People usually think of a dental practice as somewhere you go to have your teeth checked, cleaned or treated. That is still very much the case, of course, but dental clinics also now offer a wider range of facial treatments as well.
At our dental clinic, we are pleased to offer anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers for patients who would like to make subtle changes to their appearance. These treatments are not about completely changing the way that you look. In many cases, the aim is simply to soften certain lines, restore some lost volume or create a fresher appearance.
Anti-wrinkle treatments work by temporarily reducing the movement of particular muscles in the face. When we repeatedly make facial expressions such as frowning, squinting or raising our eyebrows, the skin folds in the same places again and again. Over time, these repeated movements can contribute to lines becoming more noticeable.
An anti-wrinkle treatment can reduce the activity of the muscles responsible for some of these expressions. This can soften the appearance of certain lines without making the face look completely different. The forehead, the area between the eyebrows and the lines around the outer corners of the eyes are among the areas that are commonly treated.
The treatment itself involves a number of very small injections just beneath the surface of the skin and results are usually quite quick to appear. The exact amount of treatment required will depend on the individual and the area being treated.
It is worth remembering that anti-wrinkle treatment does not produce permanent results. The effects will gradually wear off as muscle activity returns, so further treatment at the Rushey Green Dental Practice may be required if you wish to maintain the result.
Dermal fillers are different. Rather than reducing muscle movement, they are used to add volume beneath the skin. As we get older, the face naturally loses some of its volume. This can contribute to changes around the cheeks, lips, mouth and other areas. Skin can also become thinner and less plump.
Dermal fillers can be used to restore some of this lost volume or to enhance particular facial features. Depending on the treatment, they may be used around the lips, cheeks, chin, jaw line or areas where lines and folds have become more noticeable.
Again, the intention does not necessarily have to be a dramatic transformation. Many patients are simply looking for quite a small change that simply makes them feel a little more comfortable with their appearance.
You might wonder why these treatments are being offered by a dentist in the first place? Dentists work with the face and mouth every day. We have a detailed understanding of facial anatomy and the muscles, tissues and structures in this area. This knowledge is also relevant when carrying out facial aesthetic treatments.
Providing these treatments requires specific training which our Catford facial aesthetic clinicians have all undergone. Anyone considering anti-wrinkle treatments or fillers should make sure that the person carrying out the procedure is appropriately qualified as, although illegal, there are still a few cases of these being applied by unqualified people; often with undesirable results. Having these treatments carried out in a professional clinical environment is safe and effective. There should also always be a proper consultation before treatment rather than simply deciding what you want on the day.
One of the most important parts of any facial aesthetic treatment is the consultation. There is no single treatment that is suitable for everyone. Two people of the same age can have very different facial structures, skin types and concerns. What works well for one person may not be appropriate for another.
During a consultation, we can discuss what you would like to change and what you hope to achieve. We can then explain the available options and whether anti-wrinkle treatment, dermal fillers or no treatment at all is appropriate.
This is also an opportunity to ask questions. You should understand what the treatment involves, what results can reasonably be expected and if there are any possible risks and side effects before deciding whether to go ahead.
Perhaps the biggest concern some people have about facial aesthetic treatments is that they might produce an unnatural looking appearance. That does not have to be the case. Modern facial aesthetics can be used in a relatively subtle way. Rather than trying to remove every line or add as much volume as possible, treatment can be planned around the individual face and the result they are hoping to achieve.
In some cases, a small change can make quite a noticeable difference to how someone feels about their appearance, without changing their basic facial characteristics.
Of course, expectations are important. These treatments cannot stop the ageing process and they are unlikely to make someone look thirty years younger. They can, however, provide an effective way of addressing particular concerns.
Anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers are not suitable for everyone, and there are situations where treatment may need to be postponed or avoided. This is another reason why a proper consultation is important. If you have been considering facial aesthetic treatment but are unsure what would actually be suitable for you, we can discuss your concerns and explain the options available.
The Rushey Green Dental Practice now offers anti-wrinkle treatments and dermal fillers as part of our facial aesthetic services. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch with the practice and arrange a consultation. You can do this by calling us today on 020 8314 5066.
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