Confused About Cosmetic Injections?

With so many different products on the market now for the benefit of cosmetic correction and enhancement, it is no wonder there is so much confusion on which products are for what result. It seems at least once a week, someone will ask me "Do I need some Botox in my lips?", or say "I think need some collagen injected between my eyes!". So, this week I am going to attempt to discuss some of the more common options and explain their differences and proper uses.

BOTOX is an injectable like the other products, but it is not a facial filler. This product is derived from the botulinum toxin which is actually a neurotoxin. It works by inhibiting the muscle contractions in the brow and wherever it is injected. It freezes these muscles which cause wrinkles that appear as a result of movement like facial expressions. I am also asked quite often about Botox being food poisioning. The answer to that is yes, it is a toxin. But this toxin after sterilization and purification has also medical applications when used in small doses. Botox was first approved in 1989 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat cross-eye and uncontrollable blinking. The physicians treating the patients in such cases observed the side effects of these treatments included smoothing of the frown lines between the eyebrows. Thus, the cosmetic application of this toxin was discovered.   Botox is the most commonly used cosmetic injectable and is very safe when applied by a physician or highly skilled nurse. It is also reasonably affordable with the average cost ranging from $200-$300 per area treated. It is important to note that results are not immediate. Typically, results begin to appear in 3 days but full results take 7-10 days and last 3-5 months.

Where Botox is used to treat wrinkles caused from facial expressions, dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, etc. are used for the treatment of lines caused from loss of volumne and elasticity in the skin. The little parenthesis we get on the sides of the nose extending to the chin is an example. Fillers are also used to enhance the fullness or shape of the lips and in some cases, the chin and cheeks. Scarring from injury to the face or acne can also be corrected with dermal fillers.   There are many different types of dermal fillers which include human collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium products, and even one’s own fat. Each of the dermal fillers has different strengths and weakness, some last longer than others, sometimes a combination of different fillers may be used for best results. The average cost of fillers range from $450-$800. Results are immediate and can last 6-12months.

All of that being said, let me simplify it. As we age our facial lines get deeper and deeper, even when we are not frowning, squinting, or using facial muscles. If creases are only apparent when we squint, only Botox is needed. If creases are visible at rest, and not made worse by squinting, then fillers are necessary. If creases are present at rest, and get worse with facial expressions, then Botox AND fillers may be necessary. Although there are a few exceptions, the general rule is this: Botox should be used from the center of the face and up and dermal fillers from the center of the face and down. Your cosmetic professional will help you decide what is right for you.
am now taking appointments at the Salon Professional on JFK in North Little Rock. Just call 501-753-2400 to schedule a facial, waxing, acne treatment, makeover, or electrotherapy facial.


xoxoSharon Gray

Skin Girl