Botox and fillers tend to be a sensitive topic for some and one that never used to be as openly discussed. Nowadays it’s more accepted and talked about amongst people partially helped due to openness on social platforms which offer more information and social acceptance on this still taboo subject. Influencers are leveraging their platforms to inform their audiences about Botox’s benefits and it is becoming a more spoken about subject that many people opt for, for a variety of reasons.
Prejuvenation and preventative Botox are two new terms you may have heard of. With this becoming increasingly popular amongst twenty-somethings who want to postpone wrinkles and, in certain cases, get a modest browlift, there are many reasons that people decide to get Botox or fillers, whether that’s to help boost confidence with their appearance or they would simply like to try a new beauty treatment!
Here is all you need to know about the treatments:
Botox (Botulinum toxin) injections relax the muscles in your face to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines. It is not a permanent treatment and it usually lasts for around three or four months at which time, you will start noticing that the wrinkles are re-emerging. After this, you will then require repeat sessions to keep your desired look. Often people tend to schedule repeated Botox treatment sessions in advance with a qualified practitioner before the wrinkles start to gradually be visible. Three to four sessions per year is usually required to help maintain wrinkle-free skin.
Dermal filler treatments are among the hottest trends in the field of cosmetic rejuvenation and plastic surgery. These products have now become easily accessible and only require a quick, minimally invasive procedure which makes them a very attractive option among a vast range of patients. Derma fillers replenish lost facial volume, effectively erasing lines and wrinkles, restoring cheek and lip volume, and revitalising your appearance.
Fillers treat static lines that are visible by adding volume without surgery. They enhance volume and boost natural collagen formation. This treatment is popular with lip plumping and, elevating and structuring the cheeks. Fillers, which are made up of hyaluronic acid, are injected into the skin with a very small needle. They smooth out facial creases and indentations or provide fullness and volume to your lips. They are mostly used on the middle and lower facial areas and are very effective at reducing the early signs of ageing.
Botox vs Filler – What is the difference?
Putting these two treatments side by side will help you to understand the differences and the similarities between the two, to help you choose which is right for you. Here is what you need to know:
Multiple injections in the lip area are used in both procedures. HA fillers are injected directly into the lips and massaged in to ensure uniform distribution, whereas Botox is used to remodel the lips by injecting it around the mouth. Both procedures use a numbing medication to make the procedure as painless as possible.
The effects of lip fillers are immediately noticeable. Botox, on the other hand, takes about five to seven days to begin functioning and two weeks to complete. Although Botox does not give volume to the lips, the results can be similar. Botox only reshapes what is already there, whereas HA lip fillers truly fill out the area.
- Hyaluronic acid is used in lip fillers to perk up the lips. Botox is a toxin that relaxes the muscles in the area around the mouth.
- Depending on the region treated, Botox can last anywhere from three to six months. Lip fillers normally need to be refilled every four to six months.
- Bruising, swelling, and redness are common adverse effects of both treatments, but they normally go away within a day or two. In a few rare cases, Botox has been reported to cause headaches and flu-like symptoms.
- Only 1–3% of people are known to have allergic reactions to HA fillers. If you do react, it will usually be confined to itching, redness, and swelling. Botox is rarely associated with allergic reactions, yet contaminated product or injection errors can result in difficulties.
- Lip fillers containing HA can be reversed by injecting an enzyme that breaks down the HA in a matter of minutes. This is called dissolving your lip filler. It is painful but effective whereas Botox injections cannot be reversed.
- The price of both procedures is determined by the number and type of injections you desire. The easiest way to find out how much it will cost you is to schedule a consultation with a trained professional.
If you are debating between Botox and lip fillers, keep in mind that they are not mutually exclusive. For a solid all-around treatment with exceptional results, combine lip fillers with Botox, or vice versa. Studies have shown that when Botox is used in conjunction with lip fillers, the HA lasts longer, allowing for longer intervals between top-ups.
What do you need to know about Botox and Filler aftercare?
Do not touch your face 24 hours after your treatment
Everybody has problem spots and your Botox treatment was most likely tailored to that location. For Botox aftercare, you should avoid rubbing or applying considerable pressure to your face for at least 24 hours. Otherwise, you risk accidentally moving the dosage to an unexpected location. This is a crucial concern since, it is not a filler, it is a toxin. Touching or rubbing the area can result in unfavourable outcomes such as drooping eyes and nerve damage.
