Injectable Botox and Fillers Together
The combination of Botox (muscle relaxer) and injectable fillers (plumping agents) may produce an effect that is greater than the use of injectable fillers alone. By reducing muscle contraction, Botox helps slow down the breakdown of the filler due to less movement in the area that has been filled. However, Botox is not good for all areas of the face and works best in the areas around the eyes (forehead, between the brows) and in some areas around the lips. Fillers work best in between the brows and around the lips and mouth.
The Liquid Lift is a concept of using Botox and Fillers together to create a more relaxed and youthful facial appearance. Quite frankly, this is a concept that works best for the younger patient with only the early signs of aging. Older patients, however, have very limited results with this approach as they have much more sagging tissue and bags. A filler can not lift a hanging bag or tighten loose skin. That is what a facelift or some variation of a facelift and other plastic surgery procedures can do better.
In the young patient without loose skin, I often combine Botox, an injectable filler, and a light laser peel (MicroLaserPeel) to create an overall facial rejuvenative effect. The light laser peel heals completely in 4 – 5 days and the refreshed skin is a good complement to what the Botox and Filler has done. This is also about the time that Botox ‘kicks in’, so one week later one looks great.
Dr Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana