Everything You Need to Know About Baby Botox

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Sometimes we like to dip our toes into the pool before diving in. When it comes to injectables, dipping our toes in can seem like it is entirely out of the question. But with baby Botox (smaller amounts of Botox) we can see some of the natural looking results of Botox without making a major leap into the injectable pool. In this article we’ll break down what baby Botox is, who it may be right for, and how much it costs.

What is baby Botox?

Baby Botox is extremely similar to regular Botox injections. It is simply injecting smaller amounts of Botox into areas prone to fine lines and wrinkles. The goal of baby Botox is to show the most natural results without completely relaxing the muscles. It is a great way for people worried about injectables to get an idea of what the effects would be like.

How does baby Botox work?

Just like regular Botox injections the goal is to decrease lines and wrinkles. “Baby Botox”, also trademarked “MicroTox”, is when a trained provider injects very superficial amounts of Botulinum Toxin under the top layer of skin with a goal of not quite reaching the muscle. These tiny doses will smooth and relax the skin while still allowing for more natural movement. However, even baby Botox can drift around 1cm so it’s always possible it will affect the muscle. 

What areas can you get baby Botox injected?

Baby Botox is perfect for areas with fine lines and wrinkles where you would want a natural look (see photo below). It is used in many of the same areas that traditional Botox would be used, like:

  • Around the lips
  • Neck
  • Jaw area
  • Crow’s feet
  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Frown lines between brows

Who is a good candidate for baby Botox?

Baby Botox is best for younger clients or those with minimal lines and wrinkles because it’s going to be a modest effect compared to traditional injections. However, it can also be used strategically in clients with more severe lines and wrinkles to give natural appearing results in combination with full treatment. A good example is using this technique right above the eyebrows to allow for some lift of the brow while still smoothing the skin. For more on Botox brow lifts, read the article below.

Botox Brow Lift

What are the benefits of baby Botox?

  • Possibly a more natural appearance 
  • Can diminish signs of aging like lines and wrinkles without disrupting facial movements
  • Can be used in combination of full treatments for more control over the final result

Is baby Botox safe?

It is important to note that all aesthetic procedures come with inherent risks. Baby Botox done by a trained injector with years of experience is generally very safe. It has been studied and may have even fewer side effects than traditional Botox because of its smaller doses.

What are the side effects of baby Botox?

Though baby Botox may have fewer side effects than traditional Botox, you may still run the risk of:

  • Bruising in the areas injected
  • Swelling around the injection site
  • Headaches
  • Potential for it to drift deeper leading to the same effect as regular injections

Always consult with your injector about the possible side effects before having a procedure done.

What is the difference between baby Botox and Botox?

Baby Botox and traditional Botox are extremely similar. They both utilize onabotulinumtoxin-A or another type of toxin to weaken muscles. This process weakens muscles and lessens lines and wrinkles. Baby Botox is focused on using less of the same toxin superficially to achieve more natural results. Using less produces less noticeable effects but can still help lessen wrinkles and lines. This makes it great for clients that have never tried Botox before. For more information on botox in general, read the article below. 

Botox 101

How much does baby Botox cost?

Baby Botox prices are determined by the type of toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) used and the injector you choose. That being said, baby Botox procedures may require half as much toxin as a traditional Botox treatment. But the cost may be the same due to the advanced training of the clinician to perform this treatment and also the additional time it takes for all of the extra injection sites. For instance, a traditional forehead treatment might be 5-10 sites of a regular treatment and double or triple that for Baby Botox. Some of the costs might be:

  • Around the lips: $100+
  • Neck: $200+
  • Jaw area: $200+
  • Crow’s feet: $200+
  • Forehead wrinkles: $200+
  • Frown lines between brows: $200+

Click on the pink button below for Elite Medical and Aesthetic’s Pricing 

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How do you prepare for baby Botox?

 For any medical procedure you’ll want to check with your injecting provider for a full list of instructions. In general most patients prepare for baby Botox the same way they would prepare for regular Botox procedures.

