Fillers and Botox have been around since the early 70’s, approved by the FDA in the 80’s to be used on humans.
Each has earned, through exhaustive research, a place in the aesthetic Annals of Dermatology (JAMA Journal of American Medical Annal). Since 2015, more than 9 million procedures of cosmetic injections have been recorded.
Since it has been around for so long, some people hold onto old misinformation about the neurotoxin, best known as Botox®.
This article hopes to dispel some myths about injectables and to give you updated information. It is meant to inform and guide you toward right decisions for you and your skin care fitness goals.
First, let’s talk about the difference between Fillers & Neurotoxins
Dermal Filler-is made of a soft gel that fills and enhances the areas of the face such as cheeks, lips and chins primarily
Neurotoxin/Botox- is a purified bacteria that momentarily ‘freezes’ the muscle causing the area to be free of character lines (wrinkles)’ and facial movement.
Dermal Filling is Good for Many Reasons
Dermal Fillers are also called soft tissue fillers. They are created to enhance, plump and correct areas of the face and neck that have less collagen making and aging skin.
A filler is injected below the skin in a non-surgical, non-invasive form.
Areas typically that fillers work well on:
- Create a fuller lip
- Fill in shallow areas of the face, such as the tear trough (under the eyes), under the cheek, and around the temple
- Can help the appearance of wrinkles under the eyes caused by the lower eyelid
- Change the appearance of recessed scars, such as pock marks caused by childhood diseases or acne
- fill in or soften static wrinkles, especially on the lower face
- Add more of a jawline with filler injected into the chin
The ingredients in a dermal filler have many of the natural ingredients occurring in our body, including calcium hydroxylapatite and hyaluronic acid.
Two other main ingredients are polyalkylimide, a transparent gel that is compatible with the body, and polylactic acid, which stimulates the skin to make more collagen.
In Harvard Health Publishing (January 2020), the article outlines the safety and efficacy of derma fillers, but warns about buying fillers off the market and self-injections.
Master injectors, medical professionals (RN’s, MD.’s, and PA’s), who have been certified and understand the bones, muscles and properties of dermal fillers should be the only people touching your face!
Certain types of filler work better in different parts of the body and face. A Master Injector is knowledgeable about these types of fillers. Also a certified injector understands how the fillers work in conjunction with other treatments you may be employing.
When receiving a filler, you may have some slight after effects that diminish after 24-72 hours. You may have:
- A slight swelling or itchiness
- Feeling the product under your skin
- Redness or bruising
Also, not all fillers last as long as other fillers. The usual time is 6 months and longer (up to a year or 18 months). Consult with your medical professional concerning which one is right for you and what desired results you can realistically expect.
An experienced injector will not over inject filler. She will use the amount needed to gently transform your look. People won’t know what is different; they’ll just think you look refreshed.
At Mad Peaches, we have a Master Injector, Julee, who is highly experienced and an expert in making people look and feel good. She readily understands the complexities of dermal fillers and the neuromuscular constructs of the face.
A Different Kind of Injection- Neurotoxins or Neuromodulators
Botox® is the brand of neurotoxins most people associate with cosmetic injections. There are other competitors though: Xeomin®, Dysport® and Jeuveu®
Jeuveau® is the newest on the market boasting a lower price tag and a boasted pure proprietary process.
Botox® versus Jeaveau® (The NewTox)
Both Botox® and Jeuveau® are injectable neurotoxic medications, made from botulinum toxin Type A. Botox is made in Ireland while Jeuveu is made in Korea.
Both materials last about three months.
Protecting and possibly extending the shelf life of injections, it’s important to follow proper aftercare.
- Don’t vigorously scrub, press or massage your face for 24 hours after having BOTOX® or Jeuveau® injections.
- Don’t have skin tightening or laser treatments that heat the skin for at least two weeks after the injection, as heat can make the medicine less effective. Instead, plan these services before a medical injection treatment.
- Prepare for your treatment: To diminish bruising, avoid drinking alcohol the day before. if you use blood thinners, abstain for two weeks before having BOTOX® injections (or any other cosmetic injections). Please discuss with your physician before going off any prescribed drugs.
Jeuveau® has been approved at this time only as a cosmetic injection whereas Botox has been approved for cosmetic reasons, migraine headaches and excessive sweating.
Jeauveu® is also a good brand to switch to if Botox is less effective over long periods of use. Switching from one neurotoxin to another should be no problem. It carries a slightly less cost than Botox®