Botox is the most popular facial rejuvenation treatment in the world, and dermal fillers aren’t far behind. They have become mainstays for adults of all ages and genders in the fight against visual signs of aging in the face. Separately and together, Botox and fillers can do great things to restore and maintain a vibrant, youthful appearance. Botox even helps prevent future lines and wrinkles from forming. But all those benefits are temporary, unless you get renewal injections on a regular basis.
So How Often Do You Need to Refresh?
Well, that depends. Since every patient is different, the product or dosage that will produce the results you desire may be different from someone else’s. Bodies also respond differently to injectables. And the location can affect longevity as well. Nonetheless, the following information will give you a good idea what to expect in the way of a maintenance schedule.
Botox
At Eterna Cosmetic Surgery, we offer both Botox Cosmetic and Xeomin. They are very similar but have slightly different characteristics, so Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez may recommend one or the other based on your goals and the injection location. Both products produce results that typically last 3-4 months. At that point, you will start to see lines or wrinkles reappear, so it’s time for refresher injections.
The specific timing depends on your own metabolism, because that determines how quickly your body will absorb the Botox. For example, younger, athletic patients tend to metabolize Botox faster.
Over time, many of our patients find they can wait longer before getting new Botox injections. When you receive consistent Botox treatments, the muscles become less bulky and strong which produces a smoother skin appearance in the treated area. So patients can get refresher treatments less often and still maintain a consistent, natural look.
Dermal Fillers
At Eterna Cosmetic Surgery we offer a wide variety of dermal fillers. Some are designed to address multiple types of lines and wrinkles, others are formulated for specific use in the lips, for example.
How do you know when it’s time to renew your filler? Dr. Hernandez says patients typically complain of looking tired or old once the fillers are dissolving.
But you don’t have to wait till you get to that point. Dr. Hernandez notes that many of her patients regularly come in every 4 months to get Botox and filler treatments. She can treat different areas with small amounts of fillers as needed at each visit, so results appear consistent over time.
She also points out that patients shouldn’t worry about long-term effects from regular filler injections. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Revanesse Versa and those in the Juvederm family are metabolized completely, so they do not cause problems over time. And fillers such as Radiesse and Bellafill contain biostimulants that actively promote new collagen production, which helps rejuvenate skin and underlying tissues.
What’s Best for You?
Dr. Hernandez simply advises, “I recommend that patients see me when they see anything that they want to improve.”
If you’ve never had Botox or dermal filler injections before, the first thing Dr. Hernandez will do is consult privately with you. She will evaluate your skin and facial structure and listen to your concerns. She will also ask about your medical history, to ensure the treatment(s) you are considering will be safe as well as effective. Then she can make specific recommendations about Botox and/or fillers and suggest an appropriate maintenance schedule.
