Q What is the difference between Muscle Relaxing Injections (Botox) and Fillers?

Botox works by blocking signals between the nerves and muscles. This prevents muscles from contracting and forming lines on the surface of the skin. Injections are with no downtime afterward. Effect takes 3 to 5 days to become noticeable, and lasts 3 to 4 months.

Fillers correct the volume changes that occur as we age – it minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by creating volume in the inner layers of skin, and create a lifting and rejuvenated effect by replacing the volume loss associated with ageing. Dermal fillers are administered with little discomfort and no downtime afterward, effect immediately noticeable and can last from 6 to over 24 months depending on the type of filler used and the area injected.

Q Will my skin look worse once the

Injectable treatments start to wear off?

No, the muscle movement will just slowly return and lines will eventually form again if no further treatment is administered. Filler will dissolve over time and ageing will continue at its usual pace if no other treatments administered.

Q If I have Cosmetic Injections, how often would I need to repeat the injections?

Botox lasts about three to four months, and the treatment can be repeated as needed. When it wears off, you will begin to notice increased muscle action and some reformation of the wrinkles. It appears that with repeated use, the effect of Botox becomes longer lasting.

Fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to over 24 months, depending on the type of filler used, the area injected and some individual variation.

Q Is it safe?

Cosmetic injectables are very safe when performed by an experienced doctor. Both antiwrinkle injections like Botox and Hyaulorunic acid fillers have been used in millions of treatments across the world with excellent results and very low rates of minor side effects, most commonly swelling and bruising.

Q Can cosmetic injections be addictive?

Not in a physical way – you can discontinue at any stage, once the treatment effect has worn off ageing will continue at its usual pace.

Q How much does it cost?

Botox cost is calculated per unit and it will depend on the amount of units needed and the number of areas being injected. Filler cost depends on the area, the type of filler selected and the number of syringes needed.

Contact Dr Ansulette Kay to discuss the areas you are interested in for price estimates. Contact Dr Ansulette Kay now >

Q Are there any pre-treatment guidelines I should follow?

Yes, to minimise bruising after your treatment please:

  • Avoid aspirin, nurofen (ibuprofen), and ant-inflammatories or blood thinning medications such as Plavix ONE WEEK BEFORE your appointment. (Paracetamol or Panadol are not included in this group and should be taken as an alternative pain killer to aspirin in the preceding week).
  • Avoid fish oil supplements, garlic tablets, ginger tablets, evening primrose tablets, St John’s Wort, gingko biloba, Vitamin E tablets and multivitamins containing Vitamin E for ONE WEEK BEFORE your appointment.
  • It is preferable to avoid alcohol for the day and night of the procedure.
  • Do not have treatment if you have an infection at or near the site of the treatment or have an active herpetic lesion or cold-sore.
  • Inform Dr Ansulette Kay if you suffer from cold sores as she might recommend taking prophylactic treatment;
    • Taking Lysine for one week before the procedure and for one week after the procedure.
    • Applying antiviral cold sore cream morning and night 2 days prior to the procedure and 3 days after the procedure.

Q Are there any post care instructions I should follow?

Yes, to ensure the best possible results, follow these post-care recommendations:

  • Avoid lying down for a number of hours after Botox treatment, to prevent migration of the toxin.
  • Ice packs or cool compresses minimize mild swelling and bleeding post filler.
  • Avoid alcohol and postpone strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours.
  • Avoid any exposure to any heat treatments such sauna, hot tub or tanning for 48 hours as it could make your treatment less effective.
  • Paracetamol is recommended for any headaches or pain. Try to avoid medicines such as ibuprofen (Nurofen) or diclofenac (Voltaren) for the next 24 hours.
  • For those with a history of hayfever or other allergies, an antihistamine may help reduce post treatment swelling.
  • For those with a history of cold sores, Dr Ansulette Kay recommends Lysine post treatment, as well as a stat dose of antiviral medication (like Famvir) for high risk cases.

Q Can creams really help for wrinkles and ageing?

Yes, topical ingredients in creams can help to address the signs of ageing in the superficial layers of the skin, but can never be as effective as Botox and Fillers that act on a deeper level.

As we age the metabolism in our epidermis decreases which leads to dullness and pigmentation becoming more visible. The production of collagen in the dermis also decreases, and we actually start losing about 1% of collagen per year once we turn forty. Ask Dr Ansulette Kay about Prescription creams that can address these changes and improve the appearance and quality of your skin.
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