2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year. If you’re like us, you’ve been a bit stressed and focused on helping those around you. But don’t forget to take time for yourself, too! You deserve to look and feel your best, and this is the time to make it happen. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are a fantastic way to look rejuvenated and brighten up your look with minimal to no downtime.
Non-surgical facial treatments include Botox, injectable fillers, and Kybella. While these are some of the most popular treatments around, there’s still some confusion in what they are and how they work. While they are all minimally invasive treatments that can have a huge impact on your appearance, that is where their similarities end.
Botox is a natural purified protein used to help minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. It works by temporarily relaxing the facial muscles for lines and wrinkles. Those glabellar lines (the ‘elevens’ between your eyebrows), forehead lines, and crow’s feet all respond well to Botox. It can also be used in other areas as well that your board- certified plastic surgeon can help you with on the entire face and neck.
Dermal fillers are designed to add volume and fullness to the skin. During the aging process, our bodies produce less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Fillers can be used to treat various signs of aging, such as plumping thinning lips, filling in shallow areas on the face, decreasing wrinkles under the eyes, and more. Some fillers lift and smooth out the folds and wrinkles in targeted areas by adding a subtle amount of volume, while others act as structural support to help lift the entire cheek and minimize the need for individual wrinkle treatment. There are many different types of fillers that can be used to treat multiple areas of the face, ears, and neck that last up to two years.
Kybella is a newer product on the scene and helps reduce your double chin. Kybella is a bit different than Botox and fillers in that once results are achieved, re-treatment is not expected to be required. While Kybella is primarily used under the chin, it can also be used to treat facial fat in the jowls and higher (done in small amounts) and can even be used for other areas of unwanted fat such as bra fat, anterior armpit fat, dorsal hump, and for postoperative touch-ups (rarely needed).
Since these procedures can treat slightly different problems and are usually used in different areas of the face, it’s best to discuss your goals and options with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter holds the Master Injector designation from Allergan and has over 30 years of filler experience. Schedule a consultation to discuss what’s best for you, and remember to take care of yourself this winter!
The Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, LLC. - © Copyright 2020