Aesthetic medicine aims to restore the face to a younger appearance. In the right hands, laser resurfacing, fillers or volumizing agents, and Botox® are very effective in minimizing lines and restoring a youthful fullness to the face without undergoing plastic surgery.
FACIAL FILLERS
Loss of facial volume creates jowls, folds and flattening that make our faces look older. Skillfully injected fillers restore volume that supports the skin of the face and can add contours that are flattering. This improves the shape and appearance of your face. Fillers are commonly used on the lips, nasolabial folds, and cheeks.
Several substances are approved for use as facial fillers. Collagen, hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapetite are found naturally in the body and are wonderful products for facial volumizing. Two of the best products are Juvederm® and Radiesse®. These products are injected through very small needles.
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOTOX AND FILLERS?
Facial muscles pull on the skin causing lines and wrinkles. And as we age, these lines and wrinkles become more pronounced. Botox is what we use to address this. The appearance of an aging face largely results of volume loss. We need to replace volume and for this, we use fillers.
2. HOW MUCH DO FILLERS COST?
The cost to the patient for fillers depends on which filler is optimal and how many syringes are needed. Typically, a syringe of filler costs between $650 and $800. We use only FDA-approved products which are important to ensure safety and effectiveness.
3. HOW MUCH TREATMENT WILL I NEED?
We customize our treatments for each patient. After a consultation to clarify your needs and desires, we can proceed with as much or as little treatment as you would like. Together we will develop your custom treatment plan. All of your questions will be answered fully before we start a treatment.
4. WHAT CAN GO WRONG WITH FILLERS/ ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?
The commonest adverse reaction to fillers I bruising. We take measures to prevent this, but it is a risk. Infection is also a risk, and again we take preventive measures; we have never had an infection from filler injections. There are very rare serious adverse events, like a blocked blood vessel; this is extremely rare in the hands of an experienced injector and we’ve never had this happen; it can be treated by a knowledgeable physician.
5. IS ANYONE ALLERGIC TO BOTOX AND FILLERS?
Allergic responses to Botox have been reported, but they are rare. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the primary component of fillers and is also a natural component of skin. Although HA is unlikely to result in an allergic reaction, you could be allergic to other components of a filler, such as lidocaine. Be sure to inform your doctor of all allergies before you receive treatment with Botox or fillers.
6. HOW BIG ARE THE NEEDLES?
We use the smallest needles possible to treat you. Botox is injected using an extremely small needle and very few people experience pain with Botox injection in our hands. Fillers are thicker and require a larger needle as a result. We often use cannulas to inject fillers; these require fewer injection points through the skin.
7. WHAT DOWNTIME IS ASSOCIATED WITH BOTOX AND FILLERS?
There is very little downtime with Botox. You will be able to do most of the things you usually do shortly after treatment. There can be some bruising with fillers; this can usually be covered with makeup and you can resume your normal activities. Alcohol, hot tub/sauna, and vigorous exercise should be avoided until the next day.
8. WILL I BRUISE?
It is extremely unlikely that you would bruise after Botox. Bruising after fillers is not uncommon. This can usually be disguised with makeup. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin, coumadin, etc.
9. WHAT CAN BE DONE AFTER BOTOX AND FILLER TREATMENT IF I DON’T LIKE THE RESULT?
Botox will wear off within 4 months. Your doctor can inject a compound to break down the filler if you don’t like the effect. Results take some time for full resolution. It is extremely rare that anyone requests reversal of the treatment we provide. We think this is because we are conservative in our treatments and our results are natural-looking.