SKIN SURGERY

Botox and fillers

Botox works by relaxing specific muscles of the face to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming. The most common facial areas to treat are the frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet around the eyes. Our surgeons also use Botox in the muscles around the jaws to treat myofascial pain which can manifest as TMJ (jaw joint) problems or tension headaches.

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Botox and dermal fillers, facial portrait

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Cosmetic and therapeutic Botox and dermal-filler treatments delivered by maxillofacial surgeons. Cosmetic indications target frown lines, forehead lines and crows feet; therapeutic indications include masseter Botox for myofascial pain, TMJ-related pain and tension headaches.

Procedure
Botox · dermal fillers
Anaesthesia
Topical (very fine needles)
Duration
15–30 min
Stay
Walk-in / walk-out
Down-time
Minimal

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Treatment may be considered when:

  • Cosmetic softening of frown lines, forehead lines or crows feet is desired
  • Therapeutic masseter Botox is sought for jaw clenching, TMJ-related pain or tension headaches
  • Dermal filler is appropriate for volume restoration or contour correction
  • Minimal down-time treatment is preferred over surgical alternatives
  • An OMFS clinician is preferred over a non-surgical aesthetic clinic
WHO PERFORMS THIS

The surgeons who perform this procedure

Both surgeons listed below perform this procedure at OMS Specialists. Each carries dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry plus Fellowship from the Royal Australasian or English College.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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Mr Ryan Smit, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Ryan Smit

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBChB · MRACDS(PDS) · FRACDS(OMS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
View full profile

RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 0–24 hours

    Immediately after

    Very fine needles are used to minimise discomfort and these treatments have minimal down time. Tiny needle marks settle within hours. Avoid lying flat or rubbing the area for the remainder of the day.

    Red flags · Significant asymmetry beyond expected onset variation, or signs of vascular compromise after filler (very rare).

  • 3–14 days

    Day 3–14

    Botox effect onset over 3 to 7 days, with full effect by 2 weeks. Filler effect is immediate but final settling occurs over a few weeks.

  • 3–6 months

    Month 3–6

    Cosmetic Botox effect lasts 3 to 4 months; masseter Botox and therapeutic indications often last 4 to 6 months. Dermal filler longevity varies by product.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Bruising

    Small bruises at injection sites are common and settle over a few days. Avoiding blood-thinning medications and alcohol before treatment reduces but does not eliminate this risk.

  • Asymmetry or unexpected effect

    Botox effect varies between individuals and rarely produces mild asymmetry, which can be touched up at the 2-week review.

  • Headache or local soreness

    Mild headache or soreness can occur in the day or two after treatment and settles with simple analgesia.

  • Filler-specific risks

    Dermal filler carries rare but serious risks of vascular compromise. These are discussed in detail at consultation and are managed by experienced clinicians who use a conservative technique.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about Botox and fillers

Why have Botox or fillers with an OMFS surgeon?

Our surgeons are highly familiar with the muscular and vascular anatomy of the face from their reconstructive work, which translates directly to safe, considered cosmetic injection technique. They also use Botox in the muscles around the jaws to treat myofascial pain which can manifest as TMJ (jaw joint) problems or tension headaches, a therapeutic indication that sits naturally within OMFS scope.

Is Botox safe?

Botox is a well-established treatment with decades of clinical use for both cosmetic and therapeutic indications. Very fine needles are used to minimise discomfort and these treatments have minimal down time. The most common side effects are minor bruising at injection sites and rare mild asymmetry, which can be addressed at the 2-week review.

How long does the effect last?

Cosmetic Botox effect typically lasts 3 to 4 months before gradually wearing off. Masseter Botox for jaw clenching or TMJ-related pain often lasts 4 to 6 months. Dermal filler longevity varies by product, usually 6 to 18 months depending on the area treated.

Can Botox really help my jaw pain or headaches?

Yes, masseter Botox for myofascial pain, jaw clenching and tension headaches is a recognised therapeutic indication. Our surgeons use botox in the muscles around the jaws to treat myofascial pain which can manifest as TMJ (jaw joint) problems or tension headaches. Effect onset takes 1 to 2 weeks and benefit typically lasts 4 to 6 months.

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