Facial Contouring Treatment: Botulinum Toxin and Filler Combination:

There are a myriad of options when it comes to maintaining youthful skin, the natural balance of features and a defined facial contour. With all of the incredible advancements within the field of aesthetics, it can be confusing to know where to start. One approach that has stood the test of time due to its effectiveness and proven results, is the combination of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. Within this blog post, we delve into why this treatment combination is so popular and how it can produce incredible results.

The Foundations of Facial Contouring

Maintaining facial balance and balancing facial features is the ultimate example of two contrasting disciplines, art and science, working in synergy to achieve the end results. Having an artistic eye and recognising how to balance facial structures without altering natural beauty takes years of experience, practice and talent. This skill relies on the understanding of anatomy, physiology and the biological makeup of the skin and tissues. This knowledge is essential for planning facial contouring and alignment. Whilst makeup can give a temporary effect of contouring lifted skin, there are ways to maintain this result more permanently. At the heart of this is the combination of dermal fillers and botulinum toxin. With experience, these tools can be used to bring harmony to facial structures, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and rejuvenate the face and skin.

Understanding Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers

Botulinum Toxin: Botulinum Toxin is known by many as “Botox” or muscle relaxant injections. Botox is the brand name of a product and not the compound itself, there are many different brands on the market which contain botulinum toxin. The compound is a neurotoxin which is derived from Clostridium botulinum. The word neurotoxin can sound a little scary to some however, Botulinum Toxin has been an FDA-approved medication for over two decades and has a wealth of supporting evidence. The toxin works by temporarily paralysing the muscle it is injected into, this results in a reduced appearance of wrinkles. It’s particularly useful for lines known as dynamic lines, which are visible when the face is very expressive.

Dermal fillers: Most dermal fillers are made up of a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is a compound that naturally occurs in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. When it is injected into a specific area this gel-like product attracts water and can replace lost volume, smooth out lines and enhance facial contours. There are a number of different usages for dermal fillers but most commonly they are used to add volume to the lips, bring balance to the mid-face and contour the lower face.

The Synergy of Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers in Facial Contouring

Like with most aspects of modern medicine, taking a holistic approach leads to better results. The combined effects of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers can target different aspects of the facial contour. Toxins are often used on the upper face such as the forehead and around the eyes to smooth out lines and wrinkles. However, did you know that they can also be used on the lower face by expert injectors? The masseter muscle is a muscle often overworked by the grinding of the teeth and by stress and the appearance of the overuse of this muscle can give a more square jawline due to the increased size of the muscle. By injecting toxin into this muscle, the muscle relaxes which can improve the appearance of the jawline contour as well as improving your tooth grinding and sleep.

Dermal fillers by contrast are mostly used to replace lost volume and to smooth and contour the lower face. It is impossible to replace lost volume and balance out facial features through the use of toxins alone. It is also incredibly risky to inject dermal fillers into certain areas of the upper face. Combining the two approaches gives a much more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.

Target Areas for Treatment

Crows Feet and Smile lines: Lines around the eyes can be a sign of a happy and fulfilled life, however for many the crow’s feet can be an area of concern. Toxin injections can help to soften the lines around the eyes helping to give a more rested appearance.

Wrinkles on the Forehead and Frown lines: Perhaps the most common area of treatment with botulinum toxin. Injections into the forehead and between the eyebrows can reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in this area.

Mid-face: The use of dermal fillers can replace the volume that is lost due to the natural process of ageing. This includes fat lost in the cheeks and temples. Fillers can also be used here to bring harmony to the rest of the face and to restore natural balance which can be altered due to several factors including genetics and weight loss etc.

Lips and Perioral Area: Dermal fillers can be used in the lips to enhance volume and to help define the borders of the lips. They can also be used to add hydration to the lip area and to smooth out lines around the mouth. Toxin injections can also be used to lift the lip and reduce the natural appearance of a down-turned mouth.

Jawline and Chin: Dermal fillers can be used in the jawline and chin area to strengthen the appearance of a weaker jawline and to help balance out the profile of the lower face. Toxin injections into the chin can relax chin-wrinkling and give a more youthful appearance. Used in the masseter toxin injections can give the appearance of a slimmer lower face if this muscle has become enlarged.

The process of Receiving Botox and Filler Treatments

The process begins with a consultation with one of our expert aesthetic practitioners. At The Dr Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, all of our practitioners are medically trained and have years of experience within the field of aesthetics. Your practitioner will assess your facial structure and discuss your personal goals and desires. Using their knowledge and understanding and taking into consideration your individual anatomy, your practitioner will develop a personalised treatment plan for you.

Dermal fillers and toxin injectables are only undertaken by our nurses and Dr Tanja.

The results of dermal fillers can be seen immediately and can last for up to two years depending on placement and the type of filler that’s used. The effect of botulinum toxin injections can be seen within a few days and can last up to four months.

Safety Considerations

Whilst both dermal fillers and botulinum toxin treatments are considered fundamentally safe, as with any treatment there are risks involved. This is why it’s crucial to choose an experienced practitioner who has an advanced understanding of facial anatomy. At The Tanja Phillips Medical Aesthetic Clinic, you are in safe hands with our medically trained and experienced practitioners all of whom work directly with Dr Tanja herself. In the very rare event that a complication should arise, our expert practitioners are trained to manage complications quickly and effectively. It is important that in your consultation you discuss all aspects of your medical history including any medications you may be taking in order to minimise any possible risks.

Enhancing Results with Skin Tightening Treatments

If you are looking to maximise the results of your botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatment, your practitioner may suggest device-led treatments such as Fotona laser or skin-based treatments for example micro-needling. The benefit of these treatments is that they can stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. This can lead to naturally tighter and younger-looking skin. Device-led treatments can support the work of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers by improving the skin’s quality. The different treatments target the skin in a multi-dimensional approach, whether that’s targeting the muscles to reduce wrinkles, replacing fat lost by age, or improving the skin’s overall quality. The result? The ultimate in skin rejuvenation.

The Path to Younger Skin

No two faces are the same and just the same there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving a more youthful appearance. The combination of Botulinum Toxin and Fillers is versatile and can be bespoke to every individual. The two treatments combined are a powerhouse solution across a range of concerns from wrinkles to loss of volume. Combined with device-led treatments and a customised skin care regime to get the most out of your treatment you can see exceptional results. Understanding the natural anatomy of the individual ensures that the contours of the face can be highlighted in a way that enhances natural beauty and doesn’t mask or distort features. Your practitioner will work with you to put together a plan that helps ensure that the results achieved represent your individuality.

If you are interested in dermal fillers and botulinum toxin book in today for a consultation with a qualified practitioner. Contact us on: 01256 213007, hello@tanjaphillips.com, or submit an enquiry through our online ‘Chatbot’.