Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of aging. But if you are bothered by the appearance of wrinkles,there are several ways to go about rejuvenating your face. Botox and fillers are currently some of the most common anti-aging treatments in the plastic surgery industry.

Many patients considering getting Botox and dermal fillers are already aware of the benefits of injectables. Some admit finding it a little confusing when it comes to differentiating the uses of each treatment option.
What they don’t know is that Botox and fillers can be combined to create a full spectrum anti-aging treatment for the face. Well,it’s a relatively new innovative treatment,but it is becoming increasingly popular.

BOTOX VS. FILLERS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE IN USES?

BOTOX

Botox is a Botulinum toxin protein in a purified form which,when injected into the facial skin,relaxes the muscles in the target area. It is an ideal treatment option for correcting dynamic wrinkles,which are commonly known as expression lines. Dynamic wrinkles occur due to muscle movement.

Botox works best on wrinkles lines on the upper face points where muscles contract,such as:
· Crow’s feet around the eyes
· 1s’ between the brows
· Horizontal forehead lines

Botulinum toxin is not the only neurotoxin used in anti-aging treatment. There other three FDA-approved neurotoxins: Xeomin,Dysport,and Jeauveau.

DERMAL FILLERS

Fillers are also injected into the skin to treat wrinkles on the face. However,they work on different lines — lip lines,laugh lines and sleep wrinkles. If you need a nose or sunken check correction,the surgeon will also recommend fillers.
As the name suggests,fillers are used to add volume and fullness. They can reduce the static wrinkle lines that are visible when facial muscles relax.

There are a variety of FDA-approved temporary and permanent filler materials,including:
· Hyaluronic acid
· Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
· Poly-L-lactic acid
· Polymethylmethacrylate

However,hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers are the most commonly used. These soft tissue fillers come in different types of thickness. Therefore,you wouldn’t have trouble finding the right one for your skin type.
Your body produces hyaluronic acid. The main function of this naturally occurring polysaccharide is to keep tissues well lubricated. The skin,eyes,and connective tissues have the most amount of hyaluronic acid,although it gets depleted by the aging process. So,injecting HA beneath the surface of the skin can help the cell to hold and retain more water,thus improving skin elasticity.
Calcium hydroxylapatite is also a naturally occurring substance. When used in skincare,it augments the soft tissues and stimulates the production of collagen. It is recommended for deep filling.

HOW LONG DO BOTOX AND HYALURONIC ACID FILLERS LAST?

The effects of Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers wear off because the body naturally degrades these products. Generally,Botox effects last anywhere between 3 and 6 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers,on the other hand,lose effectiveness after 6 to 12 months.
The lifespan of fillers usually depends on the properties of hyaluronic acid filler,treatment area,and movement of the neighboring muscles. With Botox injections,factors like the amount of Botox injected,area of injection,age,skin elasticity,and wrinkle depth can affect the efficacy.
Fortunately,by combining Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers,patients can enjoy longer-lasting facial lift.

BOTOX AND FILLER COMBINATION TREATMENT

As you can see this far,Botox and fillers are made of different substances that affect the body differently. Combined treatment might be a good option if a patient is looking to address multiple facial features for a more natural appearance. Enjoying fewer visits to the surgeon and long-lasting results is music to any patient’s ears.
EXPERIMENT ON BOTOX AND HA FILLER COMBINATION
According to the research study published in the medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS),administering Botox and hyaluronic acid improves the lifespan of HA fillers.
Dr. Ismail Küçüker and his colleagues behind this research found that combining the treatment slowed the degradation of fillers by reducing muscle movement in the treated area.
Part of the study involved injecting hyaluronic acid filler beneath the skin in front of one ear. On the other side,the researchers injected Botox and HA filler. After monitoring the progress for three months,they conducted MRI scans on both sides.
The scans revealed a significant difference in the rate of filler degradation. Combined treatment decreased the degradation rate by 42 percent. The area had 50 percent more HA filler amount than the side where the researchers injected filler only.

