FAQ's - Botox & Derma Fillers
What is Botox and can it help reduce the lines and wrinkles on my face?
Botox® is a natural, purified protein isolated from the Clostridium Botulinum Bacterium through a highly refined, patented process. Upon injection, this safe and effective protein relaxes muscles, allowing the overlying skin to look smoother.
How do Botox® Injections work?
As time passes we develop expression lines (dynamic wrinkles) as a result of muscle activity such as frowning, and smile lines. When Botox® is injected directly into the muscles; it blocks the transmission of nerve impulses, thus reducing the activity of the muscles that causes those persistent lines to form.
This will take 2-3 days to start working and the maximum effects will be seen after 2 weeks. Once the muscle is fully relaxed, there is a significant improvement in the wrinkle and those that are mild to moderate in depth may even disappear. Botox® treatments usually last for 3-6 months, however individual response will vary.
What is a Dermal Filler?
Dermal Fillers are used to smooth away lines and replace volume loss. At Satin Med Spa, we use Juvederm® which is produced by Allergan and is made of Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA is a natural substance found in the skin and body which diminishes as part of the aging process, causing dry, loose skin and reduced fullness of the face. The most common areas to treat are 'nose to mouth grooves' (nasolabial folds), 'Jowels' (oral commissures) and frown lines. Dermal Fillers are also used to fill the lips.
How do Derma Fillers work?
Juvederm® is injected under the skin to instantly restore volume. It is a smooth consistency gel that flows easily into the skin for a natural look and feel. A local anesthetic cream will be applied to the skin and left on for approximately 30 minutes. The skin is cleansed and the product injected. The effects are immediate and typically last 6-12 months.
What is a Lip Enhancement and how does it work?
As part of the natural aging process we tend to lose volume in the lips, particularly the upper lip. Lip enhancement with Dermal Fillers is used to increase the volume and fullness of thin-looking lips and reduce fine lines.
Prior to the lip enhancement treatment you should avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. Ibuprofen for 1 week. Also, if you suffer from cold sores around the mouth it is advisable to ask your GP for Zovirax tablets which should be taken a few days before and after the procedure.
Before the lip enhancement a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area. Due to the anatomy of the lips, swelling following treatment can sometimes be significant and take up to 7 days to diminish. After treatment a cool pack will be placed over the lips for comfort and to reduce swelling. During this time the lips may appear slightly uneven and the final result should not be judged for a full week.
How long do Lip Enhancement results last?
Lip enhancement results are immediate and can last between six to nine months. However, effects can vary for different lifestyles. For example, for smokers, the product will not be as long lasting.
