Botox and Dermal Fillers

How Botox treatments work for facial features

 “Short of having a facelift, cosmetic Botox and dermal fillers is the most effective skincare option to reduce the signs of aging,” says Dr. Gaur. “It eliminates fine lines, creases, crow’s feet, frown lines, eyebrow lines, and bags under the eyes.”

Approved in 2002, cosmetic Botox blocks the nerve pulses that make the muscles contract. When muscle contractions beneath are minimized, there is muscle weakness and wrinkles are temporarily eliminated.

Botox and dermal fillers are marketed under various brand names such as Defyne, Lyft, Perlane, Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra, Voluma, and Dysport.

Dr. Gaur’s extensive understanding of the face and eyes makes her an expert in safely giving patients the best facial rejuvenation results possible.

Is Cosmetic Botox different than Botox Therapeutic?

Botox Therapeutic (botulinum toxin) and Cosmetic Botox use the same ingredients, it is just the uses that differ between the two.

Therapeutic Botox is used for serious health conditions such as migraine headaches, muscle spasticity (such as in Parkinson patients), and chronic neck pain, to name a few.

Both Botox Therapeutic and Cosmetic Botox are applied the same way, through injection to various areas of the face.

Results from the anti-aging treatment are not long-lasting, and most patients return to Dr. Gaur within six months for new injections. There are some indications that over time, the muscles that Botox relaxes will require less product to achieve the same effect.

When will I see results from Cosmetic Botox? 

Most patients see results from the injections within 2 to 10 days.

What are dermal fillers?

Part of the aging process includes the loss of subcutaneous fat. What this does is bring the facial muscles closer to the skin’s surface. That’s when we begin to notice smile lines, a double chin, and crow’s feet.

Common brand names for dermal fillers include Radiesse, Sculptra, Restylane, and Kybella. 

Dr. Gaur also uses hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen production within the skin. Collagen is the protein in your body that stimulates skin elasticity. 

Other factors that can alter facial skin include heredity, lifestyle, and exposure to the sun.

Injectable fillers are a minimally invasive treatment used by Dr. Gaur to reduce facial lines and re-establish volume and fullness in the face.

Though Dr. Gaur often augments cosmetic Botox injections with dermal fillers, some patients use the approach to ward off undergoing a complete facelift. Dermal fillers should not be considered a permanent solution for facial concerns. Patients taking this approach must have ongoing treatments.

Dr. Gaur may use fillers to decrease shadows in the lower eyelids, soften facial creases and wrinkles, cheek augmentation, fill in shallow contours, plump up thin lips, and improve the appearance of recessed scars.

How do injectable dermal fillers work?

Sometimes, depending on the needs of her patients, Dr. Gaur augments Botox injections with dermal fillers. Dermal Fillers are a soft, gel-like substance that creates a smoother, fuller appearance in deeper wrinkles. The FDA has approved fillers for use in the face, lips, and hands. It is also effective for lines that run from the corners of your nose to your mouth (nasolabial folds).

Dermal fillers can also be used for patients who should not receive Botox injections. These include women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, drooping of facial soft tissues, or wrinkles that Dr. Gaur believes will not respond well to Botox.

“I apply injectable dermal fillers to reduce or eliminate deep smile lines on each side of the nose and add volume to lips and jawlines,” says Dr. Gaur. “These injectable treatments also fill in areas that have suffered facial volume loss.”

Is Cosmetic Botox safe?

Botox is considered safe, apart from minor issues such as swelling at the injection site, pinpoint bleeding, infections, and drooping eyelids, which typically heal within two weeks.

WARNING: Be sure and tell Dr. Gaur if you have had allergic reactions to any other botulinum toxin product or skin infection at the injection site.

“In the rare occurrence of any side effects or complications, I can promptly and effectively treat them myself, rather than the patient waiting being referred to another doctor,” says the doctor. “The risk of any side effects is greatly reduced.

What are the potential side effects of dermal filler?

Normal occurrences after injections of facial fillers include temporary redness at the injection site and a little temporary soreness and swelling.

Serious complications after cosmetic facial injections are exceedingly rare, but when they do happen, they can be devastating.

“Most people who have facial enhancement or contouring with injections may be unaware of the potentially permanent complication of facial injections: blindness,” explains Dr. Gaur.

Why does this happen? There are so many small blood vessels, specifically arteries, around the forehead and eyes that supply blood to the area. Improper use of dermal fillers in the forehead can lead to blockage of a blood vessel that supplies blood to the eye. When the blockage prevents blood from reaching the eye, blindness is the result.

Botox FAQs 

How long does Botox last?

Some patients may find that it lasts three to four months, while others may find that it lasts closer to six months. There is also variation among first-time users; some may find that the effects of Botox wear off after a few weeks, while others may notice that the effects last much longer.

How long does Botox take to work?

You could start to see results from Botox within 24 hours, but on average, it takes three to five days to see results. The maximum results of Botox can be seen within two weeks.

Can you get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding?

