What are Botox and Fillers?

Botox and Fillers are the most common and widely used minimally invasive cosmetic treatments in the cosmetic industry. Botox,a natural purified protein, works as a relaxant  on muscles which cause wrinkles on contraction. Dermal fillers contain hyaluronic acid which is  naturally present in the body that add fullness to areas that have thinned due to aging.

Botox

Botox is the brand name for a purified protein obtained from the bacteria Botulinum toxin. This is a natural, purified protein that can temporarily relax the facial muscles causing lines and wrinkles.

Procedure

Botox is one of the best and most popular US FDA approved wrinkle reduction treatments that has been popular around the world for over two decades.

Using very fine ,small,sterile needles, a qualified and trained professional injects Botox into the areas of concern just to soften the expression lines and not to freeze the face. Dosage is decided after examining and taking into consideration various indicators.  Results vary from person to person and it tends to last longer with repeated treatments.

The procedure is painless and it should not take longer that 10 minutes. The results take anywhere between 3-10 days post treatment to be visible and the effect lasts for 4-6months.

Areas that can be treated with Botox:

NOTE: This procedure is not recommended for pregnant ladies and  breastfeeding mothers.

Fillers-Hyaluronic acid(HA)

Fillers are often referred to as the’ fountain of youth’ .Hyaluronic acid is a gel like water holding molecule which is found in every part of the body with the maximum presence in the skin. It diminishes as we age, making the skin drier, thinner and less able to fix itself.

Studies have shown that it improves skin hydration, stimulates collagen production in skin, works as an antioxidant, maintains skin elasticity, cushions joints and nerve tissues, has anti inflammatory properties and maintains the fluid in the eye tissues.

Procedure:

Filler is injected to the deeper layers of your skin and subcutaneous tissue using a fine, small sterile needle on the area of deficit. It immediately fills up the skinfold or hollow and eventually stimulates your body to produce more collagen thereby giving a refreshed look. Minimal swelling and redness that is seen immediately after the injection, subsides within few hours. Sometimes a touch up session might be recommended if required after 2 weeks.Depending on the complexity of the area to work, the treatment duration may take from 15 min-30min. The effects last from anywhere between 1-2 yrs depending on the area of injection.

Areas that can be treated with fillers:

• For higher cheek  bones
• Removing dark circles (Tear Trough)
• Nose shaping
• Lip enhancement
• Chin enhancement
• Cheek augmentation
• Smokers lines
• Smile lines
• Scar reduction
• Brow lifting
• Droopy corner of mouth
• Facial contouring
• Hand rejuvenation
• Neck rejuvenation

You can turn back the clock and look 5 years younger in a few minutes!

NOTE: You must go only to a qualified and experienced Dermatologist who has been trained to perform this advanced treatment. The magic is in the doctor’s skill and the time most spent is on assessment and planning the treatment.  Pregnant ladies and breastfeeding mothers are advised not to undergo this treatment.

Authored By: Dr.Anjana Mohan