Botox® / Fillers

Botox® and Dermal Fillers Q & A

What is Botox?

Botox is a neuromodulator that treats and prevents wrinkles by temporarily putting the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, into a temporary time out.

There are two types of wrinkles: dynamic and static. While dynamic wrinkles form from repeated muscle movement and facial expressions, static wrinkles develop from volume loss.

How does Botox work?

Once injected into a specific muscle, Botox prevents your nerves from signaling for that muscle to contract. Since the muscle can’t move as it once did, the skin on top of it can’t crease.

With time, the skin starts to relax and the wrinkle begins to soften. By reducing movement in the muscle, new wrinkles can’t form.

What can Botox treat?

Botox works best at treating dynamic wrinkles, primarily in the top one-third of the face. The best types of wrinkles for Botox are:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines
• Crow’s feet
• Bunny lines on the nose
• Vertical lip lines
• Chin dimples
• Neck lines

Fine lines and wrinkles aren’t the only issues that Botox can treat. Marti can also use Botox to relieve jaw pain from teeth grinding, alleviate headache pain, and shape the eyebrow area. You can also treat areas with excessive sweating- such as under arms and palms.

What can I expect from my Botox treatment?

When you arrive at Elevate Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, you will have paperwork to fill out and then a series of photographs will be taken to add to your medical chart. Marti will review the informed consent with you and answer any questions you may have. You will then formulate a treatment plan with her and injections will begin. The entire procedure takes 20-30 minutes.

There is no social downtime with Botox, so you can immediately resume your normal activities. While you may experience minor swelling, bruising, and redness at the injection site for 24-72 hours, these side effects should subside on their own, typically within 20 minutes. However, you should avoid aggressively touching your face for at least 24 hours to keep the medication contained to the treatment area. We also recommend staying upright for 4 hours, avoiding make up application for the rest of the day, no rubbing of the injection sites, avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hrs, and avoid any tight hats, ski or swim goggles for several days.

How long does Botox last?

Botox loses its effect gradually over the course of 3-4 months. Once the treatment starts to fade, you can return to Elevate Medical for maintenance treatments. Since Botox is safe and effective, you can return for these treatments 3-4 times per year.

To learn more about the benefits of Botox, call Elevate Medical Aesthetics and Wellness.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that Marti injects into your skin to fill in facial lines and creases. These materials mimic substances found in your own body, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), to plump and firm your skin. 

Fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® are safe, effective, and temporary solutions for many common signs of aging.

What can Dermal Fillers treat?

While neuromodulators like Botox® minimize the appearance of dynamic wrinkles — those formed by repeated muscle movements — dermal fillers primarily target static wrinkles. Static wrinkles develop from volume loss. 

These types of wrinkles typically form in areas that carry more tissue, such as the cheeks and jowls. You may want to consider dermal fillers if you have:

• Nasolabial folds
• Sunken cheeks
• Hollowed temples
• Hollows underneath the eyes
• Thin lips
• Marionette lines
• Dimpled chin

Fillers aren’t just for aging adults. Marti can also use these gel-like substances to contour the midface and lower face for enhanced facial definition.

What can I expect from Dermal Fillers?

When you arrive for your injection appointment, any necessary paperwork and pictures will be obtained prior to your treatment.

Marti begins to inject the medication into the predetermined areas that you discussed during your initial consultation. She may massage or manipulate the treatment for contouring purposes to make sure it settles into your skin as expected.

The entire process takes just 30-60  minutes, and your results are instant and will continue to improve over the next 30 days. You should notice the difference right away.

What are the side effects of Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are safe and have very few side effects. Most patients experience mild swelling, redness, pain, and bruising at the injection site, but these side effects should subside within 3-7 days. Some patients may experience residual swelling for up to 30 days.

You can resume your normal activities immediately after treatment, so there is no downtime with dermal fillers.

How long do Dermal Fillers last?

Every filler is different, but most last for approximately 12 months before they gradually wear off. Once you notice your filler beginning to lose its effect, you can return to Elevate Medical Aesthetics and Wellness for maintenance treatments.

To schedule a dermal filler appointment at Elevate Medical Aesthetics and Wellness, call today.