With time, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the signs of ageing you see in the mirror: little wrinkles around your eyes or yourmouth, age spots on your face and perhaps even some sagging skin.
A few years ago, the alternatives to going under the knife were limited, but today you can soften the effects of time on your face with a variety of non-surgical, cosmetic options.
The lure of such procedures is that they arequick, deliver the desired results andare suited to people with busy lives. Additionally, patients who cannot justify the cost of surgical intervention prefer treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers.
But, it is important to understand the difference between the two before settling on a course of treatment.
Opting for Botox translated to injecting the effected area with a natural, purified protein, which temporarily relaxes the facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers contain a naturally derived or synthetic material that is injected into the skin, to plump the area in question till the wrinkle, depression or fold disappears.
Now while it might seem like Botox and fillers can only be used individually, they’re actually more effective when combined. Botox and fillers perform different functions, so together these treatments works better than either by itself. Botox relaxes the underlying facial muscle, while fillers plump the skin to smooth out lines and wrinkles, leaving behind a substantial improvement.
There are certain areas that are best suited and respond most effectively to Botox and filler treatments: the forehead, for instance, is a commonly targeted area — the development of forehead wrinkles is considered one of the first signs of ageing and is often difficult to conceal. Treating crow’s feet and frown lines comes in a close second.
But, a word of caution: in the right hands, Botox leaves you looking like a more youthful version of yourself. In the wrong, you could be left with a waxen forehead, permanently startled eyebrows and a smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes. Ptosis, or drooping, is a major potential complication of overuse.
Botox administered incorrectly can also cause nerve damage, which could take up to six months to correct itself, and dermal fillers containing silicon can cause irreversible damage — so it’s important to pick a skilled, experienced practitioner to administer the treatment.
The rule of thumb is, you shouldn’t be able to notice good Botox. It’s also always better to get less than you think you need, and then come back for a follow-up if you decide on more later on.
