Wrinkles and fine lines due to a lifetime of experience and sun exposure can make you appear older than you feel. While a facelift may be more than you want to commit to, there are other ways to help you get your youthful appearance back.
BOTOX® and dermal fillers provide a minimally invasive solution that can be performed during your lunch hour and can address everything from fine lines and wrinkles to lost facial and lip volume. But can you have BOTOX and dermal fillers at the same time? Should you have BOTOX before fillers or after? The answer is it depends on you.
What is the Difference Between BOTOX and Dermal Fillers?
To get a better understanding of how BOTOX and dermal fillers work together, it is essential to first understand the difference between the two. BOTOX is a chemical that, when injected, temporarily paralyzes the muscles in your face that control facial expressions and can contribute to lines and wrinkles.
This includes areas such as forehead wrinkles and the crow’s feet that form around the corners of your eyes. Dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm®, work differently and are designed to inject a filler material that literally fills in lines and wrinkles, as well as helps to restore lost volume in the face and lips.
Can You Have BOTOX and Dermal Fillers at the Same Time?
Because both treatments work differently, BOTOX and dermal fillers can be used together to complement each other. However, your provider is likely to recommend using BOTOX first and then adding filler treatments a week or two later. Using BOTOX first allows the muscles time to relax and wrinkles and fine lines to diminish, giving time to see how fillers can be used to further help you achieve your goals.
When used together, BOTOX and dermal fillers can help create a dramatic, but natural difference in your appearance and help you turn back the clock with a more youthful look.
BOTOX Can Help Extend the Life of Your Fillers
BOTOX typically lasts three to four months before additional injections may be necessary to keep the muscles relaxed and maintain your results. Dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to a few years before your body starts to break down the fillers. While your provider may decide to space out your BOTOX and filler treatments, having both treatment options near the same time can help to extend the life of your treatments.
When BOTOX reduces the movement of the muscles that contribute to facial expression, there is less impact on the breakdown of your dermal fillers, resulting in longer-lasting results.
If you are considering BOTOX or dermal fillers, schedule a consultation to discuss the benefits of both and how they might work together to help you achieve the more youthful look you desire. Both treatment options can be done in-office with no downtime and allow you to turn back the clock without having to consider surgery.
Dr. Kobienia is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has provided the greater Minneapolis, MN, area with plastic and reconstructive surgery for over 20 years. Many have benefited not only from his expertise in plastic surgery, but also the genuine kindness and professionalism in his approach.
