HA Dermal Fillers & Botulinum Toxin
Time Stoppers
As the days go by, signs of ageing small and large begin to appear. From a second look after a late-night, to an off-hand comment, when we look closer the ways in which time is changing our facial features becomes apparent. Once we’ve noticed, it can be challenging to ignore, but what can we do about it? Aesthetic Medicine offers tested non-surgical treatments that are low-risk, budget-friendly options for addressing visible ageing
Classic Beauty Enhancers
HA Dermal Fillers and Botulinum Toxin are two distinct classes of non-surgical injectable interventions that prevent and treat existing fine lines and wrinkles. Their reliable and proven use over decades allows them to be approachable for first time users while still serving as effective solutions for committed anti-ageing strategists.
Definitions
Dermal Fillers: These substances plump-out wrinkles with moisture. They remedy fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume in the form of moisture along with other add-ins that build and restore dermal structures.
Botulinum Toxin: Stops muscle contractions from happening, releasing muscles, smoothing lines and wrinkles and keeping future creases from being created.
Primary Fundamentals to be included in any Injectable Treatment Plan
These fundamentals may appear basic, but they distinguish an acceptable outcome versus a phenomenal result.
Artistry – Aesthetic Medicine is a combination of medical science and aesthetic aptitude. Understanding the medical anatomy of bone structure, the processes activated by active ingredients, alongside the mathematics of symmetry and balance is essential. A professional’s ability to listen well to what the Client seeks to achieve and subsequently being able to translate that into actionable and effective aesthetic strategy relies on experience and a thoroughly grasped sense of Medical Aesthetic Artistry.
Thoroughly Assessed Unit Quantities – More is not necessarily better in the realm of fillers. Whilst some treatments do require larger doses, other require micro-quantities. Ease and comfort in application of meticulous measures should not be undervalued.
Precise Placement – An awareness of the mechanism of action within each distinct product is critical. Advanced techniques and experience go beyond clear-cut placement sites to incorporate a more wholistic view of facial aesthetics; gracefully accentuating and minimizing for a cohesive rejuvenated outcome.
Finesse & Skill – Ease with micro-gauge needles, comfort within high-pressure situations, and the ability to listen well and answer questions are all of high importance.
Mastery of these elements allows for safe and wow-factor on-point results.
Common Questions Answered
How long have these substances been used in Medical Aesthetics? Both of these products have been in use over decades. Dermal Fillers were debuted in the 1970’s and Botulinum Toxin’s use in Aesthetics was recognized in the late 1980’s.
What are each of these substances made up of? Individual product compositions will vary according to manufacturer specifications and approved treatment application.
Dermal Fillers often rely substantially on the impressive qualities of Hyaluronic Acid. Certain ranges of products may also contain Poly-L-lactic acid which is a biodegradable, biocompatible man-man polymer and/or Calcium hydroxylapatite which is a mineral found in our teeth and bones. In addition, Collagen and other skin building block materials useful for retaining and optimizing dermal health and moisture levels may be included.
Broadly speaking the active ingredient within Botulinum Toxin is just that; botulinum toxin type A an isolated bacterium approved for a wide variety of medical treatment uses including Medical Aesthetics..
How does the Manufacturer and Aesthetic Clinic have to handle each substance to maintain top quality. A: Products must be shipped appropriately and received from reputable, traceable, medical supply distributors. Each filler substance must be handled according to manufacturer’s instructions in order to protect and preserve its qualities. Storage temperatures must be maintained along with guarding them from UV light. Strict safety-driven hygiene measures are of utmost import.
How does each substance work? Hyaluronic Acid within Dermal Fillers acts as a humectant, drawing in and binding water molecules en masse allowing for its volumizing effect. Botulinum Toxin works by blocking a nerve’s communication signal with the muscle fibre. This keeps the muscle from contracting on command and leads to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
How long do the results of each last? Results will vary according to the exact product(s) utilized, unit quantity used, and placement location. No medical aesthetic injectable is considered permanent and most have results that last from three months to around a year.
What happens to each substance over time? The formulation and ingredients used within a product will be the main indicator of what is to be expected over time. The vast majority of Aesthetic Injectables feature biodegradable materials which eventually degrade naturally into components that the body eliminates via the digestive system.
Hyaluronic Acid on its own can be absorbed fairly quickly but effort has gone into extending this time period through cross-linked modifications that further its active lifespan within skin. HA also carries what some to consider a big benefit in that any exaggerated or unwanted affects can be immediately dissolved and erased with a hyaluronidase injection. Calcium hydroxylapatite particles used can last up to eighteen months before being eliminated by the body. Poly-L-lactic acid material can also last up to two years or more before being re-absorbed. Non-absorbent materials may be included in some ingredient lists and when they are they tend to be Polymethylmethacrylate beads, which are considered permanent when they are injected within dermal filler solution.
The natural effects of Botulinum Toxin wear off and it is absorbed by the body to be eliminated in around three to five months.
Q: Will ripples or asymmetry become visible as the aesthetic impact of substances dissipates? It is highly unlikely that any asymmetry would result as dermal filler effects fade and rippling is not associated with dermal fillers or botulinum toxin use.
Q: Are there any dangers relating to the substances? FDA approved dermal fillers are considered safe for the applications and indications that they have been approved for. The quantities of botulinum toxin used in Medical Aesthetics are very small and are considered safe. It is always wise to read and talk through the patient safety pamphlet included with the filler you and your doctor decide to use.
The most common risks and side-effects include swelling, bruising, bleeding, and pain at the injection site.
Red Flags and Green Flags
If you have never invested in a Medical Aesthetic treatment before; beware of the following as it is an indicator of problematic and potentially dangerous short-cutting.
- Botulinum toxin should NEVER be ‘on special’.
- Do not accept any diluted products. Some practitioners may dilute to maximize profits and attempt to make their clinic supply last longer, but this is incorrect usage. It is not safe for Clients and creates poor weak results.
- Products should not be tampered with. Packaging and clarity regarding brand should be available to Clients.
- Don’t accept off-brands, discounted ‘wanna-be’ brands, black market, or expired products.
- Ask ahead what brand of product will be used; so you can do your own research beforehand.
- Acceptable storage and high quality of hygiene procedures should be blatantly obvious and visible at every stage in your treatment.
- Many Professionals can legally offer Aesthetic Injectables, however, we recommend enlisting the service of those who specialise within the field of Aesthetics and have years of experience within Aesthetics.
No Compromise
There should be no compromise with the Clinician and Clinic you choose. Products employed in your beauty procedures should be the highest quality available. Storage, hygiene, and safety should be demonstrably paramount. Expertise should be well-documented across a wide range of Client populations for the procedure you are evaluating or undergoing. Do not risk your beauty and health with dubious products or an unqualified inexperienced non-professional.
Choose Excellence
Excellent and safe results require treatment with qualified and experienced medical professional hands. Dr Clark is a nationally renowned injector trainer. Invest in the best products delivered by a top-rate Doctor at clean and comfortable clinic in Sandton.
Call SAI on 011 883 3116 / 060 718 2178,
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