Non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox® and facial fillers have revolutionized the medical aesthetics field, battling wrinkles, facial contour and other signs of aging without resorting to invasive surgery. According to a 2022 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 70% more people choose these minimally invasive options than in 2019.
Dr. Jennifer A Baron, MD is a double board-certified dermatologist specializing in Mohs surgery and cosmetic procedures, including Botox and facial fillers. When you visit our San Jose, California clinic, Dr. Baron will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your skin-related concerns.
For those new to medical aesthetics and injectable cosmetic procedures, it can feel overwhelming when considering the many options available. Facial fillers like Juvederm and neuromodulators like Botox provide different benefits, but rather than choosing one or the other, you can maximize your results with a careful combination of treatments in a single session.
Botox and Active Wrinkles
Certain types of wrinkles can make you look older than you feel and Botox can be the key to smooth, younger-looking skin. Botox temporarily decreases contraction force in specific muscles that would otherwise lead to permanent "fixed" or temporary "dynamic" wrinkles in the skin above.
After a comprehensive exam and consultation to discover your personal goals, Dr. Baron uses a small needle to inject the targeted areas. Patients feel little to no pain or discomfort during the injection process and small pinpoint bruising rarely occurs.
Botox can be used to reduce or erase fine lines and even deeply-set wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle contractions. Common areas for injection include:
- Smile lines around eyes
- Bunny lines on nose
- Jaw shape and bruxism
- Lip flip (fuller upper lip and reduced vertical "smoker" lines)
- Forehead, brow lift, "elevenses," resting frown
- Vertical neck lines
- Dimpled chin
- Tension headache/migraine
- Trapezius (neck/shoulder) pain
You will see the full benefits about 7 - 10 days after your treatment. Results usually last 4 - 6 months, depending on the targeted areas and your baseline muscle tone.
Facial Fillers for Younger Contour and Softening
As we get older and the body produces less hydrating and skin-supporting proteins, we usually notice a loss of volume in many areas of the face. Facial fillers consist of water-loving proteins, like hyaluronic acid which is already naturally made in our soft tissues, or minerals like calcium hydroxyl apetite, micronized to stimulate connective tissue, to restore the younger-appearing volume and facial contour we lose to weight loss, certain medications, sun damage and biological aging.
Using safe, FDA-approved fillers like Juvederm® Ultra Plus and Radiesse, Dr. Baron is able to restore youthful plumpness to your face and soften unwanted wrinkles and creases. Radiesse also stimulates collagen production within the subcutis layers, supporting healthy-looking skin from within.
This non-invasive procedure involves little to no discomfort or recovery time. You may experience some swelling, bruising or tenderness in the areas that Dr. Baron injects, but this typically resolves in 1 - 3 days. Eating a serving of fresh pineapple the day before, day of, and day after your treatment can significantly minimize this.
Facial fillers can last up to a year, or even longer depending on the areas treated, quantity and product used. As fillers are naturally metabolized by your body, they gradually fade away. Your skin and soft tissue are otherwise unaffected and your volume will return to it's pre-treatment state. You can maintain desired results with repeat treatments without harm. Excessive filler injections that over-stretch the overling dermis and epidermis or other fliler products that are more permanent like silicone or fat transfers can affect the skin differently. Dr. Baron has chosen to use only long-lasting, but temporary fillers that are safe and she only injects to restore volume, not to over-treat or alter facial appearance beyond your natural shape and proportions.
Combine Botox and Fillers for Natural Results
While Botox and facial fillers offer significant benefits on their own, the combination of therapies can yield spectacular results. It’s completely safe to get Botox and fillers in the same session.
While both methods use targeted injection techniques, each uses its own therapeutic concept. Botox decreases the amount of wrinkles that show when your face moves while speaking or emoting, and fillers erase the wrinkles that are visible when your face is at rest and restore your younger facial shape.
If you’re unsure which treatment — or combination of treatments — is right for you, Dr. Baron and her team are here to guide you through the process. If you've had similar treatments before or you're new to the idea but you're ready to "test the waters," we can fit you in for a same-day appointment for Botox alone or set up a filler or combination appointment on most Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Dr. Baron will answer all of your questions and provide her expertise for your customized treatments at our San Jose office. Call us today to schedule, or check back soon to book online through our practice website.
2 comments
Hi Karen! Thank you for your comment regarding your granddaughter’s experiences with acne and my products (the acne bundle, “Hydrate & Shine” including Complex Glycolic Treatment Pads, Concentrated Retinol Rx Serum, and Hyaluronic Peptide Serum). Most retinol formulations (especially those from the pharmacy) act as irritants to any skin type, but especially younger or sensitive skin, BUT, retinol is probably the most effective way to treat acne by reducing oil production, clearing and shrinking pores, clearing white heads and black heads, reducing scars and discoloration caused by blemishes. So, the challenge is to find a well-balance retinol that is still strong enough to make those changes in a fairly short period of time. My formula contains antioxidants and hydrators to help achieve this balance and the combined regimen of exfoliation with glycolic acid and witch hazel, medical-grade retinol, and deeply hydrating (but non-greasy) hyaluronic acid have been very successful in treating most cases of comedonal and even some cases of inflammatory, cystic acne. If the retinol serum begins to cause irritation, your granddaughter can reduce her use to 2 or 3 times per week (apply glycolic pad, then follow with retinol serum, then follow with hyaluronic peptides). On the non-treatment days, she can use just the hyaluronic peptides only. She may also consider seeing a dermatologist if her acne is more severe or she has eczema-prone skin that may make her acne treatment more complicated. However, I think if you pass along these recommendations with my products to her, she may see a breakthrough in her skin!
I purchased the acne bundle for my Granddaughter who is 12 years old and is suffering with acne. She stopped using the retinol because she said it dries out her skin. After much research, I was convinced that this was the best skin care line for her. Any help would be greatly appreciated.