Getting older doesn’t mean we have to look it. With so many innovations in cosmetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, today’s modern patient has plenty of options when it comes to choosing non-invasive treatments. So much choice between such similar treatments however can seem overwhelming to patients when searching for the right treatment option.
At Aesthetic Art, our Palm Springs doctor believes that patients should know what their options are when it comes to cosmetic care. If you’re weighing your options between these popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments, here’s what you need to know about Botox and fillers.
Breaking down Botox
Since it’s introduction to the medical world, Botox has become something of a wunderkind regarding its many applications. From helping patients with hyperhidrosis stay dry to alleviating painful migraines, the injectable is more than an anti-aging treatment.
The Botox injectable used in today’s medicine is derived from the botulinum toxin, a byproduct of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. A type of neurotoxin, botulinum specifically targets the nervous system by disrupting neural signals between the brain and muscles. In concentrated doses, this disruption can be deadly. When highly refined and diluted into medical grade Botox, the toxin becomes a powerful tool in treating a range of medical and cosmetic conditions.
Why we love Botox
In the cosmetic treatment industry, Botox has gained a reputation for stopping the aging process in its tracks. Much of this success can be attributed to the treatment’s paralytic capabilities.
While some wrinkles are caused by environmental factors gradually damaging skin cells, others occur are a result of frequent muscle contraction. Over time, smiling, crinkling your eyes, crying, and other facial expressions can lead to microscopic fine lines around patients’ eyes, mouths and foreheads. These muscle-created wrinkles can quickly deepen into deep wrinkles and cause patients to look older than they truly are. In these scenarios, Botox can be used to temporarily block receptors and prevent the muscles from contracting excessively. This helps keep skin looking younger, longer.
Who is a candidate for Botox?
Another important benefit of Botox is how the treatment can be used both proactively and throughout the aging process to help patients age gracefully. Most healthy adults in their late 20s to early 30s have found proactive Botox treatments to be an excellent preventive measurement against aging.
Dermal Fillers – Another option for younger looks
Not all wrinkles are successfully treated with Botox. Environmental factors like sun damage, smoking and pollution can take their toll on skin cells. At the same time, collagen production slows as we age. This combination can lead to skin losing important volume and the appearance of sharper, more hollowed facial features. In these instances, dermal fillers are the best approach to enhancing your appearance.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Sometimes referred to as injectables, dermal fillers are gel-like formulas injected just below the skin to create volume in specific areas across the face. Across the realm of dermal fillers, there are countless formulas for patients to choose from, categorized by what they’re made from:
- Hyaluronic Acid: A naturally-occurring substance found in skin that helps retain skin moisture and creates results that last between 6 to 12 months
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite: A naturally-occurring substance found in bones that helps stimulate collagen production, leading to results of up to 12 months
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid: A synthetic dermal filler used to trigger the body’s natural collagen production. Ideal for deep facial wrinkles, the results of this treatment have been shown to last up to two years.
Depending on the specific area, different filler options exist to specifically treatment the type of volume lost. Choosing the best dermal filler for each area and patient is an important conversation between patients and their plastic surgeon.
Who is a candidate for dermal fillers?
Like Botox, dermal fillers can be used to treat a range of cosmetic conditions, making the treatment type highly versatile for many patients. While dermal filler treatment is best for patients already showing signs of creasing, some thinner fillers types have been successfully used to help younger patients enhance their lip volume.
Interested? Meet with the Experts
Choosing the right cosmetic treatment doesn’t have to be an overwhelming affair. At Dr. Kato’s Palm Springs office, our specialist is your guide to great looking, refreshed skin. To learn more about your available treatment options, call our doctor today and schedule your consultation.