Facial Aesthetics
Wrinkles and facial lines result from ageing, muscle activity (and over-activity) and your genetic predisposition. In addition, excessive sun exposure, alcohol consumption, emotional and hormonal influences and smoking can also increase the likelihood of wrinkles. Whilst you may be able to reduce or control some of the factors associated with wrinkle formation you cannot influence all factors and we all develop some wrinkles as we age.
Dentists are the best-placed professionals to carry out non-surgical face treatments. They have expert knowledge of head and neck anatomy and physiology together with training in the use of cosmetic treatments.
Botox®
Botox, or Botulinum toxin, is a substance that is produced by a bacteria. The botox used in facial treatments is highly refined and then diluted for therapeutic doses. When injected into specific facial muscles, it causes the muscles to relax and so reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
Botox can be used to treat:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Vertical lip lines
- Crow’s feet
- Bunny lines
What does the treatment involve?
In most cases the treatment will take between 10 and 20 minutes. Effects will begin to appear very quickly within 48 to 72 hours although the full extent of the treatment may not be visible for up to 10 days. Approximately two weeks after the first treatment, the effects will be reviewed with your dentist and any further treatments or top-ups can be discussed.
Initially the improvement that you will receive from this treatment will last from 3 to 6 months. You will notice a gradual fading of effect and at this stage you can return for another treatment if you want to. With repeated treatments, the effect lasts longer.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers can enhance skin by smoothing lines and plumping up areas of lost elasticity. They can be used to achieve a variety of rejuvenating results including:
- Contouring the cheeks and chin
- Filling deep lines, such as those that run from the nose to the mouth
- Correcting acne or chicken pox scars
- Restoring a youthful fullness and definition to lips
We use Juverderm, Restylane and Hydrafil dermal fillers. They contain hyaluronic acid which is already naturally present in the body. When injected under the skin at specific points, the substance stimulates cellular growth and, as a result, increases collagen production. This causes the skin to appear more youthful and plumps areas of lost elasticity.
For the treatment, we apply a numbing cream to minimise any discomfort. Tiny amounts of the safe, gel-like filler are injected with an ultra-fine needle into the areas requiring treatment. There is no need for a recovery period and results are instant, lasting for several months.
After treatment
As with all non-surgical treatments, the effects will gradually wear off over time but you can maintain your smoother, plumper skin with top-up treatments.
Advice
The demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures continues to surge. With the increase in popularity, a lot of cosmetic procedures are being offered at unlicensed clinics without trained practitioners and the correct insurance. It’s creating a very real risk of serious injury for potential customers.
Remember Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine that should only be prescribed and given by an appropriately trained healthcare professional, such as a doctor, dentist, pharmacist prescriber, or nurse prescriber.
To read more follow the links below.
NHS UK BBC Health
