Are You Curious About Botox? We Have Some Answers For You!

by Claudine

I have long been curious about Botox® and other fillers.  With each passing birthday I am more convinced it is a matter of when not if I will start to use Botox® and other fillers like Juvéderm®.   To find out more about the process I sat down with Aesthetic Nurse, Taylor Kern.  Some of you may remember Taylor from my previous article about laser treatments otherwise known as IPLs (Intense Pulsed Light). LINK

Taylor again sat down and discussed the procedure with me and also shared some information that was provided by Lifetime Fitness LifeSpa.

1. How do injectables work?

With just a simple injection, Botox ® is injected into a muscle, reducing the activity that causes lines to form. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, restore volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth.

2. What are the advantages of this treatment?

Injectables are a safe, effective treatment for many conditions and they involve no downtime.

3. What areas can be treated?

Injectables can treat many areas—frown lines between the brows, crow’s feet, smile lines (aka marionette lines on the sides of your mouth) or those vertical lip lines often seen on smokers. Injectables can also lift brows and enhance areas such as lips, cheeks, frown lines and scars. The possibilities are endless with injectable treatments.

4. How do I prep for the procedure?

Besides your initial consultation, there isn’t a lot of preparation. We strongly suggest you avoid alcohol and aspirin. But, go ahead and take Arnica tablets, found in a natural foods store, to help prevent unwanted bruising.

5. What should I expect during the treatment?

During the session a series of injections are administered to the treatment area. For Botox, no anesthesia is required. However, your provider may numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. Discomfort is typically minimal and brief. Many dermal fillers include lidocaine for increased comfort.

6. What kind of results should I expect?

Immediate results are usually seen with dermal fillers, with continued improvement over the following few weeks. Botox® can take up to two weeks to see the full effect. Some bruising or swelling may occur but is temporary.

7. Is it safe?

Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally formed in your body, so no allergy testing is required. However, as with any skin treatment, there are always risks to consider. Side effects are rare and generally temporary. Your specific risks are discussed during your consultation.

8. Will more than one treatment be necessary?

While injectable treatments are long lasting, they are temporary. Your first Botox treatment will probably last around 3 months; dermal fillers last 6-12 months on average. As with all of our services, talk to your provider about your individual treatment plan.

9. At what age do you see women starting to use injectables?  

Women typically start to use Botox ® in their 30s and 40s but I see a wide range of age groups with some women opting to start in their late 20s.

10. With your insanely flawless skin may I ask do you use Botox®?
 
I have used Botox ® for years and I am huge advocate for the product.  I am very open about my use and I don't think others should be embarrassed or shy away from admitting to using Botox ®.  Regarding usage, the one exception is when I am pregnant.  Pregnant women can't use injectables.

So many thanks to Taylor Kern at Lifetime Fitness LifeSpa in Loudon!  I can tell you that I have gone to Taylor in the past and she is absolutely wonderful as are Dr. Elizabeth Zapp and other members of the Lifetime Fitness MediSpa staff.

BONUS:  Lifetime Fitness offers free childcare for members and non-members who are using the LifeSpa.  In addition, the LifeSpa at Lifetime Fitness Reston is now open!   

One note to readers, I would highly recommend a consultation to help address any questions you may have about injectables.  Physicians and/or MediSpas (medical spas) offering Botox ® should offer a free consultation to discuss procedural questions, price and any other concerns you may have about injectables.

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Image Credit

Botox Cosmetic
Body Massage Wellnesss PA
Urban Retreat Day Spa