The popularity of injectables has boomed over the last decade. Botox® and dermal fillers remain ever popular and although many patients come in for individual treatment with Botox® or fillers, sometimes the two being used together can help create long lasting results.
What Are They and How Do They Work?
Botulinum toxin, the main ingredient in Botox®, is a natural and purified protein that is injected into problem areas to temporarily relax facial muscles causing lines and wrinkles. In contrast, dermal fillers work to reverse some effects of aging, such as dry, thin, less resilient skin and the loss of skin’s natural collagen and elastin. We are born with abundant amounts of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) that eventually diminishes as we age, leaving the skin less well supported, so lines and wrinkles develop. Dermal filler treatments inject HA back into lines and wrinkles to lift and smooth the skin, adding volume. In essence, where forehead lines, furrow lines, and crow’s feet can be corrected with Botox®, sleep wrinkles, laugh lines, and lip lines should be treated with fillers.
Using Botox® and Fillers Together
Often patients can extend their filler results when they combine their dermal filler treatment with Botox®. Less muscle movement means the filler will breakdown slower and that you’ll see results longer. Botox® relaxes the muscle and when used in conjunction with fillers can help extend the life of the filler by making the muscle less active.
What Does the Treatment Involve?
There is minimal to no downtime after receiving Botox® and filler injections, one of the factors contributing to these treatments’ popularity. As both involve injections, some slight bruising and swelling should be expected but can easily be masked with makeup. A 30-45 minute procedure, patients can expect to notice the effects of dermal fillers for as long as 18 months after treatment. However, all effects of the procedure are entirely reversible. The results of Botox® treatments can last anywhere from three to six months.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Facial fillers are great for a wide variety of patients. Those seeking to add structure and volume to the face or to reduce their lines and wrinkles are prime candidates. Botox® injections are also versatile, aiming to improve moderate to severe lines and wrinkles contributing to frown lines, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet.
If you are interested in learning more about Botox® and dermal fillers – and their use together – or scheduling a treatment, contact Younger Image Plastic Surgery Center today. Dr. Jamal Yousefi and his skilled staff offer Botox® and filler treatments to residents in Washington, D.C., Vienna, Woodbridge and throughout Northern Virginia.