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

Why Should Landlords Have Their Air Filters Cleaned?

If you suffer from asthma or allergies, you may know the value of having a clean and safe working environment. It does not matter if it`s a residence, condominium, or office building. If you suffer from asthma or allergies then you know how hard it can be to keep your workplace clean. It can take a lot of time to clean out the mold on the air vents and walls. If you have experienced an increase in asthma or allergies within the past year, you already know how difficult it can be to deal with these severe symptoms. If you are not already doing this and you aren`t, you should be.

What Causes the Decline in Apartment Air Quality?

There are numerous kinds of air duct systems and the majority of them utilize the same type of Freon. Freon is a chemical that flows through air ducts, and it combines with allergens found in the area. The result can be hazardous. Unfortunately, a large number of landlords have discovered that the air duct systems in rental units can cause severe health problems and allergies.

How Does This Affect Tenants and Landlords?

Imagine that you find that the air duct within your apartment is not maintained correctly. In that situation, there`s a big possibility that the air in your home will be contaminated with mold or mildew. These allergens may cause skin irritations and allergic reactions. This is among the most common problems associated with air ducts.

Tenants May Develop Allergies and Irritations That Could Worsen and Spread

If these problems are left untreated, there is an excellent possibility that they will get worse. Mold and mildew could spread through buildings if they aren`t removed from the air-ducts. When this happens it is possible that the allergies of tenants may also get worse. That`s why you must ensure that the air duct units are regularly maintained.

Low Living Standards in Your Apartment Could Lead to the of Rental Profit

They can result in serious financial loss to landlords, and health issues. For instance the monthly rent of an apartment or condo. Your gross profits will be most lucrative when the temperature is at its highest in the summer time. Profits will drop drastically during the winter months, because high temperatures make it hard for the people who live there to stay cool. This can have a major effect on your relationships with tenants.

Servicing Your Air Ducts Periodically Helps to Avoid Any Damage and Problems

Many landlords do not realize the importance of keeping their air ducts maintained and regularly serviced. By doing this it will stop the spreading of allergens and assure greater health and wellbeing within the property. In addition, by having your air duct unit serviced regularly, there will be fewer instances when you have to deal with allergy-related issues. This will help in reducing the amount of stress that those living in the house are often experiencing.

A Well-Maintained Air Duct is A Well-Maintained Living Space and A Sellable Asset

Regular maintenance of your air ducts will bring you further advantages. This can increase your property`s resale values. Clean air ducts will aid prospective buyers to locate a home that they like. Clean air ducts will help you let people live in your house. You`ll get more rent from your tenants if you keep your air ducts tidy. If you are serious about getting a great rent discount, you must make sure that your air duct unit is serviced regularly.

There are many more reasons to regularly clean your air ducts to ensure that your indoor air stays clear and fresh. Additionally, when you do this, you will reduce the amount of money that you spend on heating and cooling during the summer and winter months. If you keep your air ducts serviced regularly, you can anticipate that it will help you save a significant amount of money in the long run. Regularly servicing your air ducts is a good idea to ensure that your living area to be as relaxing as it can be, while keeping your cooling and heating costs to a minimum.