What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator used to help relax muscles and used to treat dynamic wrinkles. Botulinum toxin works by inhibiting the nerve signals to the muscles which help temporarily freeze the affected muscle which soften or reduce the appearance of wrinkles. There are different types of botulinum toxin which include: Botox, Dysport and Xeomin.
How long does botulinum toxin last?
Botulinum toxin treatment can lasts up to 3-6 months depending on many factors such as:
- Muscle mass
- Age
- Physical activity
- Dosage
- Frequency of treatments
What areas can be treated with Botulinum toxin?
Our faces consist of many muscles that come together to form different expressions which can contribute to the formation of dynamic lines. Many areas of the face can be injected with botulinum toxin which helps relax the muscles and soften the appearance of wrinkles. Some areas that can be injected are:
- Forehead – reduces the dynamic lines across the forehead
- Glabella lines- reduces the wrinkles in between the eyebrows
- Frown lines- reduces the lines around the mouth
- Crows feet- area around the eyes
- Chin- reduces the appearance of pebble chin
- Gummy smile- reduces the appearance of the gums while smiling
- Brow lift- gives the eyes and eyebrows a lifted appearance
- Bunny lines- dynamic lines around the bridge of the nose
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are used to increase and restore volume loss that occurs during aging. There are three different dermal filler substances that are used during filler treatments. The most common dermal fillers consist of hyaluronic acid which naturally exists in the skin and it plays a role in skin volumization and hydration. The second type of dermal filler contains a mineral found in bones called calcium hydroxylapatite which is a denser dermal filler used in specific areas of the face. The third type of dermal filler contains poly-l-lactic acid which is a synthetic filler that stimulates collagen production. The results from this synthetic filler are gradual and are different from the hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite based fillers and take up to a month to see results.
How long does dermal filler last?
Dermal filler can last up to an average of 6-12 months depending on the type of filler. Dermal fillers that contain hyaluronic acid can last up to 6-12 months as the body naturally breaks down the hyaluronic acid during this time frame. Fillers that contain calcium hydroxyapatite can last up to a year since it stimulates the body to produce more collagen prolonging the results. Lastly, dermal fillers that contain the synthetic substance of poly-l-lactic acid can last longer than a year due to its dense composition. Other factors can affect the duration of dermal filler including:
- Amount of filler injected- more filler injected the longer it takes for the body to break it down.
- Area that is treated- some injected areas that undergo more movement will have a shorter duration.
- The speed of how your body metabolizes the filler- some people metabolize filler quicker than others.
What are areas that can be treated with dermal fillers?
As we age, different parts of the face lose volume and require different dermal fillers to restore this volume loss. Some areas of the face require different types of filler with different consistencies and properties. Some common areas that dermal filler are used to treat are:
- Lips- adds volumize and hydration
- Tear Trough- hollowing of the eyes
- Nasolabial fold- smile lines
- Cheeks- add projection to the lateral face
- Jaw- enhance your side profile
- Chin- to add volume to your lower face
- Temples- to add volume to your lateral face
- Marionette lines- frown lines
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