As you age, your face develops creases and wrinkles. Botox® is a safe, inexpensive, non-surgical way to remove some aging effects and help your face look years younger. Its 20-year track record has given Botox a well-established reputation as an effective alternative to a facelift. Dr. Trace Bridges is certified to administer Botox in his Tulsa, OK, dental office. He can help provide smoother skin for his patients, erase wrinkles, and improve facial aesthetics.
Some patients may not realize they can get Botox and dermal fillers at the dentist. Dr. Bridges is uniquely qualified to administer Botox and filler injections. As a dentist, he understands the facial muscle and bone structure. His years of experience in dental surgery and membership with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry help him understand how to improve smiles and faces.
The Benefits of Botox and Fillers
Botox and fillers provide these benefits to patients:
- Quick, non-surgical treatment
- Minimal downtime
- Custom treatment plans
- Lasting results
- Improved skin quality
Unlike plastic surgery, Botox and fillers are noninvasive treatments for patients who want younger-looking skin. They are also preventive anti-aging options for our patients. Injectables help smooth lines and wrinkles around your brows, eyes, nose, lips, and forehead.
What is Botox?
Botox® is a neuromuscular inhibitor that prevents muscle movement. This FDA-approved injectable relaxes the muscles in your face to erase lines and creases. Botox treats wrinkles in the upper third of the face and provides treatments for many cosmetic issues, including:
- Diminish crow’s feet
- Smooth frown lines
- Lift the brows
- Smooth forehead lines
Botox treats dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles that form from facial movements. Dynamic wrinkles form from smiling, frowning, or squinting.
We can also use Botox to treat TMJ disorders. Patients with TMD often have reoccurring headaches and facial pain. Botox freezes the facial muscles to help reduce muscle pain. Our office may recommend Botox injections in addition to other treatments like nightguards if you have chronic TMJ pain.
Botox Treatment in Tulsa, OK
Before treatment, you will consult with Dr. Bridges to discuss your aesthetic goals. He will also review your medical and prescription histories to ensure you qualify for this treatment.
During the Botox procedure, you can expect these steps:
- Cleanse your face
- Numb and mark the injection areas
- Use a thin needle to inject a small amount of Botox beneath your skin quickly
- Cleanse your skin
Botox treatment usually takes less than 15 minutes. Most people see results in three to five days, though some take up to two weeks. The effects of Botox last three to six months. You can repeat the treatment as necessary.
What is a Dermal Filler?
Dermal fillers are a safe and effective way to smooth wrinkles and lines and add volume to your skin. Dr. Bridges offers dermal fillers to rejuvenate and refresh your face. A dermal filler is an injectable gel-like solution that softens facial lines and creases. There are two common types of fillers: Hyaluronic acid and Poly-lactic acid fillers.
Hyaluronic acid is a water-retaining substance already present in our skin. Polylactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic substance commonly used for medical purposes. Juvaderm, Perlane, and Restylane are hyaluronic-acid-based fillers. Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid. Some dermal fillers contain a mild anesthetic to increase comfort during treatment.
Dr. Bridges offers facial rejuvenation with these dermal fillers:
- Juvederm
- Perlane
- Restylane
- Sculptra
He uses dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation to:
- Erase crow’s feet around your eyes
- Fill acne scars
- Increase fullness in your lips
- Reduce vertical lip lines
- Restore volume under your eyes or in your cheeks
- Add definition to your chin
- Smooth lines around your nose and mouth
- Soften frown lines on your forehead or wrinkles between your eyebrows
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Before treatment begins, you will consult with Dr. Bridges to discuss your aesthetic goals. He will review your medical and prescription histories, explain your treatment options, and discuss expected results.
