BOTOX Cosmetic is easily the most well-known anti-aging treatment in the world – and one of our most popular. In fact, SkinSpirit is the #1 BOTOX Cosmetic provider in the country! Even though BOTOX is FDA-approved for cosmetic use and is a safe and effective treatment for the temporary smoothing of crow’s feet, forehead lines and furrows between the brows, how safe and effective is it really? We’ve all seen the frozen faces in Hollywood and heard the stories about people being addicted to the anti-aging treatment.
We recently had a chance to sit down with George Baxter-Holder, one of our aesthetic nurse practitioners in Seattle at both our Bellevue Square and University Village locations, to seek his medical expertise and clear up a few misconceptions about BOTOX and dermal filler.
Misconception #1: Botox will freeze your face and expressions
According to George, a “frozen face” comes from over-treatment. "At SkinSpirit, we are committed to a natural look, which comes from using the lowest most effective dose. This means that sometimes we may need to add a future treatment. The result is always a soft natural relaxation of the facial muscles, NOT a frozen unexpressive look." George recommends taking a good look at your own practitioner. Do you like their look? Do they look natural and refreshed? Chances are if they’ve been treated and you like their natural look, they’ll more than likely treat you with a more natural look as well.
Misconception #2: Patients get addicted to Botox
Botox isn’t addictive, but to continue to get the results from BOTOX (the smoothing away of crow’s feet, forehead lines and furrows between the brows), clients will need to receive injections every 3 to 4 months. If the treatments stop, the client’s wrinkles will return to his or her baseline — the starting point before they began receiving BOTOX injections.
Misconception #3: Botox is a dangerous toxin
To clear up this misconception, it’s important to George that his clients know exactly what BOTOX is and how it works. BOTOX or botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows and moderate to severe crow’s feet lines in adults. How BOTOX works: when a small amount is injected into a muscle, it blocks nerve signals that tell the muscles to contract. The effect is that it temporarily weakens or paralyzes the facial muscles and smooths or eliminates wrinkles in the skin for a few months.
Yes, botulinum toxin in very large amounts can be toxic, but what is used in cosmetic procedures is extremely minimal and approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
One very important thing to keep in mind is that only a trained medical professional should handle your Botox injections. It’s also equally important to only use a certified brand such as BOTOX Cosmetic and not an unknown form of the toxin that may not meet the same quality standards.
Misconception #4: Dermal filler injections are painful
When it comes to dermal filler, George and SkinSpirit’s mantra is comfort, comfort, comfort! “At SkinSpirit, we use a great topical numbing cream and will generally only use fillers that have anesthetic in the product. All of our injectors have a very gentle touch. We pride ourselves on a great patient experience. Dermal filler does not have to be painful and any discomfort is always kept to a minimum.”
Misconception #5: It’s cheaper and you’ll get better results with permanent filler rather than having treatments every six to 12 months
With the human body, nothing is ever permanent. As we age, our facial structure changes with gravity and volume loss. Even though the FDA has approved only one permanent dermal filler, it’s important to note that there have been numerous health complications reported with it.
When it comes to permanent or even semi-permanent filler, George believes they’re fraught with problems and CANNOT be reversed. The only way to truly remove dermal filler is either surgically or when it becomes fully metabolized by the body. Depending on a client’s skin type, needs and desired outcome, George recommends either picking a dermal filler like Sculptra, which stimulates collagen production using a biocompatible and biodegradable material to fill the deep facial wrinkles and folds without hard and sharp edges, leaving a much more natural look or going with a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler such as Juvederm Voluma XC to instantly add volume to the cheek area with a naturally occurring substance that’s already found in the skin.
When it comes to dermal filler, George states that, “Your face becomes my business card so I take the treatments I perform very seriously and want you looking your best” says George.
George also pointed out that any medical practitioner is able to do BOTOX injections and dermal filler, but that doesn’t mean you should go to them for the treatment. “There are more and more dentists, dermatologists, family practitioners and endodontists that have decided to do BOTOX injections 'on the side.' Your face should not be someone's 'side business.' At SkinSpirit, facial aesthetics and injectables are our MAIN focus. We do them everyday, all day, really well. It’s best to find a practitioner that you not only trust to be an expert, but who can also give you the guidance you need to help keep you looking your very best."
Want to see if you’re a good candidate for BOTOX Cosmetics and/or dermal filler?
We recommend coming in for an initial consultation at no charge to speak with a nurse practitioner who will analyze your skin and tell you if BOTOX Cosmetic and/or dermal filler would work for you. Schedule your complimentary consultation at any one of our three locations in the Seattle, Orange County, Austin, TX or Bay Areas.
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Disclaimer: Information and content within this blog is provided for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to provide medical advice, and anything read here should not be construed as such. Reading this blog or communicating with our staff does not create a physician-patient relationship. If you have questions about any health issue, including something you may have read here, please consult a licensed, trained physician or health professional immediately.
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