Tox and Filler for Beginners

Botox and filler are the most popular treatments when it comes to medical aesthetics. They are great baby steps, but not everyone is ready for it.

Here is my take on getting tox or filler for the first time. Hopefully, it can help you decide!

P.S. – I say tox not because it sounds chic, but because it’s a short form for botulinum toxin which is the actual substance used in popular brands like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau.

“Can I get Botox for my lips?”

No. Not because I don’t want to, but because Botox is not for your lips! Here’s the basic breakdown:

Tox = relax muscles to smooth out wrinkles

You can use tox to address frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, gummy smile, and dimpled chin – most of which are caused by repetitive muscle movement.

Filler = add volume to restore facial feature balance

Filler is often used on the lips, cheeks, chin, temples, jawline, and tear troughs, where volume is lost due to collagen depletion (or where volume never existed in the first place).

Why Start Now?

Botox

Many patients I see for their first tox appointment have been thinking about it for a few years. They usually want to stay natural but battle with a bothersome line (or two) that they keep seeing in the mirror or in photos, and that seems to get deeper every day. These are often the 11’s between the eyes or horizontal lines on the forehead, caused by contractions of the glabella and frontalis muscles when we raise our eyebrows, smile, or think hard.

They tell me it’s not the aging that’s frustrating, it’s more that they don’t want to appear irritated when their face is completely at rest. I totally get that!

Filler

When it comes to filler, new patients are usually interested in lip injections (although cheeks and chin are popular ways to balance the face shape, too). Whether you want to add all-over volume, define the lip shape, correct lip asymmetries, or reduce the appearance of fine lines on the lips – filler is the best solution.

Over time there is a reduction in collagen, which causes volume loss and the appearance of thinner lips. Thin lips can change facial symmetry, and that’s what usually encourages people to book a consultation.

Get in the Shallow End

Fear is usually the biggest obstacle when it comes to getting tox or filler for the first time.

I don’t want to look frozen.

I don’t want to become addicted.

I don’t want to not look like myself.

I don’t want to overdo it.

Amen, sista! I don’t want any of those things either. One of the great things about tox and filler is that the results are NOT permanent. Tox usually lasts 3-4 months and filler is 6-9 months, so if you decide it’s not for you, you don’t have to book another appointment. There’s also no rule that says you have to come back like clockwork every 3-4 months to get touch-ups. The timeline is completely up to you.

I Won’t Lie, It Is Not Pain-Free

Another thing I hear patients say:

I’m afraid it’s going to hurt!

I hate needles.

Unfortunately, needles can’t be avoided in tox and filler treatments, but we do everything we can to make sure you are completely comfortable before, during and after the injections. This includes a no-pressure consultation, numbing cream, and going at a pace that you feel comfortable with.

I Don’t Let People Get Carried Away

There are two reasons I turn patients away. Number one is that they ask me to do something I don’t feel is safe, and number two is that I don’t think what they’re asking for works for their anatomy.

During the Kylie Jenner phase, I had to say no to many clients whose lips could not handle the amount of filler they wanted. To avoid this scenario, I have a consultation with patients prior to any procedure to make sure they have realistic expectations and prioritize safety as much as I do.

Most importantly, if you’re not ready, DON’T DO IT!

While these procedures are not permanent, you should leave your appointment feeling super excited, not regretting your decision.

Can I Get You The Results You Want?

Take a look at some of my recent patients. If this is what you’re aiming for, I can help!

Ready to Book a Consultation?

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