This may include: avoiding blood thinning medications and supplements (unless prescribed for health reasons), icing beforehand if needed, taking zinc, and showing up with a makeup clear face. For more information on what to do to prepare, check our Botox prep guide.

What is a baby Botox procedure like?

The baby Botox procedure is a very quick process that generally takes less than 30 minutes and up to 60 minutes for full face and neck.

The procedure will generally start with your injector talking to you about what will happen and asking you a few questions. After that they will wipe your face with a cleaning solution. Over the next few minutes the practitioner will inject Botox into the target areas. The injector will then explain aftercare treatment for you. From there, you’ll be on your way to continue on with your day.

What is baby Botox aftercare?

Talk to your injecting provider for a complete list of aftercare instructions. In general though, aftercare is fairly straightforward and may include: 

  • Avoid rubbing or massaging the area treated. This could cause the toxin to move around and have unwanted effects. As well as increase risk for infection (hands are dirty!).
  • You may also consider not laying down for 4 hours after your treatment to make sure the toxin doesn’t move around.
  • Consider avoiding strenuous exercise after the procedure to avoid swelling and inflammation.
  • In some cases, icing the area can help reduce discomfort from the procedure since it’s a lot of pokes to spread the baby Botox around! You can ice for 5 minutes on and 5-10 minutes off as needed in most cases. Consider not wearing makeup immediately post-procedure to keep the injections site clean and to avoid rubbing and spreading the toxin. Always discuss aftercare with your injector to make sure you’re properly following their instructions. 
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What types of neuromodulators can be used for baby Botox?

Some patients may find that they build resistance to Botox or Dysport due to a protein coating that they build antibodies to (more info on this can be found here). These patients are typically able to use a “Naked” Botulinum toxin like Xeomin to obtain the same results.

How long does baby Botox last?

Baby Botox typically lasts for 6-8 weeks depending on where it is injected. In higher movement areas, like the area around the mouth, it tends to have a shorter life. You’ll want to make sure you set up an appointment for another round of injections at this point to maintain the results.

Does baby Botox last as long as regular Botox?

Baby Botox generally does not last as long as regular Botox which can last for 4 months or longer. It doesn’t last as long because it is lower doses that are spread out more. For more information on how you can make your botox last longer, read the blog below!

Tips to Make Botox Last Longer

Is baby Botox worth it?

Having any type of aesthetic procedure is a personal choice and you have to decide for yourself if it is worth it. If you’re newer to injectables or have never tried Botox, this may be an easy way to get a glimpse of what it would be like. If you are located in the Lone Tree, CO area, and would like to learn more or chat about this procedure, book a consult below.

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All about under eye filler

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Introduction: All about under-eye filler

Have you gotten tired of trying under-eye creams hoping that they would help you get rid of the dark sunken look under your eyes? For many clients this area is extremely frustrating, but the good news is that there is a solution. Under-eye (tear trough) filler can give the area under your eyes increased volume and reduce the appearance of dark hollows. In this article we’ll dive into what types of fillers are used, what the procedure is like, and what under-eye fillers cost.

For visual learners, watch this YouTube video that features NP, Ali Wagstaff, and her take on under-eye concerns and treatments to help. 

What is under-eye filler?

Tear trough filler (aka under-eye filler) is a treatment where hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are injected using a needle or cannula into and around the dark hollows under the eyes. It can be done alone or in conjunction with cheek filler. 

Why is under-eye filler sometimes done with cheek filler?

It’s important to address the whole face when treating this area for a natural and balanced look. Oftentimes under eye hollows can be from loss of volume in the cheeks. Always determine the underlying cause of the deficit before treating.

Also, it is crucial to go to an experienced provider, as this area can not only be dangerous to inject, but also difficult to inject in the correct plane (or level).

Below is a before and after photo of a patient who needed cheek support along with under eye correction. The two go hand-in-hand.

What types of filler can be used in the under-eye region?

Most of the softer, thinner HA (hyaluronic acid) fillers can be used in the under-eye area. Sometimes firmer HA’s can be used in severe cases, or when they are diluted. It is not advised to use non-HA fillers in this thin, sensitive area. 