BOTOX is a Category C drug by the FDA during pregnancy, which means that not enough dedicated studies have been done to prove whether it is safe or unsafe during pregnancy. Although there is no evidence that BOTOX harms the fetus, it is important to understand that it also has not been proven 100% safe. For this reason, most patients and providers agree that it is best to wait until after the baby has been delivered and the patient has finished breastfeeding before having BOTOX injections.

Does Botox hurt?

The needle may cause a brief, sharp sensation. But if applied numbing cream has been applied to the area, you shouldn't feel much pain.

What not to do after Botox?

• Do not rub or massage the treated area.
• Avoid sleeping on your face the first night.
• Do not exercise or partake in any strenuous activity for the next 24 hours.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption for the next 24hrs.
• Avoid exposure to strong sunlight, very warm temperatures, and saunas for the next 48 hours.

How long after Botox can you lie down?

After getting Botox, it's important to avoid lying down or bending over for at least four hours. Otherwise, the toxin could spread and cause bruising around the injection site.

How often should you get Botox?

The ideal frequency for Botox injections is once every four months for most people. However, this may vary depending on your individual needs and goals. 

Can Botox cause headaches?

Botox-related headaches are rare and are caused by the over-contraction of certain facial muscles. For most patients, these headaches are mild and only last for a day or two. However, if you experience severe or prolonged headaches after Botox injections, please get in touch with your doctor. Botox can actually be a good treatment for persistent migraines.

Is Botox FDA approved?

Yes, BOTOX® Cosmetic is the only FDA-approved treatment that temporarily improves the appearance of moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow's feet in adult patients. 

How long after Botox can you get a facial?

It's recommended to wait at least 24 hours after getting Botox before getting a facial. Your skin needs time to heal, and facials can involve the rubbing and massaging of the area where Botox was injected. Doing so can cause Botox to move, affecting the wrong areas on your face. Facials before Botox are fine.

Can you use HSA for Botox?

In general, Botox treatments that are not medically necessary are not HSA-eligible. However, there are some cases in which Botox may qualify, such as treatment for migraines or dental procedures. Always check with your healthcare provider to see if your specific case qualifies.

How do you prepare for Botox?

There's no need to do anything out of the ordinary to prepare your body for Botox injections. However, it's important to be aware that common medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can increase your chances of bruising. So, be sure to avoid taking either of these before your appointment.

What to expect after Botox?

After getting Botox, you may experience some side effects. These can include headaches, neck pain, or flu-like symptoms. The injection site may also become red, swollen, or bruised. However, these side effects are usually minor and temporary.

How does Botox help migraines?

Botox is most commonly associated with beauty treatments, but it can also be used to relieve pain. The injection works by blocking the release of chemicals in pain transmission, which prevents the activation of pain networks in the brain.

Does insurance cover Botox for migraines?

Since Botox is approved for treating chronic migraines, many insurance companies will cover some or all of the costs. This includes both Medicare and Medicaid plans. If you're considering Botox for your migraines, check with your insurance company to see what coverage they provide.

Does Botox help with sweating?

Botox injections temporarily disable the sweat glands by blocking the nerve signals that tell them to produce sweat. The effects typically last for four to six months, after which the nerves gradually regenerate and the sweat glands start working again. However, over time, patients may need treatment less often as their bodies adjust to the treatments.

Does Botox help Blepharospasm eye twitching or (involuntary spasms of your eyelids)?

Yes, Botox injections temporarily weaken the muscles and stop the spasms.

Does Botox help TMJ?

Botox treatments can be very effective in helping patients with TMJ disorder manage their symptoms. Botox works by relaxing the muscles in the jaw, which can help reduce pain and other symptoms associated with TMJ disorder. 

Can someone be allergic to Botox?

Although it's not very common, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to Botox injections. There have been a few systemic reactions (body-wide) to Botox, but no fatalities. Usually, any negative side effects of Botox will show up within the first week after the treatment.

Who can administer Botox injections?

You must be a physician, physician assistant, dentist, registered nurse, or another licensed healthcare practitioner to administer Botox injections. At Assil Gaur Eye Institute, we ALWAYS have your treatment supervised by a licensed ophthalmologist.

Because there can be shocking side effects if not applied correctly, it is critical to select the best doctor to administer Botox. AGEI’s ophthalmologists have an extensive understanding of eyes, facial structure, facial muscles, and skin. This makes them best suited to safely giving patients the best facial rejuvenation results possible.

Dr. Gaur and AGEI: A wise choice for cosmetic facial treatments

Dr. Gaur’s experience and knowledge of the eye and facial structures are unparalleled, and her clinics are state-of-the-art medical facilities. Her goal is to give you medical advice to help you achieve your personal best, be it with your look or vision, in the hands of a master surgeon.

With extensive training in all aspects of a person’s eyes and face, Dr. Gaur deeply understands the workings of every facial muscle, artery, and bone.

Please call 866-945-2745 or visit us here to make an appointment online for a consultation.

At Assil Eve Institute we take our patients’ safety seriously. Our facility’s Covid-19 patient safety procedures exceed all CDC recommendations. Masks are always required in our institutes.

We are conveniently located for those throughout the Los Angeles area. Our ophthalmologists are available at locations in or near Santa Monica and Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills. We are conveniently located near West Los Angeles, Culver City, West Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, and Encino.