Botox and Juvederm FAQ'S

1. Where does Botox work? What part of my face? 

Botox is made by Allergan to reduce upper facial wrinkles from aging. 

Botox is only for “dynamic wrinkles,” which are visible only when you ARE actively flexing your upper facial muscles. Excessively exercising muscles causes them to enlarge creating excessive stress on the skin in the “valleys” between the adjacent bulging muscles like the classic “11s” pattern between the eyes when frowning. Botox is primarily injected into the upper face in 3 areas: a) the Crow’s Feet (on the sides of your eyes); 2) the Glabella (the “11s” between your eyes); and the Frontalis (above your eyebrows). 

2. Where does Juvederm work? What part of my face? 

Juvederm is made by Allergan to reduce mid-facial and lower facial wrinkles from aging. 

Juvederm is only for “static wrinkles,” which are visible when you are NOT flexing or moving your facial muscles. These wrinkles are caused from the loss of subcutaneous facial fat from aging. Juvederm temporarily replaces the subcutaneous fat lost from aging with hyaluronic gel--which is a sugar already found naturally within your body. Consequently, since it is already in your body, no skin allergy testing is necessary. Juvederm is primarily injected in the mid-face to lower face in the cheeks, nasolabial folds (between the nose and cheeks), and marionette lines (below the corner of your mouth). 

3. How fast does Botox work? How long does Botox last? 

Botox begins to work in 2-3 days, is 74% effective at 7 days, and is essentially fully effective at 14 days after injection. 

Botox generally lasts about 2½ months to 4 months, with the typical patient lasting about 3 months. Botox in some patients lasts less than 2½ months--or longer than 4 months--depending upon individual metabolism. Metabolic factors that may alter how long Botox lasts include hormone levels (e.g. thyroid, HGH, etc.), exercise, and certain medications and medical conditions. If you regularly do Botox every 3 or so months, your enlarged muscles may atrophy and shrink in size after a year since Botox prevents you from overusing these muscles. If you have a gap in Botox treatments, this allows these muscles to over-exercise once again, which may result in hypertrophy or enlargement of these muscles. 

4. How fast does Juvederm work? How long does Juvederm last? 

Juvederm works immediately upon injection, replacing hollowness in the face and loose skin wrinkling instantly. Juvederm generally lasts from 9 months to 12 months, with patients typically returning once a year for a touch-up. Often, upon return after a year, much of the prior Juvederm remains so less Juvederm is needed if the foundation remains in place. Juvederm in some patients lasts less than 9 months--or longer than 12 months--depending upon individual metabolism. Metabolic factors that may alter how long Juvederm lasts include hormone levels (e.g. thyroid, HGH, etc.), exercise, and certain medications and medical conditions. 

Botox Before and After

Juvederm Before and After