Botox & Filler FAQ
One of the most common comments/DMs I get is about Botox and Fillers so I figured I would go through the FAQ’s here in my blog for you! I encourage everyone to do their own research and speak with an educated injector about your own treatments. Big thanks to DeAnn for helping me out with this! You can scroll through my before & after photos above to see the evolution of my lips over the years.
Q: Where to go?:
DeAnn Dana
Book your appointment: https://dd-aesthetics.com/ or call/text 480-309-2884
Location: 1550 Front Street #10 San Diego, CA 92101
Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DeAnn_dana_aesthetics/?hl=en
Servicing: San Diego, CA & Phoenix, AZ
Read more about DeAnn here: http://sdvoyager.com/interview/check-out-DeAnn-danas-story/
If you are not local, some things to look for in your injector: professional, education & taking continued education since products and techniques constantly evolve, clean office, before and afters displayed on their social media or website to reference their work.
Q: Cost?:
It can really differ based on where you go, what state you are in, which brand of filler or botox you get. Botox is also known as a neurotoxin (there’s four on the market that basically do all the same thing – block muscle contraction. They are Botox, Dysport, Jeveau, and Xeomin)
For botox it is typically $11.5 a unit, however the amount of units needed will differ with each patient. The average person gets about 38 units. I suggest first setting up a consultation to see if Botox fits into your budget but I would expect it to be a minimum of a few hundred dollars.
Q: Pain?:
Getting botox feels like popping a pimple (for lack of a better description lol). It's a quick small poke, on the pain scale it's about a 2/3 out of 10. The pain level does depend on which area you are treating, as some parts of the face can be more sensitive than others. Filler can be a bit more painful, but most injectors offer ice packs, numbing cream & the syringe typically has lidocaine to also help numb you. She also provides nerve blocks using lidocaine if needed. I would say it's a 6 out of 10 on the pain scale. And DeAnn says I'm a wimp about it if that helps you LOL.
Q: What kind of filler?:
During my most recent visit, I got Restylane Defyne filler. I've also gotten Juvederm Vollure injections. In my opinion, Juvederm Vollure will give you a little less movement and create a more “stiff look”, I have found it does last longer and can be more expensive. Juvederm is going to be the most common and the cheapest option of them all, it gives more movement in the lips. Restylane Defyne is a happy medium of stiff & flexible but has great long lasting effects and a smoother, more hydrated finish overall.
Q: How long does it last?:
Botox will usually last about 3 months give or take for me personally. My lip filler usually lasts 6-9 months. How long the effects last vary person to person since these treatments will metabolize into your system at different rates depending if you are very active/have a fast metabolism... I guess for once it's nice not having a fast one LOL!
Q: Will my lips look like yours with one syringe?:
Simple answer is no, because I have been working up to the lips I have now over years of treatment. For example, when I first went in I did half a syringe & then did the other half at the 6 week mark (one syringe can be used but needs to be thrown away after 6 weeks.. you can not share a syringe). After 5 months I went back in and did another full syringe. After that, I went back 6 months later and did another. So it had time to metabolize but also was built on top of the last session. I recommend talking with your Injector to create your plan to get the look you desire but to build slowly and moderately.
Q: Difference between botox and filler:
Botox freezes the muscle. Filler adds volume, hydration and structure. Some fillers provide volume only, some provide no volume, but do provide just structure by filling in small lines such as fine lower face lines or lip lines – you definitely don’t want volume in lip lines!
Q: Benefit of getting botox:
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily blocking the contraction signal from nerves to muscles which gives skin a smoother appearance. In some cases it can even help with TMJ, migraines, and excessive sweating. All things your injector can inform you about in your consultation.
Q: What happens to your face or lips after botox and filler have metabolized?
The Short answer is nothing! After filler is gone, wherever you got it placed will go back to how it was before treatment. When Botox fades you'll notice your movement again & movement over time is what creates fine lines and wrinkles as your collagen production slows down with age. Continuing Botox treatment limits movement and therefore limits the fine lines and wrinkles that would usually develop.
Q: Bruising?
Bruising is common and can vary depending on the person. It also depends on your injector with how gentle or rough they are, DeAnn is VERY gentle! Before your appointment with her she will send you a list of tips to follow to limit bruising before and after your appointment. Filler will “settle” after a few days & will look and feel normal. Botox will settle within 14 days again, varies per person.
This blog post is based on my experience & what I have learned, researched, and experienced. I empower everyone to do their own research and choose what they want to do with their bodies.
