Can you love yourself, and still want to change the way you look? Shew, that’s probably an entirely separate post realistically. Because, let’s be real, that’s a big topic to tackle! And, like everything in life, it’s unique person-to-person.
My personal take on it is this: I love the crap out of myself. I appreciate all that my body does for me on a regular basis, and I’m all about the idea of “aging gracefully.” The idea of aging gracefully means different things to different people, and for me that means I won’t be aging au naturale. Because I’m a Botox girlie. And I’m not ashamed of it.
While I love myself ferociously, I choose to use injectables because I like the way my skin looks when it plumps up, or smooths out. However, I wouldn’t love myself less if I didn’t get them. The love I have for myself is constant, regardless of how I look. The love I have for myself is more of an internal experience, than one rooted in my external appearance.
I’ve been getting Botox and Dysport for about three years now, and while I don’t hide this from people, I’ve never shared in detail about my experience. So this post will do just that. Plus, I’ll share about my first Filler experience I had just three months ago. We’ll cover the difference between all of these injectables, which part of my face I get them in, how often I get them, and how to find a reputable place near you.
Let’s Talk About Injections: Filler, Botox & Dysport, Oh My!
What is Botox
Botox is otherwise known as botulinum toxin, or botulinum neurotoxin, which is a protein that causes paralysis. Botox prevents muscles from moving for a limited time. That’s right, this isn’t a permanent treatment.
Botox typically lasts anywhere from 3 – 9 months. It really depends on the person’s metabolism, activity level, and generally the way their body processes medications. It varies for everyone, and might even vary within one person from month to month.
What is Botox Used For
Botox is most commonly used for smoothing wrinkles in the face. Think about your face like a piece of paper. The more you continue to fold the paper in the same way, the deeper the line becomes, and the more set in the crease becomes. In this case, your facial muscles are the ones making the crease in the “paper,” aka your skin.
If you get Botox injections, your facial muscles are temporarily paralyzed, which means the creasing discontinues. Initially, this might mean existing wrinkles simply won’t get worse, because you’re no longer moving the muscles to create the lines. If you choose to use Botox overtime, you’ll even notice that existing wrinkles smooth away, as well.
While Botox is common in the beauty industry for getting rid of wrinkles, it’s also used for other reasons, as well. Some people get Botox in their jaw if they have clenching or grinding issues while they sleep. Others get Botox in different parts of the body to help with excessive sweating, as well as other medical issues like chronic migraines.
What is Dysport
Dysport is made from botulinum toxin type A, which is very closely related to Botox. That means it does the same thing by paralyzing the muscles temporarily. Dysport is used for the same reasons as botox: reducing wrinkles, chronic headaches, jaw clenching, and other medical needs.
What is the Difference Between Botox and Dysport
While Botox and Dysport are certainly similar, there are also a few key differences between them that are worth noting. I personally love trading off between the two so that my body doesn’t build up a tolerance to either substance, as I find this helps both treatments last longer. But if it’s your first time, then make sure to check out the differences to see which one feels like a better fit for you.
Concentration
One of the key differences between Botox and Dysport is that Botox is more concentrated than Dysport. When you get injectables, you’re paying per unit, which means your Dysport treatment might be more expensive than your Botox treatment. Although some places have a price variant between the two substances to balance out the cost regardless.
Activation Time
Another key difference between Botox and Dysport is that Dysport tends to be more fast-acting, and you’ll see results as fast as 1 – 2 days from the time of getting injected. Botox tends to take about a week to kick in.
Longevity
While Dysport tends to activate more quickly, it’s been reported that it also wears off more quickly. Botox is said to last longer than Dysport overall. I personally can’t say that I’ve noticed a difference between the two in longevity, but it’s worth noting that is what doctors say based on their chemical makeup.
What Are Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injectable, nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. Dermal fillers can be all sorts of different substances and brands, but the most popular one that most people have heard of is Juvederm. The reason there are so many different kinds of dermal fillers is that certain substances work better in one part of the body or face than another.
Like Botox and Dysport, fillers are not permanent, and need retouching overtime to stay consistent. Unlike Botox and Dyspot, fillers usually last longer- about 9 – 12 months- and have a higher price tag for it. Plus, if for some reason you don’t like your filler, you can also get it dissolved with another injectable.
What Are Dermal Fillers Used For
Dermal fillers are most commonly used as an injectable under the skin to smooth out wrinkles by plumping the skin. They’re also known for their ability to change the shape or size of different parts of the face.
Most of us have seen people with lip filler (myself included!), but the thing is that dermal filler is also used all over the face for things like changing the shape of your nose, adding volume to your chin, plumping up your cheekbones, or filling in hollow under eyes. T
Where Do I Get My Injectables
I’ve been getting Botox for about three years now, and started the method of alternating between Botox and Dysport for about two years. I’ve always had the injections in the same place: my forehead and crow’s feet.
There is no flat rate for injectables, as you pay per unit. I’ve been getting 35 units for the last 3 years, which is still considered “baby Botox,” as it’s under the more standard 50 unit injection that most get. I like the way my face looks with 35 units, and don’t see myself changing anytime soon. But who knows what will happen as I continue to age!
For filler, I’ve only had it in my lips one time. I got a full syringe between my upper and lower lip. With filler, you typically pay per syringe rather than per unit. Not gonna lie, this one hurt A LOT more. But one of the things I loved was that my injector stopped about halfway through, and let me look to see if I wanted to finish the whole syringe or not. I also needed a little more on my right side than my left because of asymmetry.
I love the look of my lips now, and most people have no idea that I got filler. I’m naturally thin lipped, and didn’t want to turn into Lisa Rinna overnight, ya know? The full syringe gives me enough volume where my lips look plump, less wrinkled, and keep my upper lip from totally disappearing when I smile. It’s a very natural look, as opposed to obvious.
How Often Do I Get My Injectables
I typically get Botox or Dysport about every 3 – 5 months. Honestly, that’s a big window, but it really depends where the heck I am in the world. Because, let’s be real, I’m not just going to go anywhere. If I go as early as 3 months, then I still don’t have anywhere near full movement, just slight movement happening. Whereas if I wait for 5 months, it will be close to full movement again.
I’ve only had filler once, and only just got it a few months back. So, I’m nowhere near ready for a replenishment. I’m guessing that that will be something I do just once a year, but I guess we’ll see what happens with the way my body metabolizes it.
How To Find A Cosmetic Injector Near You
Remember, even those Botox, Dysport and dermal fillers are permanent, this is still your face we’re talking about! And you don’t want to get groupon, and then get needles in your face by some Joe Schmo. Plus, there are serious risks that can be permanent, which is why you want to go to some reputable.
I’m all about recommendations first and foremost. So, ask your friends who they go to, or if they have any pointers. If you’re new to an area, or your friends just don’t get cosmetic work like injectables- then Google is your best friend. Look at the reviews. Look at their social media. And look at their before and after photos.
My biggest recommendation to you is to look for an actual doctor, rather than an injector. I know this varies from country to country, but where we live (the States) you don’t need to be a doctor to do injectables. This means that the training is much less extensive, and….it’s your face. Don’t risk it.
Check out dermatologists or plastic surgeons. If I ever choose to put filler in other parts of my face, I won’t go anywhere else other than a plastic surgeon, because- let’s be real- we’ve all seen filler gone wayyyyy wrong. Hello, pillowface, ya know.
You’re all set, my friends! I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
xx,
K