I am seeing changes in my appearance that don’t reflect how I feel. Are Botox®, Juvederm® or both right for me?
You feel great but are starting to look tired or saggy, losing your edge or assets. We are living longer and enjoy healthy, active lifestyles, so is it a surprise that we want to look the way we feel?
The media offers endless ideas to help us maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. There is so much information that it is easy to become confused, especially when considering a medical aesthetic approach possibly with BOTOX COSMETIC® and dermal fillers.
BOTOX ® treatments have changed the landscape of cosmetic medicine with over 5 million treatments performed each year in North America. According to Real Self, Botox® was the most searched cosmetic procedure in 2019 and 2018 and JUVÉDERM® the third.
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of each and answer the most commonly asked questions.
BOTOX COSMETIC®
What is BOTOX COSMETIC®, and how does it work?
BOTOX ® is a form of Botulinum toxin A that is purified, so there is no risk of contracting botulism. It has been in cosmetic use for 20 years with a track record for reliability and safety.
BOTOX ® reduces and even eliminates dynamic wrinkles by blocking the nerves that contract muscles. A dynamic wrinkle is one that appears when you move specific parts of your face – for example, when you frown, smile, or squint. Over time these repeated movements create lines and wrinkles where the muscles fold the skin. The most common areas are the deep lines between the eyebrows (glabellar) lines, wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), and lines around the mouth.
BOTOX ® can lift! By strategically injecting BOTOX ® into specific regions of the face and neck the treatment can “lift” the corners of the eyes, brows, mouth or jawline (The Nefertiti, Lift).
BOTOX ® affects the impression we project converting a sad, tired, stressed or unapproachable appearance to one that is more relaxed, rested and friendlier.
See our gallery of LiveYoung patients’ results after receiving BOTOX COSMETIC®.
How long does it take BOTOX COSMETIC® to work? How long does it last?
The effects start 3-4 days after treatment and may take up to 14 days for full effect. Relaxation of the treated muscles lasts 3-6 months. For best long-term results retreatment is typically recommended every 2-4 months.
What age should you start using BOTOX COSMETIC®?
BOTOX ® has its highest success when started before sagging is advanced. Patients typically start in their 30-40’s when it is possible to also benefit from the preventative value of regular treatments. At Live Young patients between age 20 and 90 have been happy clients.
Is BOTOX COSMETIC® safe?
It’s essential to have BOTOX ® injected by a physician who is experienced in the procedure. Both the aesthetics (ensuring a natural look), and safety are paramount in guaranteeing a successful treatment result. With 20 years of use in millions of users, product safety is established. BOTOX THERAPEUTIC ®, which is identical to BOTOX COSMETIC®, is approved for use in children as young as 2 years.
JUVÉDERM® Dermal Fillers
What is JUVEDERM®?
JUVÉDERM® soft tissue or dermal fillers are safe, engineered products that consist of hyaluronic acid, a sugar-like molecule that is found naturally in skin and other tissues. It is a gel which is injected to smooth wrinkles, lift sagging skin and restore facial volume and youthful contours. Common treatment areas are the forehead, under-eye hollows, cheeks, chin, lips, and jawline.
Dermal fillers can also be used to reduce the appearance of some scars, to reshape the nose and ear lobes and for plumping up aging boney hands.
At Live Young Medical, Dr. Sweeney uses JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA®, VOLIFT®, and VOLUMA® and the newer addition VOLUX ™. Typically, VOLBELLA® is used in the lips to hydrate and plump, VOLIFT® to fill in grooves such as nasolabial folds, VOLUMA® in the cheeks and temples to lift, and VOLUX™ to contour the jawline and chin.
How is the treatment done? Does it hurt?
JUVÉDERM® is delivered in a comfortable setting by injection. The procedure takes about 60 minutes. Live Young patients rate the discomfort as mild. JUVÉDERM® contains a small amount of pain-reducing lidocaine, which will help minimize any pain or discomfort you feel during treatment and make it go away quickly. Dr. Sweeney may also apply a skin numbing cream before treatment.
How long will it take to see the results of a JUVÉDERM®, treatment?
You will see results right away and typically look even better a month later as the gel implant softens and integrates with surrounding tissues. Results last from 12-24 months depending on the type of JUVÉDERM® and its placement.
Will I look overdone?
In the right hands, results are natural both at rest and on animation. Dr. Sweeney has been treating patients with BOTOX ® and dermal fillers since 2003. With years of experience, you can trust that she will provide a treatment that suits your needs and ensure you keep looking like the best version of you.
Better Together? Which procedure is better, BOTOX COSMETIC® or JUVEDERM®?
Neither treatment is better. Each is used in different areas and have different effects, as outlined above.
BOTOX ® is used most often in the upper 1/3 of the face and JUVEDERM® in the lower 2/3rds. Rather than relying on any single technique or product, results are better with a combination of BOTOX COSMETIC® to smooth frown lines, and crow’s feet and JUVEDERM® to restore youthful contours, refresh lips and fill in lines and folds. The combination is called The SOFT LIFT®.
By combining products and using a global approach a more integrated and natural result is achieved. By treating the face as a whole the results are symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing.
View this LiveYoung procedure to see how effective BOTOX COSMETIC® and JUVÉDERM® can work together.
We hope this post answers some of your questions about BOTOX COSMETIC® and dermal fillers. You will find more information along with “before and after” images on our website gallery.
If you’re ready to refresh your youthful, vibrant image, put yourself in the hands of Dr. Maureen Sweeney and the LiveYoung team of professionals.
You deserve the best.
Call us at 250-654-0383 to book your consultation or, book an appointment on our website.
