Soft Lift Dermal Fillers & Botox

What is a Soft Lift?

By: Cosmetic and Laser Clinic

A Soft Lift is a combination of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers and Botox. As we age and the skin is exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays, collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin diminish and the skin loses structure and volume. This is when unwelcome lines and wrinkles develop. The skin begins to droop or sag, and the face looses its fullness or volume.

The Dermal fillers are used to fill or replace this lost volume in static wrinkles, lines and folds. Dermal fillers are used in the treatment of wrinkles, lines, and folds that appear at rest, rather than those that appear during facial expression. Facial volume loss is one of the key factors in the ageing process, and dermal fillers can help to replenish this lost volume giving the face a rejuvenated appearance.

Dermal fillers can also be used to enhance or define the lips or to shape and add volume to the face.

Botox is used in the treatment of the “dynamic wrinkles”. These are wrinkles that are caused by repeated muscular contractions such as frowning, squinting, and brow furrowing. BOTOX reduces dynamic wrinkles by preventing the muscles from contracting. A few drops are injected with a tiny needle into the muscle which causes the muscle to relax.

A combination of these two products treats the whole face. The Botox is used to relax the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles in the upper face, and the dermal filler restores lost volume and redefines your middle and lower face.

The Botox generally last for about 3-4 months. The dermal fillers can last from 4 months to more than 1 year depending on the area being treated.

Treatments are administered in the office and patients can immediately return to normal activities. Some temporary redness and swelling can be expected and bruising is possible.

Cost - $1500 and up

What are Dermal Fillers?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in all living cells. It attracts and binds water, hydrating the skin and giving it volume.

What is BOTOX?

Botox is a purified toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. Botox blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines. Botox relaxes the muscles so they do not contract. After treatment, the overlying skin remains smooth and unwrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract in a normal fashion, allowing normal facial expression to be unaffected.

Who is a candidate for a Soft Lift?

BOTOX and Dermal Fillers are a safe and effective treatment for anyone who wishes to look refreshed. There are very few restrictions regarding BOTOX treatments. Patients who are pregnant, nursing or have a neurologic disease should not be treated. Patients should discuss with Dr. Farooq if Botox or Dermal Filler treatments are appropriate for them. There is no skin test required for dermal fillers.

What can I expect during treatment?

Dr. Farooq will inject the fillers into areas being treated. He may freeze the area prior or use a Dermal Filler that contains a local anesthesia in the syringe. After each area is treated, an ice-pack will be applied to minimize bruising or swelling. Some areas, such as the tear troughs (below the eyes) are very likely to bruise. The lips generally do swell somewhat. You will be given an ice pack to take home, and we ask that you apply this on and off for the evening of treatment. Bruising and swelling are usually minimal, and makeup can be applied immediately. Immediately after treatment there is usually some swelling and redness. This is very person dependant. We ask that you do not exercise the evening of treatment as this may increase your chances of bruising. Any discomfort may be treated with Advil or Tylenol. You may return to regular activities immediately. Botox treatment takes minutes to complete. A tiny amount of BOTOX is injected, very precisely, into the muscles being treated. Most patients compare the sensation to a bug bite. No sedation or local anesthetic is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately. Some patients experience a slight temporary bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up.

What results can I expect from the treatment?

The effects of Botox take 2 to 7 days to appear. Initially one notices a relaxation of the muscles treated and as a result a softening of wrinkles. With regular treatment you can even expect a softening of deeper lines as the skin has a chance to repair itself. Botox, when used in specific areas, also creates a wonderful lifting effect of the eyebrows causing a more youthful and rested appearance. The effects of Dermal Fillers are immediately noticed. Depending on the area/areas being treated, deep lines will be softened and the face will appear smoother and rejuvenated.

How long does the Dermal Filler and Botox last?

This depends on the area treated. The area under the eyes and cheeks may last 1 year or longer after being treated with dermal filler. The lips will generally require retreatment in 6 months. The areas treated for volume loss, such as the lower face will likely require retreatment in 8 months. Again this is very person dependent. The effects of BOTOX usually last three to four months. After that treatments are scheduled at regular intervals to maintain the benefits of treatment.

Are Dermal Fillers and Botox safe?

Yes, there are very few risks associated with Dermal Fillers. The Dermal Fillers used by Dr. Farooq are comprised of substances that are naturally present in the body. Dermal Fillers have been used safely for cosmetic reasons for more than 20 years. BOTOX has been used safely and successfully for over 20 years. In the amounts used for wrinkle therapy, the most common side effects are temporary and localized to the area of injection such as redness and bruising.

How do I book a treatment or a free consultation?

If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic options, or find out if a Soft Lift might work well for you, please book a complimentary visit to speak with Dr. Farooq at 705-735-2844.