Belle Ame Med Spa and CoolSculpting Center Offers Balanced Approach to Fillers and Botox in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Belle Ame Med Spa and CoolSculpting Center, a medical aesthetics specialty practice in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has published a new blog post that describes the difference between BOTOX and dermal fillers. The clinic says that there are subtle differences between them which causes confusion amongst customers about which treatment is right for them.

The biggest difference between both treatments is the kind of wrinkles that they are targeting. Dermal fillers add volume and are used to reduce “static” lines and wrinkles when the face is at rest. BOTOX, on the other hand, works on “dynamic” wrinkles, that show up when the person is required to use the facial muscles on a regular basis.

Dermal fillers are a means of filling an area so that it has more volume. Dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring substance that attracts and retains moisture. By adding volume strategically to an area that has lines or wrinkles, those lines and wrinkles can be softened or diminished. On the other hand, BOTOX is made by purifying a type of protein called botulinum toxin. BOTOX affects a localized paralysis in muscle tissues. The effect is that lines and wrinkles caused by underlying muscle movement are reduced.

The clinic says that since most of its clients want to achieve as much youthfulness in their appearance while still looking natural, many of them get both. Dermal fillers are made to address “static” lines and wrinkles. Static lines and wrinkles are visible on the face regardless of whether or not the person is moving their facial muscles such as making an expression or a lack of it. BOTOX is designed to be used primarily for “dynamic” lines and wrinkles. These are the wrinkles that appear or become more pronounced when a person moves a muscle. A common example of using both treatments might be the application of BOTOX for frown lines above the bridge of the nose with an application of dermal filler in the nasolabial folds that are the lines above and on either side of the mouth.

BOTOX and dermal fillers are supposed to complement each other. A recent study published in the journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery gives strong evidence that BOTOX can complement fillers by helping fillers last longer. In the study, participants received BOTOX with fillers on one side of the face and filler alone on the other. After 3 months MRI scans showed that the side with BOTOX had retained 50% more filler than the side without BOTOX. All facial fillers have a limited lifespan and require reapplication to maintain the same look. Combining BOTOX may be an option to make injections last longer depending on the area.

There are some possible side effects to a BOTOX injection that could be things like local swelling or redness, headache, fatigue, droopy lids, neck pain, dry mouth, and blurred vision. When it comes to dermal fillers, patients may notice a bit of swelling and redness following the treatment which will subside over the next several days. The center recommends post-treatment to avoid drinking alcohol and limiting exposure to extreme heat or cold until the swelling goes down. The center might even recommend a cold pack for some patients.

A review of the center’s service by Susan Castro says, “Best med spa EVER! Thankful to have found this great group of women! Love my lip fillers (first time to not bruise!!) Botox, hydro facial, and just did the photo facial (I believe that's what it's called). Excited to see the results in the coming days!! Basically don't go anywhere else! This is the place to go!”

Another review of Belle Ame Med Spa and CoolSculpting Center by Karen Childress says, “They are so down to earth and friendly and honest. Very knowledgeable about their procedures and I trust them 100 percent. Clean and professional atmosphere. I have been to the other spas and this one is the best.”