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

ARE N99 MASKS WASHABLE? [COMPLETE BUYERS GUIDE]

IS N99 MASK WASHABLE?

Face masks and respirators are essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). We use them in construction, the medical field, and various other industries. n99 get used to filter out harmful particles and prevent the spread and contraction of infectious diseases.

N99 respirators are the most effective face-covering option available, but many people want to know what to look for when purchasing one and if they can wash and reuse them. Let’s find out.

Related: Antiviral Face Mask

What Are N99 Masks?

N99 mask or disposable respirator is a specific type of face-covering to filter what the user is breathing in. These masks have two principal defining characteristics:

1. N99 masks form a tight seal against your face so that when you breathe in, the airflow coming in and out of your nose and mouth passes through the filtration material without leaking from the mask’s edges.
2. N99 vs N95 respirator materials must have the capacity to trap at least 99% of particles from entering the users mouth and nose while breathing.

These characteristics mean that, unlike ordinary cave coverings, the N99 respirator seals tightly and has a high filtration capacity.

What to Consider When Buying an N99 Mask

N99 masks provide the most protection, filtering out 99% of airborne particles, but that doesn’t mean that they are all equal. Here’s what you should consider before you purchase an N99 face mask:

• The mask’s useful life is dependent upon its filters, which are the most important element of any efficient face mask. Consider the quality, type, and number of filters that your N99 mask will use.
• Carbon filters are the most efficient at filtering out viruses, bacteria, and chemicals.
• N99 masks with breathing valves or micro-ventilators make talking and breathing easier.
• N99 masks come in various sizes; ensure that the one you choose covers your entire mouth, nose, and chin. A face mask that doesn’t fit properly is essentially useless.
• Buy certified N99 masks; you want to use one that’s of the highest quality possible.
• Reusable N99 masks are an environmentally friendly and economical option, but they have a higher up-front cost.
• If you engage in lots of physical activity or already have breathing difficulties, you can find N99 masks with two breathing valves to help you breathe easier.

Extending the Use of N99 Masks

N99 masks are disposable filtering respirators. Ideally, you only use them once, and only you. Discard your N99 mask whenever it becomes contaminated or exposed to dangerous particles throughout the day.

But, during times where many people are wearing respirators and masks throughout the day, the CDC has put out information on how to sterilize N99 masks. While they don’t recommend that you reuse masks unless, in an emergency situation, you can sterilize your N99 mask for reuse.

The requirements for an acceptable sterilization process of an N99 mask washable are:

1. The mask must remain effective against COVID-19.
2. The sterilization must not affect the filtration capabilities.
3. It must not have an impact on the fit to the user’s face.
4. The mask must still be safe for the user (no off-gassing of chemical vapors).

These decontamination methods are not recommended for N99 masks:

• Ethylene Oxide causes concerns for off-gassing.
• Ionizing Radiation can degrade filter performance.
• The use of microwaves can melt the respirator near metal components and compromise the fit.
• Autoclaves, high temperatures, and steam can cause filter degradation.

Sterilizing N99 Masks for Reuse

There are three methods showing the most potential to decontaminate n99mask : using moist heat, vaporous hydrogen peroxide, or exposing the masks to UV radiation. Note that every mask should get inspected for damage or degradation and pass a seal check before being worn again.

A group of doctors, scientists, and other professionals formed a group called N95DECON to research and test different sanitizing methods for face masks. While these methods have been researched thoroughly, they have not gone through extensive testing yet.

Related: Is the N95 Mask Better?

VAPOROUS HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

This method kills resistant bacteria spores and viruses. 3M has used this method to sanitize masks up to 20 times without seeing any degradation, but when sterilized with higher doses, the filters become less efficient. The machines to perform sanitizing are dangerous and require extensive training for the operator.

UV RADIATION

Using UV radiation stops the viruses related to coronavirus without affecting the masks filtering ability for 10-20 sterilizations. However, the UV light can break down the straps and face pieces, and it can be challenging to expose the lower layers to the radiation. High doses of UV light can break down the material of the mask itself.

Heat and Humidity

Heating N99 masks at 60-75 degrees C for half an hour can stop viruses related to COVID-19, but it has not been tested on the coronavirus itself. This is an effective method to sanitize facemasks, as heating them at 60 degrees C and 80% humidity does not seem to damage their filtration capabilities.

Steam and Liquid Hydrogen Peroxide

The CDC also tested sterilizing masks with steam and liquid hydrogen peroxide. They used steam bags in low-powered microwaves to kill bacteria without damaging the face mask up to three times. They also noted that soaking an N99 respirator in 6% liquid hydrogen peroxide for half an hour didn’t affect filtration, but they did not test fit integrity afterward.

When sterilizing N99 face masks, do not: Use soapy water; this degrades the masks’ materials and impacts its ability to filter small particles properly.

Use alcohol or bleach; this affects the mask’s ability to filter harmful materials efficiently.

Assume it’s clean after overnight storage; the coronavirus can survive for three or more days on certain materials.

When purchasing an n99 washable, it is essential to buy high-quality respirators from a reputable source. Bielcor is a safety industry leader that only offers field-tested and extensively researched products.

Related: Facts About COVID-19

Stay Safe With N99 Masks From Bielcor

Are you looking for the best N99 mask washable available? Check out Bielcor’s selection of tested, high-quality face masks today!