Botox and dermal fillers have been around for decades, and after experiencing the wrinkle-smoothing results for yourself, it’s easy to see why. Botox and dermal fillers can create a smoother, fuller appearance in the face, cheeks, lips, and even the hands. Injectable treatments are easy to administer and offer long-lasting results. But what about the safety of long-term use?
This guide will help you navigate the long-term effects of Botox and dermal filler treatments and what’s suitable for you.
The Difference Between Botox and Dermal Fillers
Many people don’t realize that dermal fillers are not the same as neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport. Here’s how the products are similar and how they differ.
Dermal Fillers
We offer a range of dermal fillers to cater to different needs.
Juvéderm. This versatile filler accomplishes a variety of rejuvenating tasks. Juvéderm’s formula employs specialized cross-linking of molecules to create a filler gel that lasts. We inject the Juvéderm to achieve subtle reinvigoration of the skin. Juvéderm may be used to augment the cheeks and mouth, reducing parentheses (laugh lines) and lip lines. It is also an option for subtle lip enhancement.
Juvéderm Voluma. At Laser Aesthetic Center, we also offer Juvéderm Voluma, a specially formulated filler designed to boost volume in the cheeks. In the same way that you lose volume in the lower half of the face, the cheeks tend to lose some of their roundness over time. You don’t have to sit back and watch your facial structure change – for many, Juvéderm Voluma can help. Like standard Juvéderm, Voluma contains hyaluronan. But its formula is designed to provide a subtle, lasting cheek lift. Treatment results may remain in place for up to two years.
Restylane. We’ve recently introduced Restylane to our practice to provide a broader range of fillers to our patients. Dr. Muasher is thrilled to present patients with this long-lasting option for laugh lines, frown lines, and other areas of facial volume loss.
Botox
Botox is a specially formulated product that targets the muscles underneath the skin. These are the muscles that, over time, create wrinkles by repeating similar movements, such as laughing or frowning. When Botox is injected, it works by relaxing the muscles to prevent wrinkles from forming. As a direct result, the appearance of wrinkles begins to fade.
Botox and Dermal Fillers Are Both Safe
Dermal fillers are perfectly safe, provided you’ve done your homework and have your injections performed by a reputable doctor. Every practitioner has different philosophies, techniques, and levels of experience. Be sure you and your physician communicate about realistic expectations and results before you ever see a needle. Like any medical procedure, there are risks for infection, discoloration, and lumps if injections are not performed correctly.
Potential Side Effects of Fillers
Dermal fillers disrupt sensation in areas of the skin injected. This can interfere with the way muscle moves, and you detect feeling. As a result, fillers can change the way your skin senses the environment.
Dermal fillers can also lead to:
- Vascular Occlusion: When the filler is injected into or around an artery, blood flow may be reduced or stopped. The skin may look pale in color and start to turn blue over 24 hours. This is usually painful, and if untreated, the skin may begin to ‘die’ and turn black.
- Allergic Reaction: If your body is sensitive to the synthetic substance injected. You may experience redness and swelling around the injection area.
- Inflammatory Reaction: Remember that you are entering a foreign substance into the body, which can irritate your immune system.
- Long Term Use: Over time, long-term use of dermal fillers can result in weakness of the muscles of the face, head, and neck. These side effects can have undesirable consequences when swallowing, with vocal cord function and eye movements, including double vision.
Remember: Injections Are Safe In Expert Hands
Finding the right physician to perform your dermal filler injections is essential for using the product long-term without negative consequences. Always ask about specific training and certification to ensure that you receive care from a board-certified and experienced doctor. Safety is always a top concern at Laser Aesthetic Center. With the proper preparation between you and our highly trained and experienced doctors, you can safely achieve beautiful and natural-looking results. Call us today to schedule a consultation.