Botox and Fillers

These actions are considered minor when thought of as a one time gesture because skin, especially when young, is elastic in nature; however, like water flowing through a canyon, over time these gestures cause expressions to become wrinkles, and the elasticity to fade, resulting in permanent features of the face that we associate with advancing age.

When treated with botox, a tiny amount of the product is injected into one or more of the dozens of muscles that control facial expression. The botox works to relax the muscle by blocking the nerve impulse from reaching that specific area, causing the muscle to relax and the wrinkle to fade. Over time the treated muscles can "learn" not to make the facial expression that caused the wrinkle, resulting in long lasting effect.

Are botox and fillers the same thing?

Fillers are extremely effective when used in conjunction with botox, but the two products work very differently in how they reduce the detrimental effects of time. Where botox is injected to reduce the effects of the muscles that cause wrinkles, fillers work to replace the fullness of the skin after the muscles have caused the damage.

Botox can be thought of as new regulations that limit the use of the heavy machinery that caused the damage, and fillers can be likened to the new gravel and asphalt that is laid down into those ruts to smooth the roadway. One product prevents the continuance of the damaging actions, while the other repairs the harm that has already been done.

The filler products used at Dr. Martin's Vein and Medical Aesthetics Clinic, are safe and natural cosmetic dermal fillers that restore volume and fullness to the skin, resulting in the correction, reductions, and often elimination of facial wrinkles and folds. Those same industry standard products are also used in lip enhancement.

Fillers are made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid; a natural substance that already exists in the human body. The hyaluronic acid comes in the form of a crystal-clear gel called Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid.

N.A.S.H.A. is completely bio-compatible with human hyaluronic acid.

Is botox safe?

Botox has been used safely and successfully for over 10 years. Dr. Martin and a certified nurse will go over everything with you to ensure that your treatment is right for you, and should you have concerns they are available for consultation afterwards either in person on by phone or email.

How long does botox last?

Generally the first treatment lasts between 3 to 4 months at which time another injection is done. After several treatments the effects of botox may begin to last longer.

How to get more information about botox

Just pick up the telephone and call our office. We have brochures, patient education literature, articles and many other resources we are glad to share with you.

Call: 705-735-0639 or 1-800-627-3309

Here are some great questions that came to us through email, along with Dr. Martin's email reply.

Hi Dr. Martin,

I was in the clinic on Wednesday this week getting my veins done and we discussed botox and a few other treatments for my face. I just had a few questions.

Should I do a little less botox for the first time to make sure I am comfortable with the effects? It's such a commitment of money when it will need to be repeated a few times a year.

Also, I wanted to find out how many times (how often) I will have to do the filler, the face tightening, and the peel. Is it a one-time thing? Do the results last for years? When would it all be needed again?

I don't mean to sound cheap, but I have to keep in mind that this is something I will have to keep up with, so cost is a factor. I don't want to put out all this money and not be able to keep up the maintenance of it. It would be really sad to get all fixed up and then watch as it all fades back away. It's hard enough to get old looking the first time.

Thanks again for Wednesday. See you soon.

You made me laugh with your line "it's hard enough to get old looking the first time"

You make some excellent points – allow me to address them.

When you do botox, it's critical to get the right amount into the muscle based on muscle size and strength. If it is underdone, the effects will not last more than 2 months and you will be right back where you started. When the dosing is correct, the botox should last about 4 months and the muscle will start to get weaker. You learn not to use the muscles while under the effects of botox. This means that even if you only have one treatment, there is long term value in having it done. When applied with artistry and skill, botox preserves natural expression while preventing the development of unwanted lines and wrinkles. Consider having one area treated, then progressing to other areas when you feel more comfortable. Fillers typically last for 9 months, depending on the area treated.

Most people would benefit from a tightening every year, but a resurfacing is usually only undertaken every two or three years.. When the effect wears off, you will still be "younger" than you would otherwise be chronologically, even if you never repeat it. The same is true of botox and fillers.

Hope this helps - and thanks for the questions – it will help me come up with a good "frequently asked questions" brochure. Some people are afraid to ask what is really on their mind, for fear of appearing cheap. It is okay to be frugal – spend your hard earned money wisely.

Sincerely, Dr. Martin