How Not to Overdo Botox and Fillers
When it comes to wrinkle reducing treatments, there’s a reason products like Botox and dermal fillers are so popular. These treatments can help minimize or even eliminate fine lines and wrinkles that keep our skin looking older than it is. But sometimes, people get carried away with injectable treatments, and things stop looking natural. Avoid this — and keep your treatments discreet — with these tips.
The Purpose of Botox and Dermal Fillers
Botox — a prescription solution injected into the skin to “relax” the surrounding muscles — has been on the market for some time and is a leading wrinkle reducing treatment. Botox can greatly help reduce the appearance of moderate-to-severe lines in the forehead, around the eyes, or surrounding the mouth. The effects usually last from 3-6 months, but can last even more before another Botox treatment is required.
Dermal fillers use a different ingredient — hyaluronic acid — which promotes hydration in the skin cells. Dermal fillers boost skin’s volume, especially in sagging cheeks, hollows under the eyes, or thin lips. Dermal fillers can last anywhere from 6 -18 months, depending on the brand, the area, and the skin’s receptivity to the treatment.
Choosing a Provider
Did you know that anyone can administer Botox or dermal fillers, and that there are many scams out there? One of the best ways you can reduce your chances of unnatural looking injectables is to pick a board-certified, experienced provider. Do your homework upfront and research credentials. When talking to a clinician, ask for before and after photos of real patients they’ve treated with injectables.
Be very wary of any Botox or dermal filler treatments that have been hugely discounted or are advertised with “too good to be true” language. Wrinkle reducing treatments are too important — and too obvious — to skimp on, and you want to do your best to ensure the product being used isn’t expired, diluted, or mixed with anything harmful.
Picking the Appropriate Treatment
Botox has a few varieties in their brand profile, but when used on wrinkles, it’s pretty standard. However, dermal fillers vary from brand to brand, depending on the issue being treated. The Juvederm dermal filler is great for lip augmentation and nasolabial folds. The Perlane dermal filler is ideal for restoring cheek volume or working on deeper nasolabial folds. And the Restylane dermal filler is typically used on the corners of the mouth and underneath the eyes.
So if you want something that looks natural, it’s a good idea to talk to a reputable treatment provider who can advise you on a product line. You want to ensure you’re using the right treatment on the right area! An experienced clinician will also monitor your results and make adjustments to timelines if needed, so that you don’t overdo it.
Contact North Pacific Dermatology
If you’re in the Bellevue, Washington area and want to give Botox or dermal fillers a try, contact North Pacific Dermatology today for an appointment with one of our board-certified specialists. We can advise you on the appropriate treatment for you and perform the procedure in our office!