Dr. Robert Gauthier not only provides high-quality cosmetic dental care to his patients. He also offers treatments to enhance facial aesthetics in his Northborough, MA office. Botox®, dermal fillers, and thread lifts help create a complete facial makeover.
As your dentist, Dr. Gauthier can monitor the integrity of your results during routine visits and provide any necessary periodic touchups to keep you looking and feeling your best.
These minimally invasive and non-surgical cosmetic treatments are effective, comfortable, and safe. Dr. Gauthier and his team ensure patients feel relaxed when undergoing cosmetic care.
Additionally, before treatment, Dr. Gauthier will thoroughly explain your customized treatment plan, which includes the products he recommends and the areas of the face he will target to meet your aesthetic goals.
Cosmetic Treatments to Enhance Your Facial Aesthetics
Dr. Gauthier has completed courses and training from the American Academy for Facial Esthetics (AAFE) to fully understand the bones and muscles of the face. Studying how the muscles interact with wrinkles, lines, and creases in the face has allowed Dr. Gauthier to treat his cosmetic patients precisely.
Using what he has learned from the AAFE, Dr. Gauthier can help patients rebuild the collagen in their skin, lift their eyebrows, and minimize wrinkles.
There are multiple treatments that Dr. Gauthier offers at Apex Dental to keep you looking your best. Read about each cosmetic treatment below and contact Dr. Gauthier’s dental office if you want to make an appointment.
Botox®
Botox, or Botulinum toxin, is a protein that treats fine lines and wrinkles in the skin of the face. Botox relaxes the muscle and smooths the skin when injected into the muscle tissue. Although this cosmetic treatment is quick, results can last over six months.
Botox can also be used to treat TMJ disorders! Temporomandibular joint disorders can cause headaches, facial pain, and jaw dysfunction. When Botox is injected into key areas of the face, it relaxes the muscles and helps relieve facial tension and jaw pain.
Dr. Gauthier has extensive cosmetic and restorative training from SPEAR and the Dawson Academy, so he can expertly treat patients with bite disorders and myofascial pain.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers help minimize facial wrinkles. Dr. Gauthier uses Juvederm®, an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that helps produce collagen, a protein that promotes skin elasticity.
Dermal fillers such as Juvederm reduce wrinkles around the lips, nose, and cheeks. Juvederm offers immediate results, lasting anywhere from six months to multiple years.
Thread Lifts
A thread lift is a non-invasive alternative to surgical facelifts. Dr. Gauthier places a medical-grade suture inside the skin during a thread lift. The suture is pulled up underneath the skin. This treatment can help generate natural collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid for smooth skin and a youthful look. Thread lifts also offer quick results and can last one to three years.
Because it has this impact, you get ongoing good effects with a thread lift. It continually stimulates collagen production throughout its lifetime, toning the skin and making it more firm. The healing process is always stimulated when the threads are in your skin. You don’t feel this process and don’t feel the sutures after your recovery. But your body is always triggered to “expel” the threads, and your skin benefits.
Facial Aesthetics FAQs
Read answers to common questions patients have about Botox, fillers, and thread lifts:
How long does Botox last?
Botox injections can last three to six months on average. Activities that speed up metabolism can make Botox wear off. A healthy diet, sun protection, and gentle skincare can help Botox last longer.
What are the differences between fillers and Botox?
Botox treatment relaxes the muscles. Dermal fillers help plump and add volume to the skin. Botox addresses lines in the forehead, around the eyes, and surrounding the nose. Fillers can soften lip lines, increase cheek volume, and treat baggy eyes.
How does Botox help with TMJ?
Botox works by relaxing a contracting muscle. These muscle contractions are what cause lines and wrinkles to form. One of the main issues with TMJ is the muscles throughout your jaw and face becoming tense, causing pain and issues with function. Botox can help relax those muscles, relieve pain, and allow you to use your jaw more freely.
Will my dental insurance cover Botox if it’s for TMJ treatment?
It’s unlikely that they’ll cover it, as the FDA doesn’t specifically highlight Botox for TMJ issues. However, you can talk to your insurance company about their coverage and reimbursement. If TMJ is a cause of migraines or other issues, medical insurance may cover a portion of it.
How can a thread lift improve my skin?
Thread lifts address sagging and aging skin in the face and neck. There are multiple cosmetic problems a thread lift can treat, including loose neck skin, sagging eyebrows, and jowls. Thread lifts increase collagen production to thicken, strengthen, and hydrate skin. The threads also activate the body’s healing response to help constantly improve the skin.
Can dermal fillers be reversed?
Yes, certain types of dermal fillers can be reversed. Most fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase. We can inject hyaluronidase to break down the filler and remove it. This process works quickly, and the effects of the filler can be reduced within a few days.
Is a thread lift painful?
A thread lift isn’t usually very painful. Before the procedure, your doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel much discomfort. During the treatment, you might feel some slight pressure or a mild pulling sensation, but it shouldn’t hurt.
After the thread lift, you might have some soreness, swelling, or bruising, but this usually goes away within a few days. Most people find the recovery pretty easy and are back to their normal activities quickly.
Why should I see a dentist for facial aesthetics?
It may seem strange to see a dentist for procedures like this. However, dentists are uniquely qualified for these services. They spend years studying the musculoskeletal structure, learning how it works. They’re also trained to perform precise, exact treatments in difficult areas. Facial aesthetics are a natural extension of the work they do for your oral health.
Request a Cosmetic Consultation Today
Do you have facial and jaw pain caused by a TMJ disorder? Are you looking for cosmetic treatments to enhance your facial structure? Call Dr. Gauthier of Apex Dental to improve facial aesthetics in Northborough, MA, today at (508) 506-1691. You can also request a cosmetic consultation online.