Injectables: Botox and Filler

Description

Botox neurotoxin injections induce temporary relaxation of the muscles, which helps to soften unattractive animation lines and minimize any depressive or “pulled-down” appearance. 

Hyaluronic acid filler injections can make you appear many years younger and improve the appearance of your facial features by adding volume.  Fillers assist in facial contour augmentation, lip enhancement,  volume addition, and reduction of wrinkles.

Benefits

Botox produces a temporary, localized blockage of muscle contraction function, smoothing out any fine lines or wrinkles triggered by the muscle.   Preventative Botox is used by those in their 20s and 30s to counteract wrinkles and fine lines from developing or injected during the initial stages of fine lines and wrinkles to minimize them. 

Filler injections can make you appear many years younger and improve the appearance of your facial features by adding volume.  It is a comparatively affordable treatment option that is non-invasive and provides long-lasting, natural results.

Treatable Areas

Botox and fillers are used in various areas of the face to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and correct volume loss.​

Pretreatment Instructions

A week before you get Botox injections or dermal fillers, stop taking anti-inflammatory medications, ginkgo Biloba, ginseng, flax oil, cod liver oil, fish oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other essential fatty acids as they can heighten any bruising risk.  Avoid drinking excessive alcohol for 1 week.

Expectations

Generally, a Botox injectable treatment takes about 15 minutes.  

The length of a dermal filler appointment is 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the amount administered.

Some pain is noted with the injections but no pain is noted after Botox.  There can be some discomfort and swelling after a dermal filler injection. This pain can be reduced with ice packs prior to the injection if desired.

Recommended Sessions

Patients generally return for repeat Botox treatments every 4 to 6 months or 2-3 times per year.

The results of dermal filler injections generally last for about 6-9 months, with some people having effects lasting up to a year.

Anticipated Results

The full effect of the Botox injection occurs up to 2 weeks later, and most patients begin to see a significant softening and smoothing out of their undesirable lines and wrinkles and significant elevation of the overlying soft tissue 1 week after Botox injection.

Most patients can expect to return to work the next day after treatment. However, depending on the amount of dermal fillers used, some individuals may experience more swelling than expected.

Avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat following your treatment to speed up the healing process and minimize the risk of inflammation.

Side Effects

Most patients do not experience any side effects after Botox and filler injections.  

Potential risks are

• Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
•  Headache or flu-like symptoms
•  Droopy eyelid or uneven brows
•  Crooked smile or drooling
•  Eye dryness or excessive tearing

Gently icing the injection area immediately after the injection will help minimize any swelling or bruising you may experience.  

Cost

Botox is generally charged per unit and is $10/unit.  The cost also varies depending on how many areas you choose to treat. Most patients pay approximately $200-1000 for their Botox injectable treatment.

​Dermal filler starts at $500 per syringe.  The overall cost varies depending on how many areas you treat.  Most patients pay approximately $500-$1500 for their dermal filler treatment.