Aesthetic treatments
Botox
Botulinum toxin – usually just called Botox – relaxes overactive muscles in a targeted, dosed way by temporarily blocking the nerve impulses at the treated site. In my practices in St. Andrä-Wördern, Thörl and Frankenfels I use it in two quite different contexts: medically to relieve overworked chewing muscles in bruxism and accompanying temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and aesthetically to gently smooth expression lines in the upper third of the face.
Who is Botox treatment suitable for?
Medically, Botox treatment makes sense for pronounced teeth grinding or clenching at night that leads to painful muscle tension, recurring headaches or chewing muscles that have visibly enlarged over time, and as an accompanying measure within broader TMD therapy when other measures such as an occlusal splint alone are not enough. Aesthetically, Botox is particularly suitable for treating the frown line between the eyebrows, horizontal forehead lines and so-called crow's feet at the corners of the eyes – in each case for people in otherwise good general health and without certain neuromuscular conditions. A detailed consultation beforehand clarifies whether your goal can realistically be achieved with Botox or whether another or additional treatment would make more sense.
What does the treatment involve?
After a detailed consultation in which we discuss your concern, the target muscles and the appropriate dose, the product is injected precisely into the muscles concerned with a very fine needle. For medical use in the chewing muscles, I first palpate the muscles carefully to determine the exact injection points. The whole appointment, including consultation and preparation, usually takes only 20 to 30 minutes and does not require local anaesthesia, as injections with very fine needles are only slightly uncomfortable. You can go about your normal day immediately after treatment; there are no visible marks on the day of treatment.
When does Botox take effect and how long does it last?
The effect does not set in immediately but usually after two to seven days, as the active ingredient needs time to bind to the nerve endings. Depending on individual muscle activity, metabolism and the dose chosen, it usually lasts about three to six months, after which the original muscle activity gradually returns. Directly after treatment you should avoid intense exercise, sauna, solarium and lying down for a few hours and should not rub or massage the treated areas, so that the product takes effect exactly where intended instead of spreading into surrounding muscles.
What does treatment cost?
The costs depend on the area or muscle group treated and the amount of product required; I will be happy to inform you about this in the consultation beforehand. If the treatment is medical – for example to relieve the chewing muscles in bruxism or as part of TMD therapy – you receive an invoice (Honorarnote) from me that you can submit to your health insurer; the insurer decides on reimbursement. I generally advise against particularly cheap offers: with injection treatments in the face, specialist qualifications and product safety should always come first.
Personal consultation before every treatment
Before every treatment I take time for a detailed personal consultation: together we go through your medical history, discuss realistic expectations and answer all open questions before you decide on an appointment. Only with a complete medical history and a careful examination can I assess whether a treatment is suitable for you and which approach makes sense in your case.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Botox treatment last?
Usually about three to six months, depending on muscle activity, metabolism and dose. The effect sets in after two to seven days.
Does Botox help with teeth grinding?
In pronounced grinding or clenching at night with muscle tension, headaches or enlarged chewing muscles, Botox can relieve the chewing muscles. I usually use it alongside TMD therapy when an occlusal splint alone is not enough.
What should I keep in mind after treatment?
Avoid intense exercise, sauna, solarium and lying down for a few hours. Do not rub or massage the treated areas. You can go about your normal day immediately afterwards.
Does insurance cover the costs?
For medical treatment, for example for bruxism or as part of TMD therapy, you receive an invoice (Honorarnote) that you can submit to your health insurer; the insurer decides on reimbursement. I will be happy to inform you about the costs in the consultation beforehand.
Would you like a consultation?
Arrange a non-binding appointment – I will get back to you as soon as possible.
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