Dentofacial health and rejuvenation; a treatment plan for more than just your teeth.
Facial rejuvenation therapies offered at Lara Smile Group provide patients with professional care relating to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and other facial treatments.
Injectables benefits
Whether you are experiencing jaw joint pain or dissatisfaction with certain features of your face, Lara Smile Group offers injectable solutions to assist you. We are committed to helping our patients in the Geelong area to achieve their dentofacial goals and offer injectables as a part of treatment plans. The concept of complete dentofacial aesthetics combines functional dentistry with injectables most often used in cosmetic treatments to not only assist in managing jaw pain (TMD) but also in smoothing skin wrinkles, softening deep lines and creating beautiful lips.
Dr Charlie Kahwagi
Dr Kahwagi utilises his vast skills and experience in the facial region to provide patients with more comprehensive care to assist them in achieving dentofacial health and aesthetic goals. As a certified member of the Australian Academy of Aesthetic Dentofacial Aesthetics (AADFA), he has undergone training in these techniques. Being a qualified and experienced dental surgeon, he has extensive knowledge of the facial muscles and nerves. This is extremely important in utilising facial injectables to achieve the desired results.
As specialists in the bones, muscles and joints of the mouth and jaw, dental surgeons are a wise choice when considering treatments for TMD and cosmetic dissatisfaction. The team at Lara Smile Group, led by Dr Charlie Kahwagi, will examine the problems you may be experiencing, assess your natural facial structure and discuss your goals to determine the best treatment plan to achieve the most natural results.
The combination of treatments that are used will depend on your oral health needs, as well as your desired outcome.
Muscle Relaxers
Some dentists have the relevant qualifications to offer more than just dental services. Here at Lara Smile Group, we can provide muscle relaxers to complement your beautiful smile.
What are muscle relaxers?
Also known as neuromuscular inhibitors, muscle relaxants are a non-surgical aesthetic procedure that softens unwanted lines and wrinkles. This is achieved through injections that relax and freeze the muscles under the surface of the skin.
The injections are delivered directly in the areas where they are required using a thin needle. Depending on your circumstances, the overall treatment time should take around 10 minutes as patients often require approximately three to five injections per area. Typically, the results will last about three to six months.
How do muscle relaxers work?
These injections work by blocking nerve signals and preventing muscles from contracting for a certain amount of time. As a consequence, the skin on top looks smoother, as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are reduced. They also have a preventative benefit, as the lack of contractions hinders the development of new, additional lines.
What other issues can muscle relaxers treat?
We use muscle relaxers to treat a variety of issues, ranging from a cosmetic focus to addressing medical issues. These muscle relaxant injections can be used to help solve the following problems:
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
- Migraines
- Headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Muscle spasms
- Gummy smiles
- Asymmetrical smiles
Dermal fillers
Dentists know facial anatomy better than most. Not only can the team at Lara Smile Group transform your teeth, but they can also create a more youthful look by plumping up the lips and face while smoothing out wrinkles.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a non-invasive cosmetic treatment used to plump up areas in the face that have lost volume. Generally, we lose this volume due to age as the effects of gravity can cause lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
The ingredients in dermal fillers are based on a substance that occurs naturally in the body. This sugar molecule exists in almost all living organisms, and its purpose is to bind water together. This moisture then acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in moving parts of the body, like knee joints.
Thanks to its ability to store moisture, when injected into your face, the filler will give your skin a plump, hydrated look. Dermal fillers can last around nine months and will show their effects immediately.
What areas can be treated with dermal fillers?
Generally, we use dermal fillers to restore volume to:
- Lips
- Smile lines
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Jawline
- Nose
- Under eyes
In some cases, this treatment can be used to improve the appearance of a scar.
What are the benefits of dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers have many different benefits. Some of the benefits of fillers are that they:
- Plump up thin lips
- Soften facial creases and fine wrinkles
- Create symmetry
- Enhance shallow contours (like the under-eye area)
- Improve the appearance of some scars
Injectables in Lara and Geelong
If you are interested in cosmetic injectables, or any of our dentofacial aesthetic treatments, please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that enhances the skin by adding volume, reducing wrinkles, and improving facial features. These fillers, made from natural substances, are injected into specific areas to achieve the desired results. They can last from 6 months to 2 years. Common treatment areas include the cheeks, lips, and lines around the mouth. Additionally, dermal fillers can also be used to improve the appearance of scars.
Are dermal fillers painful?
Dermal fillers can cause some mild discomfort during the injections, but don’t worry, it’s usually manageable. Many fillers contain a numbing agent called lidocaine to make the procedure more comfortable. You might feel a brief pinch or stinging sensation, but it’s typically quick. Afterwards, you might experience temporary soreness, redness, or swelling, but these effects fade quickly. If you have any concerns about pain, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare professional. They can provide helpful techniques to minimise any discomfort.
How long do dermal fillers last?
The duration of dermal fillers varies. Some fillers last around 6–18 months, while others can provide longer-lasting effects for up to 2 years or more. Individual results may vary, and maintenance sessions are typically recommended. It’s best to consult with a professional for accurate information about the specific filler you are considering.
What do muscle relaxants treat?
These injections work by blocking nerve signals and preventing muscles from contracting for a certain amount of time. As a consequence, the skin on top looks smoother, as the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced. They also have a preventative benefit, as the lack of contractions hinders the development of new, additional lines.
How long do muscle relaxer injections last?
The duration of muscle relaxant injections’ effects varies depending on factors such as the specific type of injection, individual metabolism, and the condition being treated. In cosmetic applications to reduce wrinkles, effects generally last about 3 to 4 months. Medical uses for conditions like muscle spasticity or dystonia may provide relief for several months, requiring periodic injections every 3 to 4 months. Chronic migraine prevention may see effects lasting up to 3 months with injections administered every 12 weeks, while hyperhidrosis treatments can provide relief for approximately 6 to 12 months. However, individual responses and needs can vary, and follow-up injections are often recommended to maintain the desired results.
How does the muscle relaxant work?
Muscle relaxants work by temporarily blocking nerve signals at the site of injection. They contain a substance that inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that signals muscles to contract. By interfering with this communication between nerves and muscles, muscle relaxants induce temporary muscle paralysis or reduced activity in the targeted area. In cosmetic applications, this results in the smoothing of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. In medical uses, muscle relaxants provide relief from conditions characterised by excessive muscle contractions, such as muscle spasticity, dystonia, chronic migraines, or hyperhidrosis. As the effects are temporary, repeat injections are typically required to maintain the desired results, and administration should be performed by qualified healthcare professionals for safety and efficacy.
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