Exercise
Botox treatments offer the advantage of not interfering with your routine. You are free to go to your appointment and continue with your day. There is very little pain or discomfort, so you can return to work. You’ll likely experience some soreness or achiness, but this should pass in a few days. Light to moderate activity is sufficient for optimal Botox aftercare. However, for the same reasons as above, you should avoid intense activity for a few days after treatment.
Sleeping
Avoid sleeping on the regions that have been treated. We all know how difficult it is to sleep in a precise posture and maintain it. When you think about it, how much influence do we have over our sleeping patterns? If you have had Botox on your face, though, you must sleep on your back. It takes time for the treatment to settle into your muscles and laying on your stomach may prevent it from doing so. Although it may not be the most comfortable position, keep in mind that it is only for one night!
Painkillers
Although it is uncommon, some people may feel little discomfort following treatment. As previously said, this soreness should subside within a few days. If you feel the urge to take something, ask your doctor what is allowed; if not, he or she may recommend a numbing cream to relieve your pain. Also, stay away from strong pain relievers. With non-invasive therapies like Botox, they are not required. Applying an ice pack to the affected area will help lessen bruising but see your doctor first.
Facial Exercises
It is time to begin lightly exercising the muscles in the area after the first day. All you have to do with Botox aftercare is make natural facial gestures. Frown. Smirk. Grin etc. After this Botox is well-suited to carry out its function on its own. You are not obligated to perform anything in particular.
Is there a way to prolong the effects of Botox?
Avoid using harsh products as Botox and fillers like Juvederm and Restylane will not last long if you use abrasive facial creams. It may prevent Botox from acting properly in your face entirely.
Fillers must be able to settle in the locations where they were injected. Fillers may move to other places as a result of harsh products, resulting in undesired outcomes.
Schedule Regular Botox Injections
If you want to keep your skin smooth and beautiful, you will need to get Botox injections regularly. Botox and fillers are only temporary solutions that fade away after a specific amount of time. You will automatically teach your facial muscles not to create wrinkle-forming expressions if you keep regular sessions. This is, in our opinion, is one of the most important strategies to make it last longer.
Do Not Get Botox Too Frequently
While it is necessary to plan regular injections, it is not recommended to arrange many treatments regularly. If you get too many Botox treatments, your facial muscles will become resistant to the treatment. A competent dermatologist would know how to choose the lowest effective dose for their patients while also treating them at the longest injection intervals conceivable.
Avoid The Sun as Much as Possible
UV radiation can induce blood arteries to dilate and boost blood circulation. This allows the Botox to disperse more quickly, potentially jeopardising the treatment. If you cannot avoid the sun for whatever reason, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat can also help to protect you. These two simple steps can help your Botox, Restylane, or Juvederm last longer while also protecting your skin.
Take Charge of Your Skin Routine
Botox injections have the advantage of lasting longer in people who take care of their skin. Taking care of your skin entails drinking enough water and applying a moisturiser daily. This can help hyaluronic-based fillers absorb more water, giving your skin a plumper, more supple appearance. If you moisturise your skin morning and night and stay hydrated, the regions that have been treated will appear plump and wrinkle-free. To understand how to make your Restylane last longer, sometimes all it takes is a change in your skincare routine.
Maintain a Good Diet
Your skin’s look can also be influenced by your food. Change your dietary habits and stay away from packaged and processed meals. Sugar consumption should likewise be kept to a minimum. Maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly.
You should also be aware that drastic weight reduction, particularly in the face, can impair Botox injections’ effectiveness and lifespan. If you are trying to lose weight, consult a dermatologist to learn about your choices.
Reduce Stress
Try to eliminate stressors from your life. While stress is normal, it can have a variety of detrimental effects on your body. It may even make your Botox treatment less effective in the long run. High levels of stress can cause cortisol and other hormones to be released, hastening the ageing process, and encouraging undesired indications of ageing. Consider using stress-relieving practices like meditation and yoga to lengthen the longevity of your treatments.
Be Patient
The most crucial thing to remember is to remain patient. Botox injections can take several weeks and multiple treatments to fully display their effects. If consulting with a trained professional, they can help put your mind at ease to help come up with a suitable plan and time scale to work with you.
Although there are lots to consider, please don’t feel overwhelmed by it all. The key importance is to research your practitioner to make sure they are fully qualified and are the right choice for you. I wish you all the best on your beauty journey and I hope you find the perfect solution for you!