Cheriton dental practice is now pleased to offer patients BOTOX (VISTABEL) for non-surgical reduction of frown lines and crow's feet.
Botox (Vistabel) has been used safely by doctors for 20 years to treat
patients with certain medical conditions such as eye spasms and muscle
spasticity. More recently Botox (Vistabel) has been found useful in
certain cosmetic procedures notably the reduction of wrinkles.
Botox (Vistabel) can be used for several cosmetic procedures; the most
dramatic improvements with the least side effects are in the upper third
of the face and at Cheriton Dental Practice we use it in this area to
reduce horizontal creases in the forehead, frown lines and crow's feet.
Only suitably trained doctors, dentists and some nurses can administer
it and it is a prescription only drug. The aim of the treatment with
Botox (Vistabel) is a more relaxed, smoother appearance.
When we smile or frown, a nerve signal from our brain to our muscles
causes them to move. Botox (Vistabel) is a purified protein that blocks
this signal from the brain to the nerve endings. This means that when
you laugh or frown, the overlying skin appears smoother and unwrinkled
while the untreated facial muscles work normally so facial expressions
are not affected.
Your dentist will discuss with you the areas where you would like to
reduce the wrinkles and decide where to administer the Botox (Vistabel)
and exactly how much to use.
Treatment
Your skin will be cleaned and then small amounts of Botox (Vistabel)
will be injected into the area to be treated. You will be advised not to
massage or rub the treated area and to treat it gently for 24 hours
following treatment. You will also be advised to remain upright for 4-6
hours after treatment; this helps keep the solution in the area where it
is needed most. It is also helpful to contract the treated muscles by
frowning or squinting repeatedly. This appointment will last from 15 to
30 minutes according to the number of sites to be treated.
Results
The area treated should appear smoother and with less wrinkles. Results
are often visible after 2 days, although it may take 2 weeks before the
full effects are seen. The effects of Botox (Vistabel) injections
generally last for about 3-4 months, although the result can last longer
with repeated treatments. It may be less effective for people aged 60
and over because the muscles underlying the skin are not as firm.
Risks
It is very hard to predict exactly how Botox (Vistabel) injection will
affect your muscles. Very occasionally patients who receive Botox
(Vistabel) injections in the forehead experience a drooping of the
eyelids or eyebrows, although this is temporary and will resolve itself,
when the effects wear off; until this happens eye drops will correct the
problem.. Rarely double or blurred vision can occur but should any of
these side effects occur please do contact us.
A more likely side effect is soreness or bruising at the injection site.
Applying ice packs over the treated site after injections can reduce
this problem.
Botox (Vistabel) affects everybody differently, so you will need to
discuss the appearance you would like to achieve with your dentist.
