Botox And Fillers Specialist

What is Botox?

Botox is short for Botulinum toxin, a natural, purified protein that has effects of relaxing facial muscles. Botox injections have been proven successful in temporarily treating wrinkles and facial creases. It temporarily inhibits targeted facial muscles from contracting to relax and soften wrinkles. The effects of Botox last about three to four months.

What can I expect during a Botox injection procedure?

A Botox injection procedure doesn’t require anesthesia. There may be a pinch with each injection. A numbing cream can be applied if needed.

The procedure takes only a few minutes as the doctor injects the Botox into the muscles at the corners of your eyes (crow’s feet), muscles producing forehead lines, and muscles that produce frown lines.

Botox takes effect over the course of three to seven days. It’s recommended to avoid alcohol and aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines one to two weeks before your procedure.

What are filler injections?

A filler injection is another procedure used to smooth facial lines and inspire new collagen production. They can also be used to make the lips fuller by puffing up the injected area. These enhancements fade over time.

Among the most common types of fillers are:

Hyaluronic acid
A substance found naturally in the skin that draws fluids to the area of the injection. This type of filler lasts nine to 12 months.

Bovine collagen
A natural source of collagen to replenish lost collagen in the skin. Allergy testing may be required.

Autologous fat
This involves harvesting fat cells from your body. This filler can last anywhere from months to years.

Man-made biodegradable polymer
Known as Sculptra®, this filler is made of microparticles that stimulate collagen production and lasts up to two years.

Calcium hydroxylapatite
Sold under the name Radiesse®, this filler also stimulates new collagen production.

Microscopic plastic beads in combination with bovine collagen
The collagen eventually dissolves, leaving the plastic beads to remain permanently under the skin. This process has been shown to last five years, the longest out of all the fillers.

What can I expect during a filler injection procedure?

Before a filler injection procedure, a nurse will numb your face with a local anesthetic. The filler will then be injected under your skin. The entire procedure lasts approximately 15 minutes. Filler injections are often done in repeat sessions with a couple of weeks in between.