Northwest Dental Group Northwest Dental Group

Is Botox Right For Me?

woman with brown hair laying down getting an injection in her cheek

It's no secret that more and more people are interested in getting Botox injections to give themselves a more youthful appearance in today's digital age. However, if you are unsure what Botox is and whether it could be the proper wrinkle-fighting treatment for you, read on.

What Is Botox?

Botox is the brand name for a drug called botulinum toxin type A. Unlike most other neurotoxins, botulinum toxin A does not kill nerve cells; it simply prevents them from transmitting signals. By blocking certain neurotransmitters from transmitting signals, botulinum toxin A can relax the muscles and temporarily paralyze them.

Botox is FDA approved for reducing forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow's feet around the eyes, and "smoker's lines" around the mouth. In some cases, Botox has also been used to treat excessive underarm sweating, migraine headaches, and dental problems, such as temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

How Much Does Botox Cost?

There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to Botox injections. The price can vary depending on the units needed and where your treatment takes place.

One thing to keep in mind when considering the cost of Botox injections is that they are not meant to be a one-time treatment, and you will likely pay for multiple treatments at once.

At Northwest Dental Group, we offer consultations to our patients interested in Botox injections and will provide honest, upfront pricing estimates based on your needs.

Prepping for Botox Injections

Generally speaking, there is minimal preparation needed for botox injections. However, to achieve the results you seek, you will need to keep these things in mind:

  • Certain medications don't mix well with Botox — such as blood thinners like aspirin or ibuprofen. During your consultation with us, we will review what medications you may be taking and let you know which supplements you need to avoid before the procedure.
  • Keep your skin balanced. Avoid harsh skin treatments leading up to your injections. Additionally, ensure you're not wearing any makeup to your appointment, as your skin will need to be cleaned before any Botox injections occur.
  • Take measures to limit the chance of bruising and bleeding. Injections may occasionally cause bleeding or bruising. Although it is sometimes unavoidable, omitting alcohol the day before and after treatment, avoiding blood thinners, and touching the injection site can reduce the likelihood of bruising.

The Botox Procedure

Injections of Botox are rapid, easy, and almost painless. You will be requested to either recline on a patient's table or sit in a chair while receiving the shots. To numb the area before injections, your doctor may use a topical lotion or put you under a local anesthetic.

With a marking pen, your healthcare professional will make marks on your face to identify the locations of the injections. They are frequently applied to the forehead on opposite sides, as well as the areas around the eyes, mouth, and lips.

After the procedure, you will be urged to refrain from vigorous activity, touching the injection sites, glycolic acid, and retinol products for 24 hours following your procedure. Your provider will also set you up with future appointments to continue the optimal success of the treatment.

Esthetic Treatments at Northwest Dental Group

All in all, Botox injections are a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Are you prepared to exhibit your greatest confidence? At Northwest Dental Group, we offer Botox injection services to ease the burden of aging. We are here to help you feel comfortable in your own skin!

To schedule an in-office or virtual consultation, contact us online or call our office at (507) 203-2332 today. We look forward to treating you!