The most commonly used hyaluronic acid fillers for under-eyes are:

Other fillers such as collagen, Sculptra and Radiesse are NOT recommended in this area due to risk of overfilling, pain, reaction and nodules. This is a high movement area that needs a soft and gentle HA filler for best results.  

For more information on fillers, check out our filler guide.

What does tear trough filler treat?

Our bodies naturally lose volume in our tear trough as we age. We also have separation of the fat pads under the eyes and the cheeks. This leaves an indentation, or dark hollowing, under the eye which can be softened with dermal fillers for a more refreshed “awake” appearance. Below are some before and after photos that help visualize tear trough filler.

Who is a good candidate for under-eye filler?

A good candidate is someone who:

  • Has always had dark under eye hollows genetically 
  • Developed dark under eye hollows with aging 
  • Has good skin quality & cheek support

A poor candidate is someone who:

  • Has large under eye bags rather than hollows
  • Has extremely thin or fragile skin that appears to be “see-through”
  • Has full face hollowing and requires full-face intervention prior to under eye filler

If you previously had a poor under eye filler treatment, and don’t know what to do, be sure to schedule a free consultation! In the mean time, read how you can reverse “bad” filler.

Read this!

Are tear trough fillers safe?

Yes, under-eye fillers done by experienced medical providers can be done safely. It’s important to consult with your injecting provider, like our Nurse Practitioner Ali, to discuss the risks and benefits of any procedure. See below for risks

Are there risks involved with under eye filler?

All medical and aesthetic procedures come with risks. Some of these risks involved in tear trough filler include:

  1. A poor result, usually over-filling with a puffy appearance
  2. Prolonged swelling from poor product selection or placement
  3. A blue tinge under the eyes (tyndall effect) from too much filler, filler placed too superficially or filler placed on a poor candidate
  4. A vascular occlusion where dermal filler gets into the artery (angular artery) which can lead to severe complications. 

What are the benefits of tear trough filler?

  • Tear trough filler can add volume to lessen the “hollowness” under the eyes
  • It can give you a more rested and youthful appearance 
  • Filler will diminish under-eye bags (in certain cases) 
  • It will eliminate or lessen dark circles under the eyes

How much does under-eye filler cost?

Under-eye filler varies in cost based on the type that you receive, where you have the procedure done, and who is performing the procedure. Below is a breakdown of the cost, on average.

  • Hyaluronic Acid Fillers like Juvederm, Belotero, and Restylane generally cost between $600-$1200 per treatment. This does not include any other filler that may be recommended. When combined with other facial fillers the cost for the under-eye portion may be lower. 

For more on pricing

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How do you prepare for under-eye filler?

Talk to your injecting provider for a complete list of instructions, but in general, it will likely be recommended to:

  • Avoid over the counter medications that may thin your blood like aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil  (unless prescribed)
  • Do not consume alcohol 24-48 hours before your procedure
  • Come to your appointment with a clean face and no make-up (if possible) 

Some additional recommendations to help you prepare:

Taking arnica tablets help to prevent bruising/swelling, too (as with any supplement, talk to your provider before you take OTC medications or supplements)

Consider icing the under eyes for 10-20 minutes prior fo your procedure to decrease the risk of swelling/bruising

What is an under-eye filler treatment like?

Under-eye filler appointments are generally about 30-60 minutes. The actual procedure itself may only take about 5-minutes per side, but the preparation and discussions prior to the appointment will take up extra time. Your injector may also recommend injecting other areas first, such as the cheeks and mid-face, to support the tear trough area and for a better result which takes additional time. 

If you are curious about what our filler appointments generally look like, read our blog here. The more you know, the more comfortable you can be (:

What is under-eye filler aftercare like?

Every injector will have their own specific aftercare instructions. Below are some of the general recommendations for under eye filler aftercare:

  • Try to avoid using concealer or other eye makeup for the first 24 hours.
  • Do not rub the treated area for at least 24-48 hours after your injections. 
  • Avoid intense physical activity for 24-48 hours, if possible, as exercise may increase swelling to the area treated. 
  • Consider avoiding alcohol for 48 hours after your treatment. Drinking could increase the swelling and bruising.
  • Use an ice pack to ice the area for 5-10 minutes off and on for the first 48 hours. This will help you reduce  swelling quicker. It’s also a great reason to sit on the couch and relax.

