Perhaps you are considering a Botox injection or a dermal filler the next time you visit Dr. Marina Funtik at Oasis Prosthodontics but first need to decide which procedure is right for you. She understands that patients are likely to have a lot of questions and wants you to feel comfortable in your choice. As a cosmetic dentist and certified medical professional offering cosmetic enhancements, it’s Dr. Funtik’s goal for every patient to look and feel their best.
Understanding Botox Injections
Botox, the shortened name of botulinum toxin, is a purified and natural protein that helps to reduce the appearance of aging by smoothing out lines and wrinkles on the face. It does this by temporarily paralyzing the facial muscles that lead to wrinkling in the first place. In addition to cosmetic purposes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved Botox for several medical purposes.
Botox enjoys a high name recognition factor and level of trust among consumers. It has been used for decades and has been subject to extensive testing. It is completely safe and most patients experience only minor side effects. The most common ones include swelling and bruising at the treatment site. However, this disappears quickly and it’s easy to cover with make-up in the meantime. You can resume your normal activities immediately after leaving Oasis Prosthodontics.
Conditions Best Suited for Botox
Most patients opt for a Botox injection to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It’s also ideal to remove moderate to severe crow’s feet around the sides of the eyes as well as deeply-set frown lines between the eyebrows. Dr. Funtik will let you know if you’re a good candidate for Botox after performing an evaluation and listening to your specific cosmetic concerns. People with certain conditions should not have Botox. This includes those with joint or muscle issues as well as pregnant women and women who are currently breastfeeding.
What to Expect from a Botox Procedure
Before starting your Botox injection, Dr. Funtik gives you a light anesthesia or numbing cream. Any discomfort is extremely minimal and short-lived. Once she’s certain that you feel comfortable, Dr. Funtik will inject the Botox into locations on your face that she previously identified with a marking pencil. She takes her time to identify the precise location for each Botox injection to ensure that you receive the most favorable results. The results from a single session typically last three to six months.
What Are Juvéderm Fillers?
Juvéderm is the brand name for a popular dermal filler used primarily for cosmetic purposes. It’s normal for your skin to become thinner and drier as you get older. It can also be more challenging for the skin to repair itself quickly as it did when you were younger. This occurs due to the loss of hydraulic acid that happens with aging. Hydraulic acid supports the skin, and the loss of it means a greater likelihood of wrinkles and deep lines.
What to Expect from a Juvéderm Injection
When you opt to have a dermal filler injection with Juvéderm, Dr. Funtik injects hydraulic acid into the treatment area on your face using a tiny needle. Like Botox, the treatment session is quick and any side effects or discomfort is minimal. The procedure does not leave any scars behind and you and others will notice a difference in your appearance right away.
You should expect to remain at the office of Oasis Prosthodontics for 30 to 45 minutes while receiving a Juvéderm treatment. Patients who experience side effects typically only have mild bruising or swelling as with Botox. Most importantly, the results from a single session can last for up to 18 months. People who choose Juvéderm usually have concerns about the fullness of their face and undergo the procedure to add volume and to define their facial features better. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid Juvéderm. However, it’s safe for nearly everyone else.
Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation
Whether you want to improve the appearance of your smile, diminish the effects of aging, or both, Dr. Marina Funtik can help. Please contact our office at 719-574-2417 to set aside time for your consultation today.
