What’s Right For Me: Botox or Juvederm?

Many women (and men!) of a certain age turn to the magical powers of Botox or fillers like Juvederm to freeze time and skin in place. Botox and Juvederm are extremely helpful to slow the appearance of aging, including fine lines and minor wrinkles. It is important to understand the difference between the two, in order to choose a product that will deliver the results that align your personal beauty goals.

Let’s first discuss the similarities between Botox and Juvederm. Both products are administered in a medical office setting, typically in under 30 minutes – perfect for a lunch break treat. You can see results from both products fairly quickly. Botox and Juvederm are relatively safe products, with little to no harmful reaction aside from some redness and swelling at the time and point of injection. Both products are long-lasting, with Botox lasting up to six months and Juvederm lasting up to one year though results are different for each individual. As can be expected with many cosmetic treatments, re-application or re-administration is typical once results diminish.

In reality, however, Botox and Juvederm are two very different products. Botox, referred to as onabotulinumtoxinA in the medical world, is actually a neurotoxin. Botox essentially freezes muscles in place in order to restrict muscle contractions and movements that produce wrinkles and fine lines. The end result is a temporarily smoother and younger appearance and is most noticeable when the patient makes animated facial expressions that no longer result in wrinkling. Botox injections are typically focused on the following: “crow’s feet” (the fine lines and wrinkles radiating outward from the corners of each eye), frown lines, forehead lines, and under-eye lines, among others. It is helpful to think of Botox as a product used typically for the upper part of the face. Another benefit of Botox is that it can be used as a preventative tool, stopping new wrinkles from forming or preventing current wrinkles from deepening.

Juvederm is a dermal filler, as opposed to a neurotoxin, with the intent of filling and plumping the face in areas where volume has decreased. A decrease in facial volume is typically due to the natural aging process, where fine lines deepen and wrinkles form and intensify. A filler is meant to correct these areas using a substance that is currently already present in your body, hyaluronic acid. The end result is a temporarily fuller, plumper, and more youthful appearance, and is most noticeable when the patient’s face is at rest and the fuller areas of the once-lackluster face are noticeable. Juvederm injections are typically focused on the following: sunken cheeks, superficial lines, thin lips, and nasolabial folds (the folds on either side of your smile radiating down from your nose), among others. It is helpful to think of Juvederm as a product used typically for the middle to lower part of the face.

Another aspect to consider is the financial investment you’ll be making in your skin. One vial of Juvederm can cost upwards of $500, and it’s typical to use one to two vials to treat one area. One facial area requiring Botox can cost upwards of $250. Keep this in mind if you’re considering multiple injection sites. For both Botox and Juvederm, you’ll likely want to maintain the results, which means you’ll be enduring the cost of the procedures roughly every six months for Botox and roughly every year for Juvederm. Prices may vary depending on your medical provider’s location, injection site, and severity of the lines and wrinkles being corrected (some lines require more solution to correct than others).

For many men and women, however, the small up-front cost of preventative maintenance like Botox and the immediate correction that Juvederm provides is a small sacrifice compared to the significant cost of a major cosmetic or surgical procedure. Further, most people prefer the fact that they can retain their natural beauty while performing a concentrated treatment on their “problem areas.” The use of Botox and Juvederm is more of a supplemental procedure as opposed to major operations such as facelifts, cheek and jaw restructuring, deep chemical peels, etc. The benefits of Botox and Juvederm far outweigh the financial costs for many men and women.

It is interesting to note that, aside from cosmetic purposes, Botox has been used to treat a number of other medical conditions. Juvederm, on the other hand, is strictly used for cosmetic purposes. According to the Mayo Clinic, Botox is also used to treat neck spasms, overactive bladder, and even addresses some causes of crossed eyes. The Mayo Clinic also notes that Botox may be a viable solution for people who experience migraines more than 15 days per month, a condition known as chronic migraines. Botox injections may be used under the arms for people who experience hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. The Mayo Clinic states that some neurological conditions can cause muscle contractures, sometimes painful; in some instances, Botox may be used to relax the contracted muscles and lessen the symptoms associated with such conditions. The same logic applies to people with cervical dystonia, which causes painful and involuntary movements or contractions of the neck and head.

Given the vast differences between Botox and Juvederm, it is important to understand your personal beauty goals before choosing what is right for you. If preventative maintenance is important to you, Juvederm won’t do much in the way of preventing new wrinkles from forming. If, on the other hand, you want long-lasting results to correct minor impurities in your skin, Juvederm may be a great solution. If you’re experiencing deeper wrinkles around your brows and forehead, consider Botox as a long-lasting solution that also prevents future wrinkles. In any case, be realistic with your expectations so that you can make the most of the product you choose. Botox and Juvederm have experienced tremendous success on the market and have become common among many young and middle-aged men and women. Regardless, be sure to understand the medical risks associated with these and any other cosmetic treatment.

Dr. Amjadi MD, DDS, FACS

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons

915 Gessner Rd #870

Houston, TX 77024

713-465-6198

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    Procedures

    Procedures

    PARS Plastic Surgery is located in Houston, Tx, and offers a wide range of different procedures. Whatever your personal goals or priorities might be, we have what it takes to provide you with professional, quality care.

    From a complete “mommy makeover” to non-surgical procedures, we are committed to helping you achieve results that completely change the way you approach life.

    Face

    Face

    We offer a number of different facial procedures. Facelifts can radically improve the look of your visage by boosting youthfulness and eliminating wrinkles. Botox is a convenient option that is quick and easy - with no surgery required. Lip augmentation is another popular service for adults of all ages.

