Patient Education

Dermal Filler/Lips

Dermal filler is a gel-like substance that is injected beneath the skin in specific areas to smooth lines, enhance lips, restore volume. Most dermal fillers are composed of Hyaluronic acid (HA) a naturally occurring substance that is found in your skin and joints. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. Most HA fillers are infused with lidocaine to help minimize discomfort during and after treatment.

Dermal filler tends to last about 6-12 months. After that, the filler particles either breakdown and get absorbed, dissipate into adjacent tissue, or a combination of both. Current studies are now showing that some filler may stay within your tissues longer than 12 months, so a follow-up with your doctor is recommended.
A full consultation can be done to evaluate your overall smile, symmetry, shape, and size of your current lips and your lip aesthetic goals.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions, dermal filler and lips injections are not recommended.

Botox

Botox is a protein, botulinum toxin, which relaxes muscles to smooth out dynamic wrinkles. It binds to the receptor on the muscle and prevents the repeated contraction, this prevents the deepening of creases/wrinkles on the skin. Botox can be used to treat forehead wrinkles, 11's, crow's feet, TMJ clenching, jaw slimming, brow lifts, gummy smiles, lip flips, migraines, and excessive sweating in underarms.

Botox results usually last 3-4 months. Botox starts to take effect in 2 days and full results should be evident in 14 days.
This is dependent on which areas you want the doctor to focus on, how strong your facial muscles are, if you are very physically active, etc. This will be determined at your consultation appointment. Generally speaking, your age plus or minus 10 is a good place to start.
I.e. if you are 35 years old, 25-45 units is a common range for cosmetic purposes.
Therapeutic dosage for TMJ, excessive sweating, and tension headaches varies widely and a comprehensive evaluation should be done by the doctor.
Forehead wrinkles, 11's, crow's feet, jaw clenching and slimming, brow lift, gummy smile, lip flip, migraines from bruxism, excessive sweating in underarms.
You will feel the initial prick, yes, but Botox is very quick and the needle is smaller than the needle at the dentist, a blood draw, or a tattoo parlor. A tool that vibrates a surrounding area may be used to help distract from the prick.
Facial expressions are how we interact socially, and look like ourselves! The doctor will evaluate your laugh, frown, and other expressions to determine the proper dosage and placement. This will prevent overtreatment and improper placement, which are the 2 main reasons for unnatural results.
Side effects are uncommon, but include a headache, bruising, uneven brow height, swelling and tenderness around the injection area. Your provider should follow-up with you and discuss proper post-op care to minimize risk.

Botox for Excessive Sweating

Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterized by abnormally excessive sweating, in excess of the sweating required to keep the body temperature regulated.

Botox is often an effective treatment for this excessive sweating. Many people with hyperhidrosis are often affected mentally, emotionally, and can be embarrassed in social situations. Hyperhidrosis treatment can drastically improve their quality of life.

The injections aren't always covered by insurance. We can send an invoice with pertinent treatment information to submit a claim to your insurance.
Usually one treament last 4-6 months. Multiple treatments may be necessary and research has shown patients can go longer in between treatments with time.

TMJ Therapy

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.

For patients struggling with migraines, facial pain, migraines, broken crowns, cracked tooth syndrome, and excessive grinding, treatment is very challenging. Botox treatment is a targeted solution to address the symptoms of TMJ disorders and Facial Pain and finally get relief. Mindfulness based stress-reduction and massage therapy will also be discussed. Free consultation.

If you are noticing any of the following symptoms, TMJ therapy may be right for you.
- Jaw clenching
- Facial pain
- Tension in the head, neck, and shoulder region
- Migraines/headaches
- Broken crowns & cracked teeth
- Excessive grinding
- Hypertrophied jaw muscles
- Head & neck tenderness
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Inability to wear night-guard from dentist
- Flattened teeth