Physical appearance and self-confidence are interconnected. If a person feels good, she will look good and the other way around. And for most people, this means that improving physical appearance leads to an increase in self-confidence. 

Most patients see a considerable improvement in the aspect of their skin and overall appearance, even after undergoing minimally invasive procedures, such as injections with different fillers or Botox.

Nowadays, we use injectables to achieve different aesthetic goals. The procedure is performed with small needles and takes only a few minutes, so it can be hard to believe that it can have a strong impact on how the patient looks. However, with the injectables, we can considerably remodel the patient’s anatomy and even erase or delay the signs of aging. The injectables that can be used for cosmetic purposes are Botox and dermal fillers.

Discussing the needs and expectations with the plastic surgeon

Like it’s always the case, it’s important to know exactly what results you want to achieve with the injectables. Plastic surgery can deliver amazing results, a more symmetric face, fewer wrinkles and fine lines, and even more volume where it is needed. 

When meeting your plastic surgeon for the first time to discuss injectable procedures, you should also ask about how to prepare and what to expect after the injections. For example, in some cases, bruises and redness can occur and last for a day or two, but it doesn’t happen very often.

Make sure to ask details about all the things that are not clear – there are so many myths about injectables that it’s hard to even know what fact is and what is fiction. Communicating openly with the plastic surgeon creates a strong foundation for a good relationship. Dr. Yates is using Botox and the most popular fillers, such as:

• Restylane Filler®

• Juvederm®

• Juvederm® Ultra

• Juvederm® Ultra Plus

Making the time stop with injectables

Who wouldn’t want to look again like in their 20s? With a firm, fresh complexion and no traces of wrinkles? No fine lines around the eyes and mouth, no wrinkles on the forehead? Well, with the injectables, we can stop time for a little while. It’s true we can’t fully reverse the signs of aging using the injectables, but patients can look years younger for much longer, with just a few sessions of injectables every now and then.

Minimally invasive procedures such as injectables can help you sustain the skin’s aspect you have now for longer. They can help you look a little bit more rested and with a brighter complexion. After just one session of Botox or hyaluronic acid, you (and the people around you) will notice an improvement. When using fillers and Botox, the improvement is obvious but very natural, especially when done by a talented, board-certified plastic surgeon. The results after the first session is a better-looking complexion. So, don’t be surprised if people stop you at work or in other places to tell you that you look much better since the last time they saw you!

The injectables

As we have already mentioned, we can use different substances to improve the condition of the skin and the structure of the face. Among them, the most popular are botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid, and the patient’s own fat cells. One of the most common misconceptions about injectables is related to the use of Botox. Even if the botulinum toxin has been used for decades now for different medical and cosmetic purposes, there are still people who believe that you can use it to augment your lips – and this is wrong. So, let’s see what Botox is and what it does.

Botulinum toxin – Botox

As mentioned before, botulinum toxin is not only used for cosmetic purposes, and the neurotoxin has other medical indications (muscle spasms, for example). So, even if it is a poison by name and function, botulinum toxin can actually help a great deal with muscle contractures. This is the reason why we only use Botox in areas such as the forehead and the sides of the eyes (where we get the crow’s feet wrinkles). What happens is that Botox injections can paralyze the muscles. Without the muscles contracting and folding the skin, the skin is more relaxed, hence no wrinkles, while the neurotoxin it’s having an effect and less damage to the skin. In other words, Botox injections are not only great if you want to show fewer wrinkles now, but they are also great for the future. 

As it is a neurotoxin, it doesn’t fill in the wrinkles from within, and it has an effect on the muscles under the skin. And this is the reason why sometimes we need more than Botox to achieve the rejuvenated complexion we all want – hello, dermal fillers!

Dermal fillers – hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers come under different names and formulations. This substance can be used to create volume where it was lost, to fill in wrinkles and skin folds, and even to make the dark circles under the eyes less visible. We can even redefine the cheekbones and the jawline with dermal fillers. The experience and the eye for detail of the plastic surgeon doing the procedure are vital for the success of the intervention. 

While injecting dermal fillers is a simple, non-invasive procedure, spectacular results can only be achieved when the plastic surgeon knows exactly how much to inject and where. Too much or not enough substance in one area or the other can create unbalance and an unsatisfactory result after the procedure. 

You can call now to set up an appointment with our talented and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Essie Yates, at the Yates Institute for Plastic Surgery here in Fort Lauderdale.