, and if you don’t already have a family or general dentist, you might as well ask for a check up and cosmetic dentistry advice. That way, your beautiful and smooth skin will be evenly matched by healthy teeth and beautiful teeth.