+ Are Neurotoxins and Fillers safe?

Neurotoxins and dermal fillers have been thoroughly researched (more than 4,000 studies) & clinically used for over 20 years and are approved by both the HPB (Health Protection Branch of Canada) and the FDA. More than 20 million procedures have been performed since 2001.

Botox, Nuceiva and Dysport are all derived from the same main ingredient, botulinum toxin A, which is extracted from a bacteria and refined into a medicine. Similar to how penicillin is made, Botox® is a medicine that has been safely used for many years. It is used to treat muscle spasticity in cerebral palsy, to treat overactive bladder, for relief of headaches and excessive sweating and for cosmetic purposes!

**+**hOW MUCH DOWN TIME IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROCEDURES? 

While there is no real downtime associated with this treatment, it is important to note that you may encounter some bruising and/or swelling directly after treatment due to the needle. It is important to remain upright for 4-6 hours after the procedure, avoid strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours, refrain from rubbing at the area that has been treated, and to avoid alcohol for 48 hours before and after the procedure. Note that anti-inflamatory medications increase the chance of bleeding and bruising. Most people can return to their day-to-day activities or go back to work the same day. Facial treatments should be avoided for 2 weeks following dermal fillers or neuromodulators.

What are neuromodulators and how do they work?

Neuromodulators are derived frin Botulism Toxin A and refined into an injectable medication which is used to smooth wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the contraction of specifically chosen facial muscles.

Some commonly treated concerns include: crows feet, frown lines, bunny lines, forehead lines, downturned smile, droopy eyebrows and more!

** What are fillers and how do they work? ****

Dermal fillers are a gel made of hyaluronic acid which are injected beneath the skin to provde volume, correct the appearance of lines, wrinkles or loose skin, enhance and correct the symmetry of facial features, or contour the face. Dermal fillers can also be used to create a more masculine or feminine facial appearance, depending on the preferences of the client. As we age, the natural collagen and elastin in the skin decreases, as cells lose their ability to produce their youthful components. The skin becomes dryer, thinner, and less regenerative. When we are born we have plentiful amounts of hyaluronic acid in our body, but as we get older this store of hyaluronic acid diminishes, leaving the skin less supported causing lines and wrinkles develop. By lifting and smoothing targeted folds and wrinkles by adding subtle volume, dermal fillers can make a difference to a person’s appearance, giving them a fresher look.

The results of treatments with dermal filler are apparent immediately after the treatment (unlike neuromodulators where results take days-weeks to become apparent). Fillers can be used to treat a wide range of concerns and areas, from fine lines on more delicate parts of the face to deep skin depressions. Commonly treated areas include the lips, undereyes, temples, cheeks, chin and jawline.

What are the side effects and complications?

The most common complications are bruising and swelling. Other possible, but much less common complications include allergic reaction, formation of nodules (with dermal filler), and vascular occlusion. Neuromodulators can results in unwanted temporary facial weakness or drooping, drooping of the eyelid can occur in up to 2% of cases and may last 3-6 weeks. Our trained injectors take every precaution to minimize these risks. ** How long do neuromodulators last? How quickly will I see results?** Neuromodulators typically last 3-4 months with results becoming apparent in 7-14 days (slight variation depending on brand of neuromodulator used)

+ Do the injections hurt?

The amount of discomfort varies from client to client. The treatment area may be numbed using a topical agent prior to the injection to minimize any discomfort you may feel. We use the same size of needle that is used by diabetics for insulin injections.