"We had a consultation to discuss the options and Ben knew exactly the best treatment areas for me. I felt completely at ease and in safe hands throughout."
Bare Dental Clinic offers advice and treatment for patients wishing to counteract the effects of ageing, using botulinum toxin type A injections and dermal fillers.
How do muscle relaxing injections work?
Wrinkles, creases and fine lines form from two influences: environmental damage, and the constant creasing of the skin as the muscles of the face move. Over time the repeated movement lets folds develop as the underlying structure of the skin is damaged.
Stopping or reducing that movement gives the skin the opportunity to rest, repair and avoid further damage. Small amounts of muscle relaxing medicine are injected into specific facial muscles to temporarily control the movement. Injecting the right muscles is essential, and this is where a dentist's training in facial anatomy helps prevent or manage adverse results.
Before and after your treatment
Please read the instructions, side effects and risks below before your appointment.
Muscle relaxants: before treatment
- To avoid bruising, avoid blood-thinning painkillers such as aspirin, and vitamin E.
- Do not have treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to any ingredient, or have a neurological disorder.
- Avoid sun exposure; sunburned skin is difficult to treat.
- Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing or hair removal cream on the area.
- Avoid alpha hydroxy acids above 10% and retinoids.
- Tell us if you have a history of cold sores around the mouth, and about all medications and your medical history.
Muscle relaxants: after treatment
- Bruising at the injection sites is normal. The full effect takes up to two weeks: wait 14 days before judging the result.
- The aim is to soften lines, not necessarily to paralyse the muscle, so you keep subtle expression.
- Gently exercising the treated muscles for 12 hours may help, but forgetting will not harm the result.
- Do not rub or massage the area, lie down or bend excessively for 4 hours.
- No yoga or strenuous exercise for 14 hours; no facials for two weeks.
- Avoid alcohol for a few days, and strong sunlight, very cold temperatures and saunas for two weeks.
Dermal fillers: before treatment
- For up to two weeks before, avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, fish oil, glucosamine, ginkgo biloba and herbal supplements.
- If you have a cold sore, wait until it has fully healed.
- On the day, stay hydrated, eat beforehand and remove make-up. Make sure you are not pregnant.
- If you would like numbing gel, arrange time for it to take effect.
Dermal fillers: after treatment
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours, and saunas, hot tubs and exercise for 4 hours.
- No make-up for at least 1 hour, ideally the rest of the day.
- Do not rub or massage the area for 24 hours unless instructed. Redness and swelling may last 1 to 2 days.
- Avoid excessive sun and sunbeds until swelling has gone; use SPF 30 or more.
- Expect a few days of swelling as the filler settles. Severe pain or blanching of the skin needs urgent attention: contact Mr Dadswell on 07798 701841.
Possible side effects of muscle relaxants
Stinging for 10 to 15 minutes; short-term swelling, tenderness or headache; redness or bruising. Ptosis (a mild drooping of the eyelid or brow) is uncommon. Effects last on average three to six months, sometimes less in people who exercise regularly.
Possible side effects and risks of dermal fillers
Mild redness for 24 hours; swelling and bruising for two to three days, sometimes longer, eased by cold compresses and an extra pillow the first night. Dermal fillers are very safe, but there is a very small risk of damage to nerves and blood vessels. If filler blocks blood flow, an area of tissue may be damaged, and with upper face injections there is a risk to the blood supply of the eye causing temporary or permanent blindness. Rare reactions and infections have been reported. Fillers contain a local anaesthetic (3% lidocaine).