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Botox and dermal fillers are two of our most popular, minimally invasive treatments to rejuvenate aging, wrinkled skin.
It’s hard not to notice the effects of aging. A gray hair here, a mysterious pain there, and the wrinkles–don’t get us started on the wrinkles! Some people simply accept the march of time’s effect on their faces as an unfortunate fact of life. Others, like yourself, know that age is merely a number and a mindset. They want their outward-facing aura to mesh with how they feel on the inside. That’s where we at Alabama’s Core Plastic Surgery come in with our trusted botox and filler treatments.
With all the information out there, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right procedure, so we’re going to break down what each treatment entails so that you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Once you’ve decided, please make your way to our contact page and book your next consultation with us.
Botox is a neuromodulator that relaxes the muscles. There are seven types of botulinum toxins labeled from A to G, but the main ones used commercially and medically are types A and B. Type B is used for various muscle-related conditions and diseases like cerebral palsy. Type A is what we employ in cosmetic procedures.
Despite being sometimes called a toxin, botox is considered safe and effective in small doses when used correctly. They offer convenient, efficient, and well-accepted treatment for improving wrinkles.[1] Please note that Botox does not respond to wrinkles caused by sun damage or gravity. Do not take Botox if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For muscles to contract, our nerves release a chemical called acetylcholine, which attaches to the muscle cell receptors, causing them to contract.
Botox works because it targets the nervous system and blocks the release of acetylcholine, stopping the muscles from shortening or contracting, making them less stiff, more relaxed, and reducing wrinkles’ appearance.
After first consulting with your doctor, he or she will determine whether you are the right candidate for Botox treatments. Botox can be dangerous, so find a doctor, like our own Dr. Grady Core, who specializes in administering it. Before your procedure, avoid taking any blood-thinning medications for several days to reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising.
As this isn’t a complicated procedure, the process usually takes place in the doctor’s office. After numbing the area with topical anesthesia, the clinician dilutes the Botox powder in saline before injecting it into the neuromuscular tissue. The procedure usually takes up to 30 minutes. Depending on the extent of the treatment area, there could be multiple injections.
The effects of Botox usually take up to 24 to 72 hours to show fully. Depending on the type of treatment, the results of Botox can last up to 3 to 12 months. Do not massage, rub, or otherwise interfere with the injection area for 24 hours. Afterward, you may resume your daily routine and activities. Follow up injections must be arranged later on to maintain the Botox’s effects.
Botox can cause some unwanted side effects depending on the reasons for injections and the patient’s response. Some of these side effects include:
If you think Botox is right for you, schedule your next appointment with us now or give us a call at (205) 397-2100.
A filler, also known as a dermal filler or a soft-tissue filler, is an injectable gel used to help “fill” in wrinkles, smooth out the skin, and provide contour and volume to the face.
As we age, we lose some of the subcutaneous fat that holds up our skin, causing it to sag. Aging also causes us to lose collagen, which also causes the skin to look depleted and saggy. Fillers help lift and support the aging skin, provide moisture, increase collagen, and soften the wrinkles overall.
Unlike Botox, patients usually see the effects of fillers before they even leave the office. Fillers are also a great way to achieve natural-looking smooth skin without the risk of it affecting facial expressions.
Since fillers are not permanent and eventually get absorbed into the body, follow up injections will have to be arranged to maintain the effects.
Please note that fillers are not FDA-approved for body contouring procedures like butt and breast augmentations.
There are five different categories of filler that are differentiated by the materials from which they’re made.
To achieve the most natural look, you may want to undergo multiple different injections. There are also many filler brands out there with various uses and functions, so talk to your doctor beforehand. They can help you decide which treatment plan is right for you specifically.
If you live in the Alabama area, we recommend you book a consultation with us as soon as possible.
Although filler treatments are offered at medical spas, you should seek a correctly trained and licensed specialist for any type of injection treatment. Consult with Dr. Core and his compassionate staff about your goals and how they can help you. From there, they will help formulate a treatment plan that’s right for you. You will also want to avoid scheduling any dental appointments after your procedure because it might put unwanted stretching and pressure on your face and cause the fillers to become misplaced.
The process itself only takes a few moments per injection site. Your physician will proceed to inject, massage, and examine the treated area. You may feel a brief prick from the needle, but it’s an otherwise painless action. Additional fillers might be added to supplement initial injections. Overall, the process can take up to 15 minutes to an hour.
Once the procedure is completed, your physician will clean up any leftover markings. Your physician may introduce an ice pack to help reduce any resultant swelling. Your face may be sore for a day or two, but it does not require any medication.
Recovery time varies from person to person, depending on their treatment level, but generally speaking, you can continue with your daily routine immediately after your procedure. To minimize swelling and bruising, you’ll want to avoid any strenuous physical activity for the next day or two. You will also want to maintain healthy and firm skin through the proper use of lotions, sunscreen, and other approved skin treatments and products.
Risks range depending on the type of filler that is used. All dermal injections have the potential to cause difficulties.[2] Serious risks are not common, but if a patient were to experience any side effects, they would most likely be:
To avoid these potential risks, we highly advise you to seek a board-certified specialist like Dr. Core and his staff who have received specialized training for these treatments. It’s your face, so be sure to find somebody who will treat it right.
Botox – Stops creases and wrinkles by “relaxing” the muscles. Usually treats the areas around the forehead and eyes.
Fillers – Uses a special gel to “fill in” and round out areas lacking smoothness and volume. Usually treats the areas around the mouth, lips, and cheeks, but fillers can also be used to treat the areas around the forehead and scar tissue.
Both procedures are minimally invasive.
If you are further interested in what we do at Core Plastic Surgery, please take a look at our blog, where you’ll find beauty tips, industry news, and other fascinating content.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have and get you on your way to beautiful, natural-looking results. Contact us.
3595 Grandview Parkway, #150, Birmingham, AL 35243