Botox has been a leading way for women and men to turn back the clock for decades—however, the techniques behind this popular injectable area always shifting. The latest trend is “soft Botox,” and it’s available at VIDA where Medical Director Dr. Kim Thompson personally trains every staff member, and injectables are only performed by MDs and RNs. Soft Botox is just what it sounds like. It’s a lighter touch, using a conservative number of units of Botox for results that are more natural-looking than ever before. If you’re new to Botox and want to steer clear of that frozen look, starting with soft Botox is a great foundation. However, it is also a fantastic approach for long-term Botox lovers who want to explore new options for outcomes.
For those new to Botox and fillers, Botox and its counterparts like Dysport are measured in “units.” Most younger people in their 20s and early 30s begin with 20 units of Botox. This is typically injected in the “angry 11s” between the brows, sometimes in the forehead, and to treat crow’s feet. If you’re used to getting a certain number of Botox units, soft Botox might call for fewer—or you might get a similar number of units and have it spread to other areas. Botox injections can and should be personalized specifically to you and your goals. That’s why VIDA offers complimentary consultations on all procedures, including Botox and fillers.
The Botox Difference
Botox works by temporarily freezing the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles, but it can also be used as a preventative measure. Increasingly, more people are opting for Botox in their early 20s to ward off future lines. You can “train” the muscles that cause wrinkles just like you train any other muscle. The only difference is that Botox trains these muscles to be weak, which means they won’t be able to create wrinkles so easily.
However, wrinkles are just one of the first signs of aging. Another is lost volume in desirable places like the lips, cheeks, temples, chin, jawline, and tops of the hands. Dermal fillers can restore this volume—or, alternatively, give you the volume you’ve always wanted. Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is already present in the body. HA fillers last anywhere from 6 – 18 months on average, depending on how many syringes are used and the body part in which these units are injected. For instance, lip fillers tend to fade the quickest because the lips are always moving. Temple dermal fillers can last a little longer.
Combining Injectables
Both Botox and fillers are considered “injectables” and are minimally invasive procedures. They pair so well together that they are often performed together at the same appointment. Unlike Botox, which takes about one week to see full results, the results of HA fillers are immediate—to some extent. You can expect some minor swelling and redness right after dermal filler injections, so the “real” results will also take a week or two to see.
If you want to turn back the clock or simply look your best this summer, combining Botox and fillers is one of the quickest ways to do it. Just remember that it’s not only the product that matters, but who injects it. The skill of the injector can mean the difference between results you’ll love and those that are well below standards. Particularly for those seeking organic results, like what you should expect from soft Botox, you only want a medical professional performing your injections.
Injectables for a Younger You
Injectables like Botox and dermal fillers are proven to be safe and effective. They are the quickest and easiest way to not only reverse the signs of aging but help you achieve the look you want, such as a stronger jawline, fuller lips, or a less hollow look. Dermal fillers can be especially helpful for those with a weak chin (men and women alike) and very slender clients who lack good fat in the face but don’t want to opt for overall weight gain to “fill it in.”
If you are thinking about Botox and fillers for your summer aesthetic, it’s not too late. Get in touch with VIDA today to schedule your consultation or appointment. Call the office at (503) 399-0021 or complete the online form today.
