Many times BOTOX® Cosmetic and injectable fillers are considered to be interchangeable. This is not true. Facial rejuvenation patients may not fully understand the difference between these products, but our board-certified plastic surgeon, Thomas Lintner, MD, FACS, is more than happy to discuss the products and to help determine which treatment would be most beneficial for a patient.
In general terms, injectable fillers are used to fill in fine lines and wrinkles and to augment facial features like lips. BOTOX injections, however, are used to prevent the contraction of muscles that cause wrinkles. Both BOTOX Cosmetic and injectable fillers are used as minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures.
For more information about cosmetic injectables and dermal fillers, or if you wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lintner, please contact our office today.
Botox® Cosmetic
FDA-approved BOTOX® Cosmetic is designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles along the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes. Comprised of a neurotoxin, BOTOX injections work by limiting the movement of muscles that, through excessive contraction, typically contribute to the formation of creases in these areas. Dr. Lintner or our skilled injector, Rachel Lowe, RN, will administer BOTOX Cosmetic based on the patient’s expressed goals and anatomic needs. No two individuals are alike, so we will develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each person.
After the initial consultation, BOTOX injections can be administered in-office, often in as little as 20 minutes. Unlike some other cosmetic injectables, the results are not immediate; however, gradual improvement will occur over the course of a few weeks and benefits will continue for up to 3 months, sometimes longer. Maintenance treatments 3-4 times a year are usually necessary to maintain effects long term.
In addition to providing a non-surgical option to diminish common signs of aging, BOTOX Cosmetic typically requires little to no downtime. Some swelling and/or redness at the injection sites is normal, though these effects generally fade within a few hours. Most individuals can return to work immediately following the procedure. BOTOX injections do not require anesthesia, but we strive to provide enhanced patient comfort, and we can offer a topical numbing for those patients who desire it to help optimize the experience.
Juvéderm®
One of the most popular dermal fillers available, JUVÉDERM® can help to reduce common signs of aging, including fine lines and volume loss, as well as other bothersome skin conditions, such as acne scars. Typical treatment areas include the nasolabial folds (creases from nose to mouth), marionette lines (creases from mouth to chin), and smoker’s lines (creases on the upper lip). Additionally, JUVÉDERM may be used to add volume to the lips. Made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally-occurring substance within the body, JUVÉDERM offers rapid, minimally-invasive facial rejuvenation that can last from six to nine months or more, depending on the individual.
Similar to the BOTOX Cosmetic process, JUVÉDERM will be administered by Dr. Lintner or Rachel following the initial consultation and development of a customized treatment plan. The unique, non-allergenic formula includes a local anesthetic to enhance the patient experience, and most individuals experience little to no discomfort. Furthermore, recovery is typically brief, with most people returning to normal activities directly following treatment. Side effects are generally minimal and often fade within a few hours, including some bruising and redness in the treatment area. Some patients who take certain herbals or use frequent aspirin or NSAID medications can and do bruise more significantly. Benefits should be visible almost immediately, and they commonly last for 6-9 months. Yearly “touch-up” injections may be recommended to extend the life of the outcome.
I have tried several practices for my facial needs (botox, microneedling, etc.), and the search is over! I am absolutely in love with the staff and the overall outcome of my experiences with the products and how I look in general after treatments!DeAnna
Juvéderm Voluma™ XC
Both JUVÉDERM and JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC are designed to provide natural-looking facial rejuvenation; however, these two formulas are typically used for different areas of the face. JUVÉDERM VOLUMA XC is currently the only HA-based dermal filler FDA-approved to add volume to the midfacial area and cheeks. The thicker consistency of the solution augments the skin for a more youthful appearance and offers longer-lasting results than most dermal fillers, up to two years or more in some cases. JUVÉDERM VOLUMA XC also includes a topical anesthetic, provides almost immediate results, and can often be performed during a lunch break. Recovery is usually minimal and similar to that of BOTOX Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM. Patients seeking to prolong the benefits of this treatment should consider occasional repeat injections from our skilled practitioners.
Kybella®
KYBELLA® is an FDA-approved injectable designed to reduce the appearance of submental fullness (often referred to as a “double chin”) with long-lasting results. Using a fine needle, this solution is carefully injected into targeted areas under the chin where stubborn fat has accumulated. Composed of deoxycholic acid, KYBELLA can destroy fat cells in the submental region, offering patients a nonsurgical option for addressing this common concern. Treatment usually only takes about 15-20 minutes, and most patients are able to resume their daily activities immediately afterward. Results should gradually become apparent over time as the broken down fat cells are eliminated through the body’s natural processes. Some minor to moderate swelling and/or bruising may occur in the treated area, but these side effects typically subside within a few days. Depending on your specific needs, multiple treatment sessions spaced approximately one month apart may be necessary. Once ideal results have been achieved, retreatment is generally not needed.
Aquagold® Fine Touch™ Micro-channeling
Designed to evenly and distribute a customized blend of cosmetic injectables such as BOTOX Cosmetic and HA-based products (like those in the JUVÉDERM family), AQUAGOLD® Fine Touch™ is a sterile, single-use device featuring 20 tiny stainless steel needles plated with 24-karat gold. AQUAGOLD can treat larger areas in less time than the traditional syringe method, and each of its needles are 
smaller than a human hair in thickness. Most patients report little to no discomfort during treatment—often likening it to the feeling of a cat’s tongue, but stronger. Additionally, AQUAGOLD’s gold plating minimizes any chance of allergic reaction or irritation.
AQUAGOLD delivers product at a consistent depth just below the skin, making it an ideal treatment for individuals seeking a refreshed and revitalized look prior to a wedding or other major event. The micro-channeling effect of the tiny needles also helps encourage collagen production, which can further enhance outcomes. Treatment usually only takes about 30 minutes, and results typically last about 2-3 months.
Contact Advanced Aesthetic Surgery
If you have additional questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM, and JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC, or if you wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lintner, please contact us today.