How Not to Overdo Botox and Fillers
Botox and dermal fillers are becoming increasingly popular for adults ranging from their twenties to seventies, and for good reason. These highly effective, FDA-cleared cosmetic treatments work wonders on wrinkles, fine lines, and creases in the face. But it can be tricky to get injectables, especially in multiple places, without going overboard. Here’s how you can keep your wrinkle reducing treatments looking natural.
How to Properly Use Botox and Fillers
Botox and Dermal Fillers
As far as injectables go, Botox is a household name. This brand has been around for decades and is a leader in the market of wrinkle reducers. Botox uses a prescription solution that is injected into a wrinkle. The active ingredient in the solution, clostridium botulinum, effectively “relaxes” the muscles surrounding the wrinkle. Once these tiny muscles are no longer contracting during smiles, frowns, and squints, the crease of the wrinkle smoothes out. Botox is most commonly used on lines around the forehead, creases around the mouth, and “crow’s feet” wrinkles around the eyes.
Like Botox, dermal fillers are another wrinkle reducing treatment that can smooth lines and creases in the face, especially the glabellar lines (between the eyebrows at the bridge of the nose). But they also restore volume to hollow and sagging areas around the cheeks and under the eyes, as well as plump lips or get rid of vertical lip lines. Dermal fillers typically use hyaluronic acid to promote hydration in the skin cells.
Both Botox and dermal fillers are temporary, so they will require repeated treatments once the effects wear off. However, their effects can last anywhere from five months up to 18 months.
Choose a Provider Wisely
The number one way you can ensure that your Botox or dermal filler investment looks natural is to pick a board-certified provider with experience. Do your research on clinicians — don’t just take their word for it that they’re experts. You can also request to see before and after photos of real patients. A reputable provider should have mostly positive reviews online. They will be able to know exactly which type of treatment and which brand is appropriate for the skin issues you’re concerned about.
Always be wary of anything that seems too good to be true. While it’s normal for dermatology offices to run specials every once in a while, clinicians offering massive discounts on Botox or fillers should be a red flag for you. You don’t want to cut costs too much when it comes to these types of treatments, as you could end up with a poorly administered job or even harmful or expired ingredients in the chemical solutions.
Get the Appropriate Treatment
The second way to ensure your wrinkle reducing treatments look natural is to receive the proper treatment for each concern. For example, receiving Botox on a skin concern that would respond best to a dermal filler can make for a more conspicuous result. Obviously, the only way to be assured of which treatment is right for your particular need is to work with a reputable treatment provider. This way, you’ll not only have the appropriate type of wrinkle reducer, but you’ll also have expert guidance on how often to receive it.
Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates
Want to give Botox or dermal fillers a try? If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists.