Can You Get Botox and Fillers Together?

If you’re unhappy with signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin, but don’t want to undergo the knife, Botox® and dermal fillers might be the ideal duo. 

At The Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics in Alexandria, Virginia, board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist Oge Onwudiwe, MD, FAAD, has helped countless clients reclaim a natural-looking, more youthful appearance with an expertly administered combo of Botox (as well as other wrinkle relaxers such as Xeomin and Dysport) and dermal fillers.

Many ask if it’s possible to have both Botox and dermal fillers in a single visit, and the answer is yes. These treatments target different types of wrinkles and can often complement each other extremely well.

How Botox addresses dynamic wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles form due to repeated muscle movements in your face. Think about the lines that appear when you smile, frown, or raise your eyebrows. Initially, your skin can bounce back after these expressions, but over time, these lines can become permanently etched into your face.

Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) temporarily relaxes the specific muscles that cause these wrinkles. When these muscles can't contract as strongly, they don't pull on the overlying skin, which helps soften and reduce the appearance of lines.

Botox was first approved by the FDA in 1989 for certain eye muscle conditions. Later, in 2002, it received approval as Botox Cosmetic for the frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). Since then, its use has expanded to include crow's feet around the eyes and horizontal forehead lines. The effects of Botox typically last for about three to four months, and you can repeat the treatment to maintain your results.

How fillers treat static wrinkles

Static wrinkles are primarily caused by a loss of volume in the face. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen and elastin, two proteins vital for keeping skin firm and elastic. This volume loss can lead to deeper lines, such as the lines running from the corners of your mouth to the sides of your nose (nasolabial folds), sagging skin, and hollow areas in the cheeks.

Dermal fillers are injectable gels that restore lost volume or enhance facial contours. Some fillers are designed to stimulate your body's collagen production, which can lead to longer-lasting improvements.

Fillers are made from various substances. Common types include:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA): A natural substance in the skin that helps retain moisture and plumpness. Popular HA fillers include the Juvéderm® and Restylane® lines, as well as the Belotero® Balance. Each is formulated for specific areas of the face.
• Calcium hydroxyapatite: A mineral-like compound such as Radiesse.
• Poly-L-lactic acid: A synthetic material that encourages collagen production over time such as Sculptra.

Dermal fillers results can last anywhere from six to eighteen months, depending on the type of filler used and the area treated. Treatments can be repeated when their effects begin to fade.

Combining Botox and fillers for a comprehensive approach

Because Botox targets dynamic wrinkles and fillers address static wrinkles and volume loss, they work exceptionally well together. This combination is sometimes called a "liquid facelift" because it can provide significant rejuvenation for individuals not yet ready for surgical procedures. By treating different aspects of facial aging, these injectables can help achieve a more refreshed and youthful appearance.

Ready to get started?

If you’re unhappy about visible signs of aging and are looking for a non-surgical solution, book a consultation with Dr. Onwudiwe today. Call the Cutis Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia at 703-795-9615 or request an appointment via the website: www.thecutiscenter.com.