Learn about Skin Rejuvenation Thanks to Fillers and Botox

Fillers and Botox are able to address cosmetic problems on the face such as fine lines, wrinkles and lips that have lost volume due to aging. Fillers can be injected into the skin and they include hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm and Restylane), calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) and poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra). Botox blocks signals that travel from the nerves to a muscle and is able to prevent muscle contractions that results in wrinkles in the skin.

Fillers are used to restore volume to the cheeks or lips or the deeper folds of the face while Botox decreases active wrinkles in the forehead or around the eyes. The results of both treatments are temporary and will need to be repeated to maintain the results.

Fillers and Botox – Ideal Candidates

In general, ideal candidates for fillers and Botox include:

• Someone with deep folds or hollow areas anywhere on the face that can enjoy restored volume using fillers
• Someone that wants to remove fine lines and wrinkles using fillers and Botox
• Patients who want fuller or better-defined lips using fillers
• Anyone who wants to lessen active wrinkles in the forehead or around the eyes using Botox

Fillers and Botox – How are They Performed?

Fillers are an outpatient procedure that take between 10 to 30 minutes in a doctor’s office. The treatment area is cleaned, and the doctor uses a sterilized syringe to make small injections of the filler in the area being treated. The doctor will massage the area to make sure the filler is evenly distributed in the treatment area.

Botox uses a needle to inject the solution into areas such as the forehead, the crow’s feet at the sides of the eyes or the frown lines between the eyes. Botox temporarily paralyzes these muscles to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming. The placement of the needle depends on the size and depth of the area being treated. Botox is performed in just a few minutes in a doctor’s office as an outpatient procedure. Botox blocks nerve signals that tell a muscle to contract in order to prevents wrinkle from happening.

Fillers and Botox – Recovery and Results

Fillers and Botox are both non-invasive treatments which means the recovery times for both treatments are minimal. Patients will experience some temporary redness, bruising and puffiness where the fillers are injected while there might be some bruising after Botox.

Patients will not need to take any time off work after fillers or Botox. Patients can resume most activities right after either treatment is performed but they should avoid intense physical activity for the first 24-48 hours after the treatment.

The results from fillers can be seen immediately after the treatment if it is performed to increase volume in a treated area. If fillers are used to address wrinkles, the skin will look smoother, but the improvements will continue until the swelling subsides. The final results can usually be seen in about a week. Depending on the type of filler injected into the targeted area, as well as the amount of filler used, the results can last anywhere from six months to two years. Botox results can last anywhere from four to six months.

It is important to remember that the results of both treatments are not permanent and will need to be repeated in order to maintain the results. Botox is only able to be performed on areas of the face where muscle tightness has created wrinkles. There are some wrinkles and droopy skin that cannot be treated by Botox because they are not caused by a tightening of the muscle. Nasolabial folds, which are the creases that run from the nose to each corner of the mouth, do not respond to Botox. They are the result of overlapping folds of the tissue and will need to be corrected with dermal fillers.

Fillers and Botox – Common Risks:

• Overcorrection is a risk with Botox, and this can result in a drooping of the brow and eyelid
• Swelling after receiving fillers
• Bruising with both treatment options
• Redness after receiving fillers

Skincare to Help Augment the Results of Fillers and Botox

Fillers and Botox are very popular cosmetic procedures and patients should know that the practice of proper skincare is essential to maintaining the results from either treatment. Patients should use sunscreen and moisturizer daily in order to protect the skin. In addition, they should look into procedures like photofacials that work to help stimulate the production of collagen and enhance the results of both Botox and fillers. With the practice of proper skincare, and the professional injection of fillers and Botox, patients can enjoy a confidence in their appearance as well as a refreshed and youthful appearance. Patients who are not certain about the best way to care for their skin following an injection of Botox or fillers should consult with the doctor that performed the treatment.