Question:
Botox seems to be the most talked about and popular injectable filler on the market. Why this is? Is it a lot better quality than other injectable fillers?
Answer:
Botox is not an injectable filler. Botox is a neuromodulator. It is injected into facial muscles lessening their contraction and therefore reducing wrinkles. Botox was the first FDA approved product for this purpose and so therefore acquired a large market share. It is also a very good product.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I keep seeing new injectable fillers on the market and I can’t decide which one I want. Which filler is the “trendiest” and most effective out this year?
Answer:
More and more new fillers will reach the market each year. Don’t pick one based on it being new or trendy. At times these new fillers will prove to be problematic once more experience and time has passed. The vast majority of new fillers don’t survive the US market, or have a very small market share. See a qualified surgeon, express your concerns, listen to the options and make an educated decision.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
What are the potential complications associated with Botox and how common are they?
Answer:
First we need to differentiate the complications listed on the package insert which are available for review on the Botox website and are numerous and the likely complications that are due to Botox. The complications that are listed on the package insert are all the possible complaints patients in the initial study experienced when being injected with Botox whether or not the complaint was a direct result of the Botox or not. Ie. A patient developed a fever or cough after in injection, likely not due to the Botox, but still reportable. You should still review the website for a complete list of potential complications. The complications that are more likely to be associated with Botox are rare, but include, infection, bleeding, bruising, affect of a muscle group that was not intended such as the upper eyelid, tenderness and redness at the injection sight. Other than a slight bruise at times and temporary redness and tenderness at the injection sight the other complications are rare.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
How can I get my lips to be thicker and fuller without going overboard and looking like Angelina Jolie?
Answer:
Lips can be made fuller with injectable fillers such as Juvederm and Perlane, implants of fascia or fat, or implants of silicone gel. Each of these procedures has risks and benefits as well as differing longevity. Overfilling of the lips is achieved by utilizing a well trained physician with conservative technique and communicating your goals clearly.
Posted by Dr. Buckingham
Question:
I have a full bottom lip and a pencil-thin upper lip. I would like them evened out by having lip augmentation just on the upper lip. What is your usual procedure for this?
Answer:
We would likely suggest using an injectable filler such as Restylane or Juvederm to accomplish this initially and perhaps long term. If you are pleased with the results there are lip augmentation procedures available to provide permanent results. We use the permalip implant for this. It is an office procedure where a small incision is created at the corner of the mouth and an implant is placed into the lip.
