Misconceptions of Botox and Fillers

Allergan’s top selling product, Botox, generates about US$2.8 billion of sales annually. Botox treatment consistently ranks among the top three non-surgical aesthetic treatments globally. Dermal filler treatments are also not lagging far behind in popularity. While many people may have heard about these non-surgical treatments, they are often shrouded in mystery and rumor. With the wide range of botulinum toxin and dermal fillers available in the market, people are spoilt for choice. We speak to Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, Medical Director of Radium Medical Aesthetics to tell us the truth about these treatments and dispel some common myths that people have. Botox and dermal fillers are used to treat the same problems To a layman, it may seem like Botox and dermal fillers do the same thing i.e. reduce wrinkles on the skin. This is true to a certain extent, but they address wrinkles in different ways. Botox is usually used for fine lines and wrinkles that are dynamic in nature. This means that these wrinkles only appear when people make an expression, and they disappear when the face is at rest. Botox works by temporarily relaxing the muscles so that their actions and movements are limited for a period of time. On the other hand, dermal fillers are used to ‘fill’ deeper lines and wrinkles that are permanently etched on the face even when the face is at rest. Dermal filler treatments are usually used to make the skin look more youthful and smooth. Botox and dermal fillers cannot be done at the same time Although both treatments are different, they can be administered at the same time. Contrary to popular belief, Botox and dermal fillers do not have any adverse counter-reaction. In fact, many aesthetic doctors in Singapore combine both treatments to give impressive results. In fact, doctors believe that the longevity of the treatment is extended when both treatments are combined. It is easy to be addicted to Botox and dermal filler treatments This is one of the most common misconceptions that people have. While you cannot be physically addicted to Botox and dermal fillers, you can possibly be hooked on to the aesthetically-pleasing results. There was a study done in Britain in 2006 that four out of ten Botox users have a compulsion to use it on a regular basis. They reportedly feel insecure and feel that they are not able to restore their youthful appearance without getting the treatments on a regular basis. Botox treatments produce frozen faces Botox has an undeniably bad reputation because of the frozen faces of celebrities we see on television. “When Botox is overused or injected in the wrong area, you will end up looking unnatural and frozen. It is very important that your doctor is experienced and understand the anatomy of your face,” says Dr. Siew. An experienced doctor will be able to achieve natural and beautiful results using very little amounts of Botox. Repeating the treatments is necessary This is also one of the most common myths that people believe in. Botox and dermal fillers will not make your skin look worse than before the treatment. In fat, people who stop undergoing the treatments will gradually see signs of aging again but will not see a worsening of the skin condition. Radium Medical Aesthetics is a medical aesthetic clinic in Singapore that offers a wide range of non-surgical anti-aging treatments such as Botox and dermal fillers. Dr. Siew is also one of the few appointed trainers in Singapore for several brands of dermal fillers.