Aesthetics: Botox and Dermal Fillers

What is Botox?

Botox is a neurotoxic protein. Botox essentially stops the nerve impulses in the muscles that it is injected into. This causes that particular muscle to relax and curb the severity of its contractions. As the muscle cannot contract fully, the wrinkles are forced to ease and relax too. As Botox works its way out of the body, its effects begin to dwindle, but the fine lines and wrinkles that were targeted will lessen over time as the Botox teaches the muscles to relax.

Results from Botox injections are seen within three to ten days and will last for three to six months. The accepted method of administering Botox is via a thin needle that injects the serum into the specific muscles that are being targeted. The patient will not need anaesthetic and the process takes only a few minutes to complete. Generally, men need a slightly higher dose of Botox and can expect their procedure to take a little while longer.

To lessen the chances of bruising, it is recommended that patients stay away from anti-inflammatory medicines as well as any medication that has aspirin in it. And it is also a good idea to be tee-total for a week before their Botox appointment. Please do not use Botox if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is important for a trained, health professional to administer Botox as they will have a full understanding as to which muscles need to be paralysed and will be aware of possible side effects with other medications and allergic reactions.

What are the expected side effects of Botox?

Bruising around the area is to be expected, but should only last a couple of days. Other lesser side effects are:

• Heartburn
• Influenza-like symptoms
• Breathing difficulties
• Headaches
• Queasiness
• A droop in the top eyelid known as blepharoptosis

While Botox is a wonderful product to remove unwanted fine lines and wrinkles, it should be noted that a small percentage of patients develop an inability to know when to stop applying Botox to their bodies. These patients develop an unhealthy obsession with fine lines and overuse Botox to the point that their faces can no longer communicate what they are feeling. This syndrome is commonly called wrinkle rexia.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers come in various forms and can be temporary or semi-permanent. Temporary fillers will last from 3-5 months and semi-permanent fillers are expected to last around two years. Depending on the manner in which the patient’s face ages and how long it takes for their body to absorb the filler will determine how often the patient needs to return for another treatment.

Dermal fillers may be used to correct furrows and wrinkles and plump lips for a more youthful appearance. Fillers may also be used to decrease the depth of a scar. If a patient has an allergic reaction to a filler or decides to alter their appearance, the fillers can easily be dissolved.

Facial or dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are made of products like collagen, calcium hydroxyapatite, and hyaluronic acid to:

• Smooth outlines around the nose and mouth
• Enhance or restore cheeks or temples
• Remove vertical lip lines
• Enhance the lips and make them plump
• Remedy chin creases
• Enhance and reduce facial features to make them more symmetrical
• Provide facial volume
• Erase facial wrinkles
• Restore your facial appearance
• Enhance your facial features

Fillers get injected beneath the surface of the facial skin. Every year, millions of men and women choose to have this procedure done to create and maintain a more youthful appearance. Fillers are often preferable to surgical procedures as they are less invasive and have minimal if any downtime for recovery.

Using autologous fat (fat that is from the patient’s own body) as a dermal filler guarantees that the patient will not have an allergic reaction or reject the filler. This is a long process as liposuction will be the first procedure the patient needs to undergo.

Collagen is another option for a dermal filler. It is a natural protein that is found in teeth, cartilage, and bones. Using skin that has been collected from a cadaver as a dermal filler is a good option if the patient needs to fill hollow or gaunt areas in the face.

Lastly, hyaluronic acid is another dermal filler. It can also be used to ease arthritis by injecting it into painful joints. Calcium hydroxylapatite is naturally found in human bones. It is the heaviest of dermal fillers and works best for deep creases and to create fuller cheeks.

Polylactic acid is a synthetic substance that stimulates your body to produce collagen when it is injected as a dermal filler. Polymethylmethacrylate is considered a semi-permanent filler. It is a synthetic substance used for folds and wrinkles that are medium to deep.

If the patient is opting for a dermal filler from a non-human base, an allergy test is required before the filler procedure can take place.

What are the expected side effects of dermal fillers?

The patient can recommence normal activities straight after a dermal filler treatment, as long as they are aware of the area that was treated and does not rub.

• Patients that use autologous fat as a filler may have an ‘over-filled appearance for a little while until the filler settles.
• Bruising and swelling at the site of the filler are normal and should last a few days.
• Temporary numbness and paralysis of the facial muscles that were treated.
• Skin sensitivity at the area of the filler for a few days.

The Purpose of Fillers under the Eyes and Similar Treatments