During the 20-minute treatment, Dr. Bridges will complete these steps:
- Cleanse your skin and numb the injection areas
- Mark the injection sites
- Perform quick, tiny injections with precise amounts of dermal filler into the treatment areas
- Cleanse your skin
You should notice the results immediately. Occasionally, people experience mild bruising, redness, or itching. The results from dermal fillers last six to 24 months. These results can last depending on the product used, the target areas, and each patient. You can repeat dermal filler treatment in our Tulsa office to maintain results.
Botox and Fillers: Aftercare
We will provide instructions on how to care for your skin after fillers and Botox treatment in our Tulsa, OK, office. After treatment, you can follow these tips for quick and comfortable healing:
- Avoid putting pressure on your face. Directly after you receive Botox or fillers, you want to avoid putting any pressure on your face. When lying down, avoid pressing your cheek on the pillow.
- Use a cold compress. After Botox and filler treatments, side effects, including swelling or redness, are normal. We recommend applying a cold compress (ice pack) for fifteen minutes at a time to
- Keep your head elevated. Directly after you get Botox or fillers, keep your head elevated. Sleeping with your head elevated will increase blood flow to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Avoid exercise for 24 hours. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and exercise for one to two days. Your injections can move from their positions.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water after fillers or Botox treatment keeps your skin hydrated.
Please ask us any questions you have about caring for your skin after treatment. We’re here to help.
Botox and Fillers FAQs
Learn more about Botox in Tulsa, OK, with answers to these common questions:
What should I avoid before I get fillers?
Before fillers, you should avoid certain things that can increase your risk of bruising and swelling:
- Blood-thinning medications
- Alcohol
- Excessive sun exposure
- Other skin treatments
- Some herbal supplements, like fish oil or vitamin E
When will I see results from Botox and fillers?
You will see your first results from Botox within several days. It can take 10 to 14 days to see the full results from Botox injections. You will see results from fillers directly after treatment. However, fillers can take several weeks to integrate fully with the skin.
How often do I need to get fillers?
How often you need to get fillers depends on the type of filler and how your body reacts to it. Most dermal fillers last between 6 months and 2 years. Hyaluronic acid fillers (like Juvederm or Restylane) usually last 6 to 18 months. Longer-lasting fillers (like Radiesse or Sculptra) can last up to 2 years or more.
To maintain your results, you’ll need touch-up treatments when you start to notice the effects fading. We can recommend a schedule based on your goals and how your body responds to the filler.
How do I know if I should get Botox for headaches?
Botox for headaches is usually recommended if you have chronic migraines or tension headaches that don’t improve with other treatments. You might consider Botox if:
- You get headaches often, like 15 or more days per month.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t working.
- Your headaches stop you from doing daily activities.
Can I go back to work or resume normal activities right after Botox or fillers?
You can usually return to work or resume normal activities right after Botox or dermal filler treatment. The treatments are quick, and there is little downtime. However, you should avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activities for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of swelling or bruising.
Can I combine Botox and dermal fillers in one treatment?
Yes, you can combine Botox and dermal fillers in one treatment. Many people do this to treat different areas of their face at the same time. Botox relaxes muscles and reduces wrinkles, especially around the forehead and eyes. Fillers add volume and smooth out deeper lines, like around the mouth.
Does Botox look natural?
Yes. When applied by a trained and experienced provider, Botox can smooth out wrinkles and make you look more refreshed without making your face look frozen or stiff. The key is to use the right amount in the right places, so your natural expressions are still visible. If you’re concerned about looking unnatural, talk to us about your goals. We can help you get subtle Botox treatment in our Tulsa, OK, office.
Can I drink after Botox or fillers?
We recommend that you avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours. Alcohol can increase the risk of bruising and swelling at the injection sites. You can still drink other beverages; just be careful not to touch or rub your face too much after the treatment.
Call Our Office Today
Are you interested in Botox or dermal fillers in Tulsa, OK? Contact us today at 918-347-1114 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Bridges online. He will help you find the proper treatment for your needs.
Let us know if you have any questions about Botox or other facial aesthetics treatments. We serve Oak Tree Village, Broken Arrow, and the surrounding areas.