How Not to Overdo Botox and Fillers

There are many avenues one can take to mitigate signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Eating well, getting enough sleep, and keeping your skin moisturized are all key to maintaining youthful, healthy skin. However, these natural methods might not yield the drastic results you’re looking for. Cosmetic procedures such as Botox and dermal filler injections offer a more direct approach to wrinkle removal. And while many patients see effective, natural-looking results from these methods, others may go a bit too far. Indeed, Botox and fillers alike can result in an uncanny appearance, making one’s skin appear waxy, overly tight, frozen in place, puffed up, and so on. Unless these are some of the outcomes you’re looking for, here’s how to not overdo it with Botox and dermal fillers.

How to Properly Use Botox and Fillers

Know What You Want from the Procedure

Whenever you’re seeking a cosmetic dermatology procedure, you should go in with a good idea of what you want to get out of it. This is especially the case for receiving Botox or fillers. Do you desire a minor touch-up around the eyes and forehead to reduce and prevent wrinkles? Do you wish to embellish your lips? Are you looking for youthful volume around your cheeks? Having a clear notion of your desired outcomes will help your specialist provide only what you want and no more.

Location Is Everything

If you don’t want to overdo it on these procedures, it helps to understand the role that location plays in this regard. Simply put, some areas of the skin are more prone to developing an unnatural look after receiving injections. The forehead, for instance, is one of the most delicate places to receive injections because it’s so expressive. If an excessive amount of Botox is concentrated in the middle of one’s forehead, this often results in exaggerated, arched eyebrows. The mouth and lip areas are sensitive as well. Most of us have seen examples of puffed up lips from lip fillers and stiff smiles due to improper Botox. Avoiding these outcomes is in part a matter of understanding the risks of injecting Botox or fillers in these particular areas.

Find the Most Qualified Specialist

The success (or lack thereof) of your dermal filler or Botox injection ultimately depends on the performance of your provider. As such, it pays to do your research and take your time when selecting a specialist for this type of procedure. Look into a candidate’s experience and credentials as well as patient testimonials and visual examples, if possible. The more information you can find on a given provider, the better, as the most qualified specialists will be eager to share their artistry with potential patients.

Ask Your Provider Plenty of Questions

Once you’ve found a solid injection specialist, don’t be shy — ask them as many questions as you require to feel comfortable with the procedure and get their honest opinion. When preparing to receive Botox or dermal fillers, some common questions include:

• How long will the procedure take?

• What will it feel like?

• What are the potential risks and side effects?

• What will I need to do following the procedure?

• When can I expect to see results?

• Can you guarantee natural-looking results?

• Do you truly recommend Botox or something else (or nothing at all)?

Also, don’t be afraid to ask them more about their personal experience, qualifications, and reasons for becoming an injection specialist in the first place. The more you know going into your procedure, the more comfortable you’ll be.

Take It Slow

Finally, if you don’t want to overdo it with injectable dermal fillers or Botox, your best bet is to take an incremental approach. Every patient is different and may have different reactions to a given amount of a particular injection. Rather than dive in headfirst, it’s wise to get your feet wet and undergo a minimal procedure to see how your skin responds and how you feel about the results. Note that it can take 2-4 weeks after receiving your injection(s) to see visible results, so if you’re not satisfied right away, give it some time. Talk to your provider about some ways to test the waters when it comes to these injections.

Getting Your Botox or Fillers Just Right

Opting for Botox or dermal filler injections is a significant decision, and it’s one that presents potential benefits alongside the risk of certain side effects and undesired aesthetic outcomes if you’re not careful. As such, figure out what you truly want, get to know the ins and outs of these procedures, find the best specialist for your skin, ask them plenty of questions, and don’t rush the process. If you have more questions or concerns regarding Botox or dermal fillers, the experts at Premier Dermatology Partners can fill you in, so to speak.

To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.