When choosing which type of treatment to get, you’ll need to consider the following factors:
The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you are looking to only treat wrinkles or whether you are looking to fill in a fold or crease or looking to contour and shape your face.
Botox is a great option for wrinkle reduction, but will not treat hollow cheeks and sunken eyelids. Therefore, a dermal filler may be a more appropriate treatment.
Given the nature of Botox to relax the muscles in certain areas of the face, it is best used to treat dynamic wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that appear when the face is in motion.
Cosmetic fillers, on the other hand, are ideal for static wrinkles, the ones which remain regardless of whether there is facial movement or not. Fillers help fill-in the lines and face, allowing you to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds considerably.
In general, neuromodulators have been shown to last up to 3-4 months. Certain dermal fillers have exhibited results for up to a year post-treatment.
However, it should be remembered that regardless of the duration the results last for, you will need to come in for a repeat treatment to retain the firmness of your face.
Certain medical conditions, such as Myasthenia gravis, may make you ineligible for Botox. Some people may have shown a sensitivity to cosmetic fillers in the past. It is important that you consult your dermatologist before taking up the treatment.
If you’re unsure which injectable to choose for your treatment, speak to Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD. She will advise you regarding which treatment is best for you. Her extensive experience as a top La Jolla dermatologist makes her the perfect professional to approach for a couture treatment plan which is suited for your specific requirements.
The procedure
During the consultation, Dr. Shirazi will examine your face to understand the severity of your condition. She will then outline a personalized treatment plan, considering your individual needs and medical history. Decisions regarding topical numbing cream may be discussed in addition to various medications needed to be prescribed before or after treatment
Next is the actual injection. Given that Botox and cosmetic fillers are non-surgical treatments, your procedure will take place in the dermatologist’s office. The injections are performed with a very tiny needle, carefully targeting the specific muscle group in a manner that allows you to maintain your expressiveness.
There are multiple types of Botox and dermal fillers available, each with a unique character and each catering to specific types of conditions. Dr. Shirazi will use a combination of chemicals to give you the most natural and flawless appearance possible. Tenderness, bruising and swelling are common post-treatment, but they will disappear within a few days.
If you’d like more information about our Botox and cosmetic fillers, feel free to contact the La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center. We are here to answer any further questions.