Fillers and Botox: Look Younger Now

It’s the new millennium and with it comes expectations to look younger. With 40 being the new 30 and 50 being the new 40, it’s no wonder we all want to keep up! However, many board certified plastic surgeons and estheticians are asking the patient to be more careful about the process. They advise checking out the injector’s skill and training while relying on their expertise to help you achieve the best result.

By Carolynn Grimes
The Plastic Surgery Channel

Consent Forms

“We discourage our patients from simply signing a document without reviewing it thoroughly,” says Beverly Breshers, LCPME, at Somatique Medical in Dallas, Texas. “We want all patients to feel comfortable with the consent form prior to any type of procedure.” Consent documents are used to outline the procedure’s risks and explain alternative treatments.

Is there an Age Limit with Injectable Treatments?

There’s not a “legal age” for Botox or fillers. However, when used for wrinkle treatments, many board certified plastic surgeons and estheticians discourage treating anyone under the age of 21, saying it’s just not needed. The typical patient is in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s and beyond. For added peace of mind, patients are encouraged to receive cosmetic procedures at offices with a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, who either administers the procedure or oversees the treatment plan and patient records.

Botox works best as a preventative treatment. The ideal time to start treatment is when you begin developing dynamic lines (lines that are visible when frowning) but before you have developed static lines (lines that are visible when your face is relaxed).

Map Out the Face

Ask your board certified physician or provider to illustrate where the Botox and filler will be used. The patient’s facial anatomy as well as the patient’s concerns are used to determine which filler should be used and which areas should be treated. There are a lot of options with neurotoxins and facial fillers and you need to be able to rely on your physician or trained injector to tell you which product will be best for your specific issues.

How Long it Will Last?

The length of results from Botox treatments vary from person to person, usually 3 to 4 months, due to muscle structure, the quality of the Botox and the skill level of the practitioner. Friends should comment that you look more relaxed or fresher, but treatment will not radically alter your appearance. A good treatment will still allow the patient to frown or smile as normal.  Facial fillers are a little different with each one having slightly different properties.