The summer sun is a leading culprit of advanced skin aging, including lines, wrinkles and creases. If you’ve been having a little too much fun in the sun over the years, you could be a good candidate for BOTOX® or dermal fillers to achieve a smoother, younger-looking appearance.
While wrinkles are one of the most common signs of aging skin, sun-damaged skin may also exhibit discoloration, laxity/looseness, and visible veins. BOTOX and fillers are often just a part of a full treatment mix to address all of your cosmetic skin concerns, and they often can help you achieve a dramatically younger and healthier look. Here’s what you need to know about these treatments.
BOTOX
BOTOX is most commonly used on areas of your upper face, such as forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet on the sides of the eyes, and “11” lines between your eyebrows. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles under the skin that cause these lines and wrinkles to form with repeated movement over time.
For most people, BOTOX treatments last around 3 to 6 months before you’ll need another injection. More and more people are getting BOTOX sooner rather than later and over a long period of time in an attempt to help prevent the formation of wrinkles in the future.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, also commonly called injectable fillers, are typically used to smooth away wrinkles in the mid and lower face, such as frown lines, marionette lines, and “parentheses” on the sides of the mouth. They can also be used to boost volume in your cheeks and lips. Like BOTOX, dermal fillers offer temporary results, lasting anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler you choose.
If you’ve never had fillers before, you may want to ask for a hyaluronic filler. This is the most common type of filler currently available, with the added benefit that they can be dissolved/reversed in the unlikely event that you’re not happy with your results.
A Word about Wrinkle Prevention
BOTOX and fillers are two of the most effective and popular wrinkle treatments around. But preventing new lines and wrinkles from forming is more than half the battle. Remember to wear sunscreen every day — not just for a day at the beach. Wearing sunglasses, a sun hat and other sun-protective clothing whenever you are outside is also a smart idea to protect your skin health.
Good sun protection habits, combined with treatments like BOTOX and fillers, can yield amazing anti-aging results.
Author’s Bio
Dr. Waleed Ezzat is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He is also an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, and frequently presents at medical conferences both nationally and internationally.