Interested in getting Botox and Fillers in the Chicago area? Gold Coast Plastic Surgery offers Botox in Chicago, consistently delivering beautiful, youthful results for a diverse population of patients. Visit our Botox and fillers page to learn more about Botox in our Chicago practice.
We’ve all heard about Botox, but relatively few people know precisely what it is and how it works. Here are some answers to common questions about Botox and fillers.
What are the differences between Botox and fillers?
Botox and dermal fillers differ both in chemical makeup and what they’re designed to correct. While Botox – a botulism toxin engineered to be used in medical applications – inhibits nerve activity that causes overactivation of facial muscles, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers effectively fill facial hollows, fine lines, and wrinkles, creating an instantly smoother and fuller appearance. Botox doesn’t “fill” wrinkles; it makes them less noticeable by markedly reducing facial contractions, and less profound through continual use by reducing facial tensions that cause lines to become entrenched.
Do Botox and fillers prevent future aging?
Dermal fillers “plump” the skin temporarily, creating a youthful appearance that lasts approximately six months. Fillers do not prevent the formation of new wrinkles, and must be re-administered yearly to maintain optimal results.
Botox, on the other hand, has been shown to slow the development of wrinkles while preventing the worsening of existing ones. This is achieved by diminishing muscle contractions that, over time, lead to deep dynamic wrinkles (the wrinkles that form on the face through repeated facial expressions).
How long do Botox and fillers take to administer?
A skilled cosmetic surgeon can accurately map a patient’s most effective injection sites and complete the process in only a few minutes. Botox takes roughly three days for its full effects to become visible (other injections that use botulism toxin, like Dysport, may take less time; ask your practitioner which is best for your goals).
Like Botox, dermal fillers only take a few minutes to complete, but the results are evident almost immediately. However, the injections may take a few days – sometimes weeks – to fully integrate into the patient’s facial architecture, so while the skin is visibly plumper right after the injections, the long term results might not be evident for approximately one week.
Regular treatments with Botox and fillers can help you maintain a youthful appearance without undergoing more invasive surgical procedures, and help you forestall aging significantly. For questions about facial plastic surgery, please contact Dr. Moynihan.
