FILLERS & NEUROMODULATORS
Botox®, fillers, and neuromodulators are popular aesthetic treatments that address signs of aging, enhance facial features, and improve skin smoothness. Here's an overview of each procedure, including the before and after care:
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Botox®
What it is:
Botox® is a type of neuromodulator that temporarily relaxes specific muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes (crow's feet). Botox works by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, preventing them from contracting.
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Procedure:
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Your Elysara Clinician cleanses the treatment area and may apply a topical numbing cream.
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Using a fine needle, your Elysara Clinician injects small amounts of Botox® into the targeted muscles.
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The entire process usually takes 10-20 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
Before Care:
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Avoid blood-thinning medications, supplements, and alcohol for at least a week before the treatment to minimize bruising.
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Refrain from using skin irritants, such as retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, for a few days before treatment.
After Care:
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Do not rub or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours to prevent migration of the product.
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Avoid strenuous exercise, heat exposure, and ly
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ing down for a few hours post-treatment.
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Results typically appear within 3-7 days and can last for 3-4 months.
Dermal Fillers
What it is:
Dermal fillers, often made from hyaluronic acid or other gel-like substances, add volume to specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, lips, and nasolabial folds (lines running from the nose to the mouth corners). Fillers restore volume lost due to aging, enhance facial contours, and smooth out deeper wrinkles.
Procedure:
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Your Elysara Clinician cleanses the skin and may apply a topical anesthetic for comfort.
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The filler is injected into the desired areas using a fine needle or cannula.
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Depending on the areas treated, the process usually takes 20-30 minutes.
Before Care:
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As with Botox®, avoid alcohol, blood-thinning medications, and certain supplements (e.g., fish oil, vitamin E) to reduce bruising.
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Hydrate well before the treatment, as hyaluronic acid fillers absorb water and benefit from increased hydration.
After Care:
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Avoid touching or pressing on the treated area for at least 24 hours.
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Use an ice pack if you experience swelling or discomfort, but avoid excessive heat.
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Avoid strenuous activities, sun exposure, and saunas for at least 24 hours.
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Swelling and minor bruising may appear but generally subside within a few days to two weeks.
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Results are immediate, though they settle over a few days and last from 6-18 months, depending on the filler type.
Neuromodulators (Other than Botox)
What it is:
Besides Botox®, other neuromodulators include Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau®. These are similar in function to Botox®, working to reduce fine lines by relaxing facial muscles. Each product has unique characteristics; for example, Dysport® spreads a bit more, making it effective for larger areas like the forehead.
Procedure:
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Neuromodulator injections follow the same general steps as Botox®, with slight variations depending on the product.
Before Care:
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Prepare similarly to Botox treatments, avoiding blood-thinning agents and alcohol.
After Care:
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Aftercare is consistent with Botox, with results appearing over several days and lasting 3-4 months.
GENERAL TIPS FOR ALL INJECTABLES
Before Treatment:
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Have an open discussion with your Elysara Clinician about your medical history, allergies, and desired results.
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Follow any specific instructions provided by your provider, as some cases may require unique considerations.
After Treatment:
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Avoid heavy makeup for 24 hours, as makeup application can sometimes lead to product migration or irritation.
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Moisturize and use sunscreen regularly, as protecting your skin from UV rays will help prolong results.
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Schedule follow-up appointments if needed, especially if a "touch-up" is required to achieve optimal results.
Following these procedures and aftercare instructions can help you achieve the best possible outcome and reduce risks associated with injectable treatments.
WHICH PRODUCTS ARE APPROVED BY THE FDA FOR WHICH USE?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several injectable products for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. Here's an overview of these products and their approved uses:
Botox® (OnabotulinumtoxinA):
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Aesthetic Uses: Botox is approved for temporarily improving the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines (frown lines between the eyebrows), crow's feet (lateral canthal lines), and forehead lines in adults.
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Therapeutic Uses: Beyond aesthetics, Botox is approved for treating conditions such as chronic migraines, overactive bladder, cervical dystonia (a movement disorder affecting the neck muscles), and severe underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Jeuveau® (PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs):
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Aesthetic Uses: Jeuveau is approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines in adults. It is specifically designed for cosmetic applications and does not have therapeutic indications.
Daxxify® (DaxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) by Revance Therapeutics:
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Aesthetic Uses: Daxxify is approved for the temporary improvement of moderate to severe glabellar lines in adults. Notably, it is the first peptide-formulated neuromodulator with long-lasting results, with effects lasting up to six months for some patients.
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Therapeutic Uses: In August 2023, Daxxify received FDA approval for the treatment of cervical dystonia in adults, marking its first therapeutic indication.
Revanesse® (Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Filler):
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Aesthetic Uses: Revanesse is a line of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers approved for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. It is designed to add volume and smooth out facial lines.
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