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Q: My dentist told me he could improve my smile lines with Botox. Are dentists allowed to do this and is it a good idea?
A: Dentists are allowed to inject Botox for cosmetic purposes in some jurisdictions. British Columbia is one and I am sure that there are a number of States in the United States where this is possible. So the question should really be "who should be injecting Botox?" My reply would be, the best qualified individual. In other words, someone who has experience and training. So, whoever you are thinking of getting to inject you with Botox, you should ask them questions relating to how long they have been doing this procedure, how many subjects they inject in a typical week, etc.
The question also is interesting in so far as your dentist "told me he could improve my smile lines with Botox." Smile lines are evidence of a positive emotion (unlike frown lines) and treatment of these needs to done cautiously and by someone with experience. I am presuming the smile lines is the crows feet and it is important to maintain full expressivity when treating this area rather than producing a "frozen" look.
Sometimes, it is better to pay a little more and get someone who knows what they are doing, rather than economizing and having to suffer the consequences for months.
Jean Carruthers, MD, is clinical professor at the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of British Columbia in Canada. Alastair Carruthers, MD, is clinical professor in the department of dermatology and skin science at the University of British Columbia in Canada.
Do you have a question you'd like to ask a qualified physician, email mlandsmann@advanceweb.com.
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