BOTOX® – Burlington, MA

Is BOTOX Safe?

BOTOX treatments use a paralytic agent called botulinum toxin in amounts small enough to be considered safe, and some researchers suggest that cosmetic treatments may be safer than therapeutic ones since the doses administered are typically much smaller. You are extremely unlikely to experience any negative side effects as long as your treatment is prepared according to FDA standards and performed by a qualified professional such as Dr. Kostas or Pereira. Only 36 cases of adverse reactions were reported in the first fourteen years after BOTOX received FDA approval, and many of these unpleasant effects were due to the patient having an underlying medical condition rather than the treatment itself.

Is BOTOX Permanent?

The results of BOTOX treatment typically last for about three months, but some people may see theirs last for up to six months. While the treatment will eventually wear off, you can receive touchup treatments to maintain your appearance as many times as you like. The results of BOTOX are temporary because your body breaks the toxin down over time, so their duration can vary from patient to patient based on factors like age, activity level, metabolism, and exposure to environmental toxins. The temporary nature of these treatments also makes them safer since the toxin will not accumulate in the body over successive treatments, and it also gives the patient and their provider time to reassess aesthetic goals.

How Can I Prolong the Results of My BOTOX Injections?

A few excellent ways to extend the duration of the results of your BOTOX injections include:

• Avoid sun damage: Sun damage can cause an inflammatory response within your skin that can break down the BOTOX protein, and it can also lead to wrinkles that BOTOX cannot address.
• Stick to low-intensity workouts: High-intensity workouts increase a person’s metabolic rate as well as how quickly their body breaks down the BOTOX protein. Enjoying low to moderate-intensity workouts may help your results last longer.
• Manage your stress: Excessive stress can lead to tension in the muscles that BOTOX was used to relax, which can cause its effects to wear off more quickly. Higher stress levels can also accelerate the aging process as well as the breakdown of the BOTOX protein.
• Use moisturizer: Applying a moisturizer that contains collagen and hyaluronic acid can help your skin stay plump, youthful, and healthy and slow the breakdown of the BOTOX protein.
• Refrain from nicotine use: Smoking and vaping can accelerate the breakdown of skin’s collagen, damage its cells, and diminish the results of your BOTOX treatment. These habits can also lead to the formation of fine lines around the mouth and eyes that BOTOX cannot address.

Can BOTOX Damage My Face?

When administered properly, BOTOX injections will not damage your face. This treatment works by temporarily paralyzing targeted muscles so that the skin can lay more evenly, and it does not produce any life-threatening effects. The most common negative reaction from BOTOX is a droopy eyelid, but this only happens in one percent of patients who receive the treatment from a skilled professional. BOTOX cannot address dynamic wrinkles such as those caused by sun damage and aging, but it is impossible for it to make them worse. However, a patient who has received too many recent injections in their forehead may find that the associated muscles become weaker and flatter and the skin appears thinner and looser. Our dentist will review your medical history before beginning the treatment to ensure that you can receive it without any complications.

Does BOTOX Get Rid of Wrinkles?

BOTOX technically doesn’t “get rid of” wrinkles; however, this treatment can drastically minimize their appearance depending on the cause of the wrinkles. As you age, facial muscles can become overworked and bunched up, leading to fine lines and wrinkles appearing on the forehead, around the lips, and even at the edges of the eyes. BOTOX can be injected into these muscles to help them relax and smooth out, minimizing the appearance of these fine lines and wrinkles to give you a more youthful glow.

What Happens if I Stop BOTOX Injections?

A great benefit of BOTOX is that you can stop getting injections at any point and there will be no negative side-effects. However, your wrinkles will be more prominent again with time. This means that if you have a big expense coming up and won’t be able to up-keep your BOTOX injections, that won’t be a problem, and you can pick up when you have the funds again.

At What Age is BOTOX Most Effective?

There’s no ideal age to begin getting BOTOX injections. However, if you’re self-conscious about your wrinkles, as soon as you begin to notice them appearing, you can likely start visiting your cosmetic dentist in Burlington for treatment. A large majority of patients who receive injectables are between the ages of 30 and 55, but you can get them at virtually any age as an adult.  

Should I Go to My Dentist for BOTOX?

Many patients are surprised to hear that their cosmetic dentist offers BOTOX in Burlington, but believe it or not, it makes perfect sense! Dentists receive specialty training that focuses on understanding the facial anatomy, from the skin and teeth to the jaw. Dentists also have experience administering injections in and around the face and mouth. Because of this, they have a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the skin and facial muscles, which is crucial to the successful administration of BOTOX.