    In addition, PARS Plastic Surgery can handle complex procedures such as rhinoplasties and eyelid surgeries.

    Body

    Body

    Improving your body-image has never been easier with a range of advanced cosmetic procedures. We offer tummy tuck procedures that can transform your confidence and your appearance. Our tummy tuck surgery is safe, reliable, and completely transformative. Liposuction is another excellent option for those who are pursuing better health with a lower weight.

    A butt augmentation procedure can also boost confidence levels, and we also offer a body lift procedure to keep everything looking tight and attractive.

    Breast

    Breast

    Here at PARS Plastic Surgery, we understand that your breasts are an important priority for your self-esteem and your overall feeling of well-being. Our breast augmentation procedures are safe, easy, and extremely realistic. We can also provide a breast lift to give you a new lease on life.

    Additionally, we understand that a breast reduction surgery may be necessary to alleviate back pain and help you achieve your ideal body-image.

    Inverted nipples can easily be corrected at our clinic, and we also offer breast lift services so you can feel a new sense of confidence.

    Buttocks

    Buttocks

    We also specialize in a range of procedures centered around the buttocks. Our butt augmentation surgery can help you achieve excellent results. Whether you’re trying to turn heads or achieve a sense of self-assuredness for your own satisfaction, we can help you reach your personal body goals. Some of our most popular services include the Brazilian buttlift.

    Fat grafting is another popular service these days that we can provide you with. We’ll help you shape your body in ways that help you achieve joy when you look in the mirror. No job is too demanding for our professional clinic. A buttock lift is another excellent option that can help you feel more youthful and attractive. Extending down through the leg, we can also provide you with a thigh lift treatment that can give your legs a newfound sense of tightness and slimming.

    Men

    Men

    Here at PARS Plastic Surgery, we understand that modern men are interested in a range of cosmetic procedures. We can help you deal with issues related to Gynecomastia by eliminating the fatty breast tissue you might have. We are also one of the most knowledgeable clinics when it comes to hair implants. If you’re dealing with hair loss, we can provide you with implants that can transform your image and re-establish your self-confidence.

    We also offer a range of facial products that can keep you looking younger for longer. At PARS Plastic surgery, we always stay up to date with the latest anti-aging technologies, treatments, and products. We can offer expert advice on how you can maintain your youthful visage. Finally, we can offer our male clients a range of botox treatments to help maintain and augment their appearance.

    Is Dr. Rojan Amjadi, M.D. qualified?

    Dr. Amjadi is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He graduated with honors from the University of Texas, where he obtained his medical degree. Dr. Amjadi then trained in plastic surgery at the Texas Medical Center at the University of Texas. In addition to these qualifications, Dr. Rojan is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The American College of Surgeons, and many other organizations that represent plastic surgeons across the nation. Dr. Amjadi has been practicing since 1999. He is trained in the most modern, sophisticated surgical techniques in use today.

    Is the clinic properly sterilized?

    We adhere to very strict safety, sterilization, and infection control protocols at the PARS clinic. Our dedicated and diligent staff members will protect you at all times.

    Can anyone get cosmetic surgery?

    In order to maintain high safety standards, we ask that you complete a thorough medical exam before we begin your procedures. With this approach, we can make sure that you will be as safe as possible. We speak with you about your expectations and goals before assessing your medical history and determining the safest, most effective plan.

    What’s the difference between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery?

    The purpose of cosmetic surgery is to reshape the body to improve self-esteem and create a more ideal self-image. On the other hand, the purpose of reconstructive surgery is to address disfigurement, defects, and other abnormalities. These issues may arise after accidents, surgeries to remove tumors, and things of that nature. Another big difference between these two types of surgery is the fact that cosmetic surgery is rarely covered by health insurance, while reconstructive surgery is usually covered.

    What can I expect when I recover from my cosmetic surgery?

    Your recovery experience depends on a number of factors. First of all, the type of procedure you choose may impact your recovery. Some procedures are less extensive and invasive than others, and you will likely experience an easier recovery period as a result. In addition, different patients recover in different ways. Some may require more or less pain medication than others. Your surgeon can prescribe the correct pain medications to help you overcome any discomfort. The good news is that virtually all facial cosmetic procedures involve easy recovery periods.

    How does Botox work?

    Botox injections are designed to reduce or remove visible signs of aging. The most common targets are hyper-functional lines - commonly known as “wrinkles.” These lines result from the contraction of underlying facial musculature, and Botox is effective because it temporarily weakens these muscles and prevents them from contracting. Botox does this without affecting the sensory feeling in these muscles. Botox may take up to 7 days to take full effect, although some patients notice considerable results in as little as 24 hours.

    How do I choose the right size for my breast implants?

    Choosing the right size for your new breast implants is an important decision. The choice is obviously based heavily on your own personal desires and tastes. On the other hand, you also need to take into account a number of additional factors. You might need to consider things like whether you have breastfed heavily in the past, and how this has affected your breasts. Remember, you can also receive cosmetic surgery to make breasts smaller. You can even receive surgery to change the general shape of the breasts without necessarily changing their size.

    How long do I need to take off work?

    You may need to take some time off work after undergoing your cosmetic procedure. Your surgeon will speak with you and let you know how long you need to fully recuperate. In general, most patients should rest for at least a week after receiving cosmetic surgery (less invasive procedures like Botox shouldn’t require any time off work).

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