For more tips and tricks on how to avoid swelling from filler, in general, read this. 

When will I see results from tear trough filler?

Immediately after the procedure you will be able to see your results! For many people, there will also be some swelling immediately post-procedure. The swelling will start to go down in about 48 hours. You will be able to see the final results in 7 to 14 days in most cases but in rare cases, it may take longer, especially during allergy season.

How long do under-eye fillers last?

Over the years we have discovered that filler tends to last much longer in this area than in other high movement areas. Lasting even longer than the lips. The same filler brand that may only last 6-8 months in the lips may last 1-2 years under the eyes.  More cross-linked fillers, such as the Juvederm family, can last 2-3 years, but this does come with an increased risk of reactions and late-onset nodules. Talk to your injecting provider about what dermal filler is best for you. Schedule a consultation HERE.

What is the best under-eye filler?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the best fillers for under-eye treatments and we have tried almost all of the available brands on the U.S. market. Our favorites have been Belotero Balance and Restylane-L for most cases. 

We also use other, firmer HA fillers or Radiesse in the cheeks prior to doing under-eye fillers to support the area and also give a more natural look. 

For a full list on fillers and what areas they’re best for, READ THIS!

Is tear trough filler worth it?

Yes, tear trough filler is worth it. This is one of the procedures that we get excellent feedback on. It’s a subtle result that makes a huge impact for clients that feel like they constantly look tired. It also has minimal downtime and is not obvious to others that it was done. 

Under eye filler before and after

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All About Lip Flips

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Introduction

Many patients seeking fuller lips are nervous to get lip filler and often opt to start with a lip flip. Some are also nervous about a ducky appearance and have heard that a lip flip can help with this!

In this article we’ll dive into what lip flips are, how much they cost, and why it may make sense for some patients to pair a Botox lip flip with traditional lip filler. We’ll also talk about who may be a candidate for a surgical lip lift if a lip flip is not enough. 

What is a Botox lip flip?

A lip flip is an “off-label” procedure done by injecting Botulinum toxin into the border of the upper lip into the lower portion of the orbicularis oris muscle. This is the circular muscle that controls lip pursing (known as duck face). 

By injecting botulinum toxin into the lower region the lower muscle is slightly deactivated. This allows the upper portion of the orbicularis oris to flip the top lip up a bit. It also helps with “smoker’s lines”around the lips.

The effect is a modest 1mm change to the upper lip that lasts around 2-months.

How much does a Botox lip flip cost?

Lip flips are generally for cosmetic purposes and are not covered by insurance. Pricing depends on how many units are needed, who is doing the procedure, and also if the procedure is done alone or with lip filler. Most patients use 4-10 units of Botox which can cost $100-$500. This is generally less expensive than getting a full set of lip fillers which can cost $500+.

Who is a good candidate for a Botox lip flip?

A Botox lip flip is the perfect procedure for:

  • People looking for a fuller appearing top lip without adding volume
  • Individuals hoping to get a more visible upper lip while smiling
  • Those that plan to get lip filler but have a longer philtrum column and don’t want to look ducky (more below)

A Botox lip flip should be avoided by:

  • Those allergic to botulinum toxin
  • Women that are pregnant
  • Patients with active infections or illnesses

Is a lip flip the same as lip filler?

No, they are actually quite different but patients can use both depending on the goals. A lip flip uses Botox and lip filler uses dermal fillers.

Lip filler is a non-surgical procedure where a gel-like substance is injected into the lip to enhance the shape, volume and contours of the lip. When done in a certain way it can flip up the top lip and shorten the philtrum column (distance between the bottom of the nose and top of the lip). See image above. 

When necessary, patients can use it in combination with a lip flip to enhance the upper lip.

What are the benefits of a Botox lip flip compared to lip fillers?

One benefit of the lip flip over lip fillers is the cost. Most lip filler procedures cost between $600-800 whereas a lip flip might start out at $125.