SIDE EFFECTS

Medical procedures come with risks. Botox and HA fillers are not an exception. It’s normal to experience bruises and pain at the Botox injection site. Some people complain about headaches. You know something is wrong if you experience drooping eyelids,eye dryness,or a crooked smile.
HA fillers can cause bruising,itching,redness,numbness,allergic reaction,and swelling. But these side effects usually go away within two weeks. Improper filler injections can lead to the Tyndall effect and bumps beneath your skin.
A qualified and experienced doctor can help you avoid severe effects. If you suspect something is not right after treatment,it’s a good idea to contact a board-certified plastic surgeon right away.

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR BOTOX AND FILLERS?

Suitability is determined on a case-by-case basis. You should schedule a consultation with a certified plastic surgeon to carefully evaluate your unique face-lifting needs.
Generally,though,the ideal candidate for Botox and fillers should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations. These treatment options are discouraged if you:
· Smoke
· Are pregnant or breastfeeding
· Are allergic to the ingredients used in Botox or related products
· Have a skin infection around the area of injection
· Have a muscle or nerve condition like myasthenia gravis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

WHAT TO DO AFTER BOTOX AND FILLER INJECTIONS

After treatment,the doctor will recommend a list of things to observe to ensure you are maintaining good skin health. Don’t expect completely new skincare ideas.
Some of the tips to keep your skin healthy include,but not limited to:
· Limiting your sun exposure by wearing sunscreen,a hat,and sunglasses
· Drinking enough water every day
· Using gentle skin cleansers
· Using a hydrating moisturizer recommended for your specific skin type
· Eating foods that keep your skin healthy

The Takeaway

While combining injectable dermal fillers with Botox is safe,the procedure requires the skills and experience of a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for better results. We cannot emphasize this enough. Contact us today or visit our offices to discuss your aesthetic goals and needs.

To learn more about anti-aging treatments utilizing Botox and fillers,visit Belle Ame Medical Spa

Link to the research study
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/with-botox-chemodenervation-dermal-fillers-last-longer

SANTA CLARA, CA— With life returning to normal as the COVID-19 pandemic  declines, prospective  property buyers have  established a  particular set of priorities when it comes to the  items and  style  functions they want in their next house.

That is the  crucial conclusion of a new national  study  performed by Realtor.com. The  current online poll  included more than 1,200 adults over the age of 18 who  prepare to  buy a home within the next 12 months, according to Realtor.com, which is  run by  openly traded News Corp under a license from the National Association of Realtors.

“ The COVID pandemic  introduced a new  method of thinking about what sofa with chaise‘ house‘  suggests,  which is  affecting much of what today‘s home  consumers are looking for,“  stated George Ratiu, senior economist for Realtor.com, which reported that the desire for additional space was the  leading reason driving home shoppers‘ decisions to  acquire a  brand-new home in the coming year. Survey  reactions also  show  purchasers are looking for more flexibility in their home  area and  price in exchange for a  much shorter commute, the  brand-new  truths of a post-COVID world, Ratiu said.

“ Garages,  big backyards and  area for  animals  constantly rank  high up on  purchasers‘ wish lists, but those  functions  have actually grown in  value,“ he  stated. “The pandemic has elevated our relationship with family,  along with the need for our  house to serve  numerous purposes, especially the  capability to work remotely. As a result, we‘re placing a premium on the  requirement to accommodate extended family, and features like a  office and broadband  web.“

When asked which home  functions have become a priority as a result of the pandemic, a  peaceful location (28%), an  upgraded  cooking area (25%) and garage and  big backyard (24% each) topped the list. Outdoor living area (20%),  area for  family pets (18%),  upgraded  restrooms (19%), home office and broadband  web  abilities (17% each) and open  layout (16%)  completed the top 10 pandemic-induced most  wanted home  functions (see graph, left).

Sixty-five percent of respondents  showed that they are  thinking about extended sectional sofa with chaise loungefamily when they  buy a  house, with  almost a quarter  mentioning that they are  preparing to  purchase near family members, Realtor.com reported. One-fifth of those surveyed said they will have extended family  coping with them full time, while 30% said their new home would need to accommodate extended family staying with them part time or visiting.

 Reducing in importance from prior  studies was the need for a short shop home office furniturecommute time and a  house with  smaller sized square footage. For example,  just 9% of those polled indicated a short commute time was a  top priority, and  just 4% said they are  searching for smaller square  video footage. This was  below 11% and 8%, respectively, prior to the pandemic.