I’m all for embracing my crow’s feet and laugh lines; I even appreciate the furrow between my eyebrows that signals I’ve pondered life’s big questions. However, the vertical lines that have emerged from my upper lip towards my nostrils over the years? Not so much. Despite avoiding drinking straws, applying shea butter mixtures, and trying various lip exercises, nothing seemed to work. So, I decided to try Botox.
Regrettably, I didn’t pursue a second treatment. I was completely unaware of the multitude of nerves where the skin of my philtrum meets the delicate skin of my upper lip. To be honest, I’d rather endure extreme discomfort than revisit that needle poking my face, especially since the experience made it impossible for me to whistle—a skill I didn’t realize I valued until it was gone.
Many of my peers, however, have bravely ventured into the world of Botox. Their experiences differ from mine in one significant way: while I received my Botox at a med spa, they are getting it at the dentist’s office.
Initially, I struggled to comprehend why anyone would willingly choose to undergo a potentially painful aesthetic treatment in a place associated with dental drills and flossing lectures. However, I’ve learned that dental Botox is not a recent trend; it has been around for a while, and dentists’ expertise in facial anatomy makes them well-suited for this procedure.
Botox is not only used for cosmetic purposes but also for treating conditions like lockjaw, teeth grinding, and even temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). A study from 2012 revealed that participants experienced significant pain relief related to TMJ and improved mouth-opening ability. Additionally, Botox can help ease discomfort when adjusting to new dentures and has valuable applications in orthodontics as an auxiliary treatment. Given these benefits, it’s becoming increasingly clear why a dentist could be an excellent provider for perioral Botox.
That said, I still find it challenging to accept the trend of Botox Home Parties. Yes, it’s just what it sounds like: a gathering with wine, charcuterie, and social pressure to get facial injections in someone’s living room. I am highly skeptical of any medical professional using a business model similar to that of beauty product parties. While I don’t mind feeling obligated to buy a fancy kitchen gadget, I do not want to feel pressured to allow a tipsy dentist to administer Botox in a casual setting.
Botox carries potential risks, including muscle weakness and even serious allergic reactions like hives or anaphylaxis. I can tolerate some immediate side effects, but not in a setting where medical assistance might be far away. I can envision a worst-case scenario where I struggle to breathe while a room full of acquaintances frantically searches for a Benadryl or some essential oil remedy.
So, when I decide to tackle those pesky lip lines again, I will definitely consider my dentist—someone I already trust with my dental health. But I can’t see myself inviting him over for an informal Botox session with friends. I doubt he would be interested anyway; then again, I’ve never asked.
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Summary:
People are increasingly turning to dentists for Botox injections, given their expertise in facial anatomy and various dental conditions that Botox can alleviate. While many embrace this trend, some remain skeptical, particularly about unconventional settings like Botox Home Parties. As more individuals seek cosmetic treatments from trusted dental professionals, the conversation around this practice continues to evolve.