People considering cosmetic treatments for facial rejuvenation tend to think of them as standalone procedures. Instead of asking if you should get BOTOX® or fillers, however, it’s better to consider how various nonsurgical treatments work together to address a range of concerns. That’s why we often recommend combining dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® products with BOTOX injections at our Birmingham, Alabama, practice.
The Benefits of a ‘Liquid Facelift’
Combining fillers with BOTOX injections is often called a liquid facelift and is an excellent option for women and men who want to restore a youthful appearance without surgery. You may even benefit from nanofat grafting, a technique that involves taking fat from one area of the body and using it as a natural filler (although it does involve liposuction to retrieve the fat).
Not all wrinkles develop in the same way. A lifetime of sun exposure, the gradual loss of skin elasticity as our bodies produce less collagen, and even shrinking bone density are all responsible signs of aging such as nasolabial folds and undereye hollows. Injections of fillers address those concerns very effectively.
But what about those horizontal lines that crease your forehead? Or the fine lines at the corners of your eyes, called crow’s feet? These expression lines get their name from the fact that they develop when we squint, appear surprised or worried, and change our expressions in countless other ways throughout our lives. The shifting of facial muscles causes the skin to move and, over time, fine lines and wrinkles emerge.
BOTOX injections target the nerves which send signals to these muscles. This temporarily relaxes the muscles, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Combining Other Anti-Aging Treatments With Injectables
Injections of BOTOX and fillers address wrinkles and volume loss. But patients with rough skin texture, dry skin, or mild skin laxity can enhance their results with advanced skincare treatments such as microdermabrasion and medical-grade serums and anti-aging skincare formulas to moisturize and revitalize their skin.
Even though it can seem daunting to combine multiple procedures during a single appointment, it’s important to remember that most of these treatments take only a few minutes and involve a few mild side effects (swelling, bruising, redness) that usually resolve within hours. Patients can return to work or their other daily activities after leaving our office if they wish.
How Long Do Results Last?
Patients who get a liquid facelift can see results that last anywhere from six months to a couple of years, depending on the products used and the areas treated. The effects of BOTOX tend to fade after about 4 months, so periodic touch-up treatments are needed to maintain the results. Most fillers last between 9 and 18 months, although some—such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA®—can last for 2 years.
If you’re not ready for facial plastic surgery but want a revitalized appearance, you can request a consultation at our plastic surgery office in Birmingham, Alabama. Or call us at (205) 933-9308 to schedule an appointment to discuss your anti-aging treatment options.
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