Are botox and fillers right for you?

SL CLINIC SPECIAL

Q1 What are some misconceptions about Botox?

Some believe that it contains toxins, which is not true. Botulinum toxin – commonly used under the trade name Botox – is a biological neurotoxin produced by a bacterium. Others believe that once they stop going for botulinum toxin treatments, their skin will age faster — this is also false. On the contrary, regular botulinum toxin treatments can slow down the skin ageing process and prevent wrinkles from getting deeper. This is because the skin covering the relaxed muscles does not contract and so, does not develop new or deeper wrinkles.

Q2 Why does Botox leave some people looking stiff and unnatural?

That could be due to injecting botulinum toxin into the incorrect area or using the wrong amount of botulinum toxin — these two factors are crucial to the treatment outcome. The purpose of botulinum toxin treatments is not to lift or tighten your skin but to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is injected into muscles to weaken the signals from the nerves to the muscles at the injection site so that a wrinkle formed by muscle contractions (like frowning) will relax and soften. To avoid unfavourable results, you should always look for an experienced doctor to perform the procedure.

Q3 What are the differences between Botox and fillers?

Botulinum toxin treatments are used to relax muscles to soften the look of wrinkles to create a more youthful look, and slow down the skin ageing process. It can also be injected into the muscles along the jaw line to slim down a squarish jaw.

On the other hand, fillers are injected into areas on your face or any part of the body to treat soft tissue volume loss and hollowness. There are different types of fillers for different skin needs. Hyaluronic acid fillers are generally used as “face volumisers” — they can plump up and lift your cheeks and lips, smoothen the look of wrinkly hands and create a sharper looking chin. Results are immediate for fillers while botulinum toxin treatments may require two weeks for you to see the full results.

Q4 Who is suitable for Botox and filler procedures?

Anyone who has visible expression lines and wrinkles can start on botulinum toxin treatments, and those who are concerned with sunken areas under the eyes and cheeks can opt for fillers.

Dr. Kelvin Chua, Medical Director, SL Clinic

M.B.B.S. (Adelaide, Australia), Certified Laser Physician

Grad Dip Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM)

Certified Laser Lipolysis

Physician, Member American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine

Member Anti-Aging Association

SL Clinic is at #04-04 Wheelock Place, Tel: 6235 3246; #03-33 Plaza Singapura ,Tel: 6336 1106;

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