As we age, environmental stress and collagen loss can cause wrinkles and frown lines around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. At our office, we offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments including BOTOX® and fillers to provide patients with options to reduce these signs of aging and feel younger and comfortable in their skin. Many patients shy away from having cosmetic treatments because over fears of a dramatic change. When administered properly and in small quantities, injectable treatments can be quite natural looking. The key is skill and moderation.
I've been receiving botox treatments for the past five years. We all have active lines that wrinkle when we animate our face, and I wanted to prevent those permanent lines that appear with age. I'm very happy with the results botox has given me over the years, and I personally recommend the treatment to patients who come to me with concerns about facial aging.
Botox
So, what is Botox? BOTOX® Cosmetic is made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum and is used to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and crow’s feet. There is no “generic’ version of BOTOX®, which means that you can be sure the treatment you receive is safe and well-regulated.
How does it work? To inject the BOTOX® formula, the botulinum toxin powder is diluted in saline solution before being administered by syringe. After injected, BOTOX® temporarily reduces muscle activity in the injected areas and works under the muscle to repair the area. The procedure takes no longer than around 10 minutes and most patients report little to no pain from the needle prick. Patients can see results as early as 24 to 72 hours after the injection.
Fillers
What are Fillers? Fillers are a different type of injectable cosmetic treatment used to add volume to cheeks and under eye areas, plump lips, and smooth laugh lines. Unlike BOTOX®, dermal fillers are made from naturally-derived or synthetic materials, and synthetic fillers can be semi-permanent, lasting up to 5 years.
How do fillers work? Dermal fillers are injected into the area the patient requests using a syringe. The treatment takes around 15 minutes and patient can begin seeing results as soon as right after the injection, with full results visible around 48 hours after treatment.
What to Know Before Deciding to Get Cosmetic Injections
When considering BOTOX® or fillers, it is important to ensure that your treatment is performed by a skilled dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has received their product from a licensed provider. You can find professional reviews on RateMDs and realself. It is also important to have a consultation with your doctor before receiving treatment, so they can review your medical history and any allergies you may have and give you a realistic idea of possible outcomes.
The Recovery Process
Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are routine and have few associated risks. There is very little recovery time needed, and patients are free to continue living their lives as they normally would as soon as the procedure is completed. The only thing your surgeon may advise against is visiting the gym or working out the same day as your procedure, as the activity can increase the patient’s risk of bruising. Patients may experience some redness or swelling around the injection site, however these effects tend to clear up within around a week.
How Often Should I Get Botox and Fillers?
It is important to remember that neither BOTOX® nor fillers are permanent fixes, and most patients schedule follow-up appointments for 3 months to a year from their first treatment. How long each treatment lasts depends on what kind of material is used and how many units are injected. I always recommend my patients opt for a smaller unit size of each treatment the first time they have the procedure, so they can visualize the results before “overdoing” it.
If you are interested in finding out more you can book a consultation with Dr. Sheina Macadam to discuss your options and address any concerns you may have. Get in touch with our office here.