Both the lip flip and lip filler can decrease lines in the lips called “smoker’s lines” or “kissing lines.” The lip filler will last longer on average though.

For someone with a long philtrum column (the distance between the bottom of the nose and top of the lip) the lip flip can be used with lip filler. This works to prevent a ducky appearance. In some other cases, if the distance is severely long, patients may need a surgical consult for a lip lift (see below).

Another major benefit of this procedure is that it can be a good intro into lip procedures, only lasting 2 months. Only lasting 2 months can also be a con when you consider lip filler lasts roughly 8-12 months. In the long run, the lip flip can be more expensive if done regularly.

What is a lip lift?

A lip lift is a surgical procedure where a plastic surgeon removes a small amount of skin from the philtrum column. This shortens the distance between the nose and the top lip. The goal is usually to have a few mm of top teeth showing when the mouth is relaxed but lips are slightly parted. The lip lift procedure costs on average between $2000 and $5000

What is the difference between a lip flip and a lip lift?

A lip flip is where Botox or another Botulinum toxin is injected into the top lip. This temporarily flips up the cupid’s bow and shortens the philtrum column (around 1mm).

A surgical lip lift is a permanent surgery to do the same thing. The difference is that the surgeon can measure exactly how much skin to take for each unique person. The average is around 3-7mm or 1/3rd of the distance depending on the person and their unique appearance.

What are the pros and cons of a lip flip versus a surgical lip lift?

The pros of the lip flip over a surgical lip lift is that the Botox lip flip is temporary, only lasting 2 months or so. It’s also cheaper in the short term. The cons are that it only lasts 2 months and that the change is very modest, around 1mm. So someone with a very long philtrum column the lip flip will not do much.

The pros of the surgical lip lift is that it’s permanent and the exact amount of change for the best aesthetic results can occur. The cons are that it is surgery which always comes with risks and it will leave a small scar. It is also permanent in the rare case the top lip has been shortened too much, though it does relax and “stretch” out over time. 

Should I get a lip flip or lip lift?

One thing you can do at home to determine if you have a long philtrum column is look at yourself in the mirror with your face and lips still and neutral.  Then open your mouth about 1-2 cms. Do your top teeth show at all or does your top lip cover them completely?

If your top teeth show then your best bet is likely lip filler with or without the lip flip depending if you have lip lines or how much top teeth show.

If your top teeth don’t show, then you should consider whether you would undergo surgery to enhance the appearance of your lips. If you would not, then make an appointment with an experienced injector and see what they think about lip filler with a lip flip. They may be able to do it, but in severe cases may recommend you have a surgical consultation with a surgeon. They usually have someone they trust that they can refer you to.

If you know you want a permanent change, do your research and get a few consults with well known, board certified plastic surgeons for a lip lift procedure.

Does a lip flip hurt?

In most cases, ice or numbing cream is used before the injections for a lip flip. The lips are very sensitive and because the needle is being injected deeper, into the muscle, this area can be quite tender. It is very quick though and most people tolerate it well. 

Is a Botox lip flip safe?

Botox, and other neurotoxin treatments, are safe and highly researched. Due to the small amount of medication being injected, the risk is even smaller than many other procedures. That being said, you should always consult and book with a pro that has performed the procedure numerous times like Ali from EMA. The most expensive aesthetics procedures are the ones you have to have twice due to a poorly trained injector.

What are the side effects of a Botox lip flip?

Minor side effects of a Botox lip flip include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Soreness in the area injected
  • Inability to fully purse lips or annunciate certain words

Talk to your injecting provider for a complete list of side effects and warnings to look out for after any procedure.

Does a lip flip change your smile?

A lip flip can make the top lip show a bit more when smiling but the effect is subtle. In rare cases, when the injection is not done correctly it can actually cause a crooked smile as well. Make sure you go to someone that has experience in lip flips before having this procedure done.

What is Lip Flip Aftercare?

Talk to your injecting provider and ensure that you are following all of their specific recommendations after any procedure. In general, aftercare is simple and usually involves keeping the site clean, avoiding massaging the area and avoiