Botox & Fillers have long been a core component of what we do – but things are changing rapidly in the field of injectables, and educated consumers are going to find they can have better results than ever at a more affordable rate, while those who don’t stay up-to-date may find they’re wasting time and money with injectors who use old-fashioned products and techniques.
Over the last 10 to 20 years, I’ve performed tens of thousands of types of dermal filler treatment, and hundreds of thousands of Botox injections. It really does take a complete focus in minimally invasive cosmetic medicine to be a master of the art of injectables. At Reflections Center, we use injectables very conservatively so you can’t tell they’ve been used, helping us to age gracefully. The use of Botox and dermal fillers is an art in itself, and it’s something that takes years and years of training and thousands of patients to really master the craft.
Here are some of the most important things I’ve learned about Botox and dermal fillers and how I’m continuing to use them in 2023.
New Developments with Botox Treatments in 2023
The use of injectable agents such as Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin is a staple segment of the cosmetic field. Botox and other brands slow down muscle movement and decrease the wrinkles we see. They do this by blocking nerve signals when injected beneath the skin, allowing us to reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by movement (called dynamic wrinkles). Although it’s not a permanent treatment for the affected muscle, it can be very beneficial for concerns like crow’s feet, frown lines, and more.
Botox can also affect the shape of the brow, the shape of the eye, and other parts of the face for better symmetry or a smoother, more well-rested appearance. It can also be used for more medical concerns that impact the facial muscles like teeth grinding. Botox results really correspond with the skill of your injector to produce a muscle relaxing effect that doesn’t look over-done but still produced continued wrinkle reducing effects. Repeated treatments are the best way to maintain results with certain wrinkles, so having an injector who understands the compounding effects of Botox treatment will only help you get your desired effect.
One of the newest developments in Botox injections is the emergence of more powerful alternatives like Daxxify which can last significantly longer than Botox. Our cosmetic physicians have spent significant time learning this new FDA approved form of botulinum toxin and how it can prevent wrinkles with very little downtime.
New Developments with Dermal Fillers in 2023
There has been an explosion in the number of new dermal fillers on the market today. There’s Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero, Silk, Voluma, and Sculptra. I could keep on going. Along with more variety, dermal fillers continue to improve year after year and we actually use about 20 different fillers (including hyaluronic acid fillers and more advanced biostimulating options) here at Reflections Center. In Europe, there are about 100 different soft tissue fillers on the market, and that’s coming our way. My colleagues in the cosmetic medicine field often ask, “Why do you use so many dermal fillers? I only use one.” And the reality is, they’re all different. They each have their own attributes and uses allowing me to create a customized look.
Different Concerns, Different Dermal Fillers
At Reflections Center, we offer a wide variety of hyaluronic acid fillers in order to treat a variety of concerns, whether static wrinkles or dynamic wrinkles – or anywhere in between. If we’re treating a woman’s lips with dermal fillers, for example, are we trying to create volume? Are we trying to create a better border? Are they bothered by the little lip lines that they see in the white part of their lips? Do they not like the crinkles in the red part? This may seem like excessive detail but each of these indications is best treated with a different type of dermal filler. That’s why, depending on what the patient’s goals are, we’re going to offer them the best tool for the job.
New Technologies Allow Us to Avoid Blood Vessels at Your Injection Site
Another one of the advancements in dermal filler injections is the use of a technology called AccuVein. AccuVein gives us the ability to look under the surface of the skin and actually see where the veins live. If we can avoid those veins when injecting Botox and fillers, we can avoid a bruise. Bruising is just not something we want to see if we can help it. I want patients to go right back to work, right back to their life, or right to dinner as if nothing happened. This can make all the difference when it comes to injections treatment with a cosmetic physician who takes the time to ensure a good experience and a good result.
Prioritizing Natural Results with Dermal Fillers
Years ago, we used to solely treat lines and wrinkles such as smile lines with dermal fillers. Today, we use them in a very different way. We use them to:
- Restore lost volume to the face to regain youthful-looking contours
- Improve the jawline to decrease jowls
- Improve the shape of the nose
- Lift the eyebrows
- Add volume and shape the lips
Botox and fillers are used in many different parts of the face, and in the hands of a skilled injector, you shouldn’t be able to tell where they’ve been used. The face should just look more youthful and rested, and ideally dermal fillers smooth lines and wrinkles without impacting facial expressions. Both Botox and dermal fillers can be used together for even better results – for example, Botox can be used in the upper face to treat concerns like crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and more, while dermal fillers can be used in the lower face for wrinkles caused by volume loss. An experienced cosmetic physician can help sculpt youthful looking contours and stop creases from forming, contributing to an overall younger look that maintains your natural facial expressions.
Cannulas for Dermal Fillers
Part of our goal for dermal filler treatment is to make this a treatment that someone can fit into their daily life – something they don’t need to take time off of work for. So we try to decrease swelling, bruising, any discomfort afterward, and one of the big advancements in this field are the use of what we call cannulas.
Cannulas are little flexible tubes that don’t have any point at the end, so they’re much gentler to use than a needle. There’s a bit of a learning curve when injecting with one, so you want to make sure that you’re seeking care from a practitioner who has extensive experience with cannulas. Once you’re injected using a cannula, you’ll never go back and ask for a needle. I use these cannulas to inject cheeks, lips, and the under eye area with dermal fillers, making the treatment very comfortable while limiting the bruising and downtime.
Quotes from Reflections Center Patients
“The plastic look from Botox is very much a concern of mine, and Dr. Wix-Harris assured me she was using a very small amount, and I don’t think that it is an artificial look for me. I still have movement in my forehead. I didn’t want that plank look, and I didn’t get it. I’m very happy with it.
I feel at least 10 years younger. No one ever knew that I got anything done, and that’s what I love about it. It’s just kind of a… It boosts your confidence to look in the mirror and you don’t have to worry about lines or wrinkles, or, you know, anything deflating. I think that boost in your confidence, that you can just go out and conquer the world, there’s nothing like it.”
Choosing an Injector
Patients should be very selective about who they choose for Botox and dermal fillers. You want to choose someone with experience, vast knowledge, and one who has a fully equipped facility. It’s those individuals that are going to give you the best and safest result with the most natural-looking outcome. At Reflections, only physicians are performing these cosmetic injections and not only are these physicians trained, they also hold several years of experience.
Schedule a Consultation at Reflections Center for Cosmetic Medicine
In order to find a cosmetic physician that’s right for you, speak to friends, speak to relatives, and spend some time looking at review sites. Make sure the practitioner you’re seeing is a physician who is adequately trained and sufficiently experienced to do the kinds of injections you desire. At Reflections Center, we check all of these boxes for our patients while always offering the latest, most innovative treatments. Call one of our offices today to schedule your comprehensive consultation.
