In the most simple terms dermal fillers (hyaluronic based–ones like Juvéderm, Juvéderm Voluma and Restylane) add or replace lost volume and plump up the face, lips and lines, which occur with age. Some things we can’t stop, but we can slow them down and make them abracadabra-disappear!
Botox on the other hand (along with other neuro-modulators, like Xeomin) relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles by decreasing muscle movement.
So the question is what injection is right for you? It really comes down to the articular areas of the face and your desired results. As a physician using these modern tools to enhance cosmetic appearances, I can do a lot but I am not a magician. My clients have to be realistic in terms of what they are asking for and I will not promise results I don’t anticipate to achieve.
What injection is right for you?
The general rule calls for a filler, like Juvéderm, if you’d like to add volume to the cheek area to correct age-related volume loss, smooth moderate to severe parentheses lines and wrinkles around your nose and mouth or plump your lips.
If you are hoping to improve the look of both crow’s feet lines and frown lines between the eyebrows then you will benefit from Botox.
Can you get both?
The simple answer is yes. After our consultation which is not only comprised of an assessment but also a review of your expectations and goals I’m able to offer my recommendations and we take it from there.
Do Injections hurt?
As a child of a French Caribbean mother, she has always told me that “you must suffer to be beautiful”. I’ve heard this phrase since age 3 when getting my hair done, to my wedding day when her and her team of corset-string-pullers were full at work.
Unlike my mother, my answer is no, you need not suffer to be beautiful. You do feel the Botox injections but when done accurately they are short and quick. For my real pain sensitive clients I do have a topical anesthetic I can apply.
As for the fillers some have lidocaine to help numb the area. We can also use ice or our frozen veggie bags to reduce the discomfort.
How long do the results take to show?
Each person’s skin is different and our bodies respond to different products differently. Generally, you can expect compliments from your Botox within day 3-5. As for the fillers you will see the results immediately.
What if I don’t like the result?
The unfortunate part of Botox is once it’s in, it’s in. The brighter side is that it doesn’t last longer than 3-4 months, which is why I rather go slow and steady and keep a calendar spot for an enhancement.
The fillers do have an “antidote” and opportunities to remold prior to the filler setting. If not brought to the attention of your provider in a timely fashion than you will have to wait the full 8-12 months.
I stand by my initial motto in the earlier issues. “We all age, why not do it gracefully”. Please call 443-294-2101 or e-mail [email protected] to schedule your consultation.
