Botox® and dermal fillers are a safe and effective way to smooth and soften lines to give you a more youthful and rested look!
What is Botox®?
Botox® blocks signals from the nerves to the muscles. The injected muscle can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. It is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet and frown lines between the brows. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox®
How Is a Botox® Procedure Performed?
Getting Botox® takes only a few minutes and no anesthesia is required. Botox® is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It generally takes 1-2 weeks to take full effect. Botox® can only be administered by an RN, PA or MD. Immediately after a treatment, keep the following in mind for the next 4-6 hours:
- no touching injection sites
- keep your head up
- no strenuous activity
How Long Does a Botox® Injection Last?
The effects from Botox® will last 3-4 months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.
Who Should Not Receive Botox®?
Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a neurological disease should not use Botox®. Since Botox® doesn’t work for all wrinkles, a consultation with an experienced injector is recommended.
What is a Dermal Filler?
Dermal Fillers use hyaluronic acid gel to smooth wrinkles, restore facial volume and create fuller lips. Hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the skin and responsible for giving a plump, hydrated look. When injected, fillers provide immediate results that slowly break down over time.
How is a Filler Procedure Performed?
Filler injections are a non-invasive cosmetic procedure performed in-office. The skin is first numbed with a topical or injectable lidocaine to maximize your comfort during the procedure. The gel filler is then placed into the facial tissue via a small thin needle or a microcannula. The technique of injection will be determined by your injector to give the best possible result.
How Long Does a Filler Treatment Last?
The longevity of your treatment is dependent on the type of filler product chosen. Some types of fillers like Juvederm® and Restylane® can last from 1-2 years while other fillers such as Bellafill® can last through 5 years. Bellafill® is made of an animal-based collagen gel along with tiny microscopic particles that stimulate your body’s own collagen which is why it lasts so long. A skin test must be performed prior to Bellafill® injections due to the nature of the animal-based bovine collagen in the product.
Who Should Not Receive Filler?
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or you’re battling a sinus infection, it’s best to hold off, as any injection in the facial area could spread to the injection site. Individuals with bleeding disorders or known hypersensitivity to hyaluronic acid should not receive dermal fillers.
Does it Matter Who Does Your Injections?
YES, IT DOES! Injection is an art so it’s important to go to a qualified, experienced injector. Every practitioner has different philosophies, techniques, and levels of experience. Beware of Groupons and Promos that sound too good to be true. Tonya Reber has a master’s degree in nursing, several years of experience injecting, and also works as a trainer for new injectors.
