Non-surgical procedures: Botox and Dermal Fillers

Botox (Botulinum Toxin A)

Approved in 1989 by the US Food and Drug Administration for cosmetic use, Botox has since become one of the world’s most popular treatments. Its primary cosmetic use is to remove or fade the appearance of forehead wrinkles, frown lines and crow’s feet.

Botox is particularly popular because it’s a gentle procedure and offers fantastic results that typically last around 4-6 months.

Botox procedure

A Botox procedure takes a very short amount of time. During the procedure, the muscles that contract and cause wrinkles will be injected with a very thin needle. Where the needle is injected depends on the areas you want treated, but this will be discussed with your surgeon prior to the procedure.

Botox is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure under sterile conditions and usually only takes a few minutes.

Before the treatment

Due to how quick and easy the procedure is, there aren’t any specific guidelines that need to be followed in preparation for the procedure, though you should discuss with your surgeon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid taking aspirin 12 days before the treatment to prevent bruising.

After the treatment

After the Botox procedure, you should avoid massaging the areas that were treated, and remain upright for 3-4 hours after the treatment. Don’t work out the same day.

Botox complications

While Botox is extremely safe, there are a few minor complications that can arise during and after the procedure.

It is possible for the treated area(s) to become bruised due to injury to nearby blood vessels, but these heal of their own accord. There is also a rare chance that you may become hypersensitive in the areas where the Botox was administered, or develop a local infection at the site of the injection.

If the forehead is too relaxed by the Botox injections, the brows can droop and make your eyes look smaller. A very rare complication is a ptosis of the eyelid after an injection in the forehead or in the frown lines. These results can remain from 4-6 weeks to 3 months but are fully reversible.

Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid)

Hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical in the body which binds water together to give your skin volume and lubricates your joints. However, as we age the natural hyaluronic acid content in our body loses the ability to retain water, making skin appear drier.

This can be treated by injections of hyaluronic acid, commonly known as dermal fillers.

Dermal Fillers procedure

Dermal fillers are usually administered under local anaesthetic, with the application of a pain-relieving ointment. Dermal fillers can be administered to various parts of the face depending on the results you desire, for example, smoother wrinkles, plumper lips or improved facial contours.

A dermal filler procedure takes roughly half an hour to complete, though you should add an extra 20-30 minutes if anti-pain ointment is administered, in order for it to wear off. Hyaluronic acid is injected in small volumes under the skin with a very fine needle. The gel then adds volume to the skin, and leads to smoother wrinkles or plumper lips.

Before the treatment

Before the surgery, there’s not much that needs to be done in preparation, though it is useful to avoid alcohol and aspirin as these thin out blood and could lead to you bleeding more than regular during the procedure.

After the treatment

After the procedure, you should avoid massaging the area of treatment for 48 hours, and you should also avoid unnecessary touching for the first 8 hours. After the initial 8 hours you can wash your face with soap and apply a light amount of makeup.

There is likely to be some initial redness and swelling, if this is the case, you should avoid extreme warm and cold temperatures until the swelling dissipates.

Dermal Fillers complications

As with Botox, the complications for Dermal Fillers are minimal. Most side effects will be related to the injection and the area of injection, such as swelling, bruising, redness and itching – though these will disappear on their own after a few days.

Book an appointment with Dr Dirk Kremer today!

If you decide that Botox or Dermal Fillers are right for you, then please be sure to do your research and choose a board qualified cosmetic surgeon. Dr Dirk Kremer has worldwide experience in the plastic surgery industry and is one of the top plastic surgeons in London according to Tatler Magazine. To arrange a consultation, or to book a procedure, contact Harley Street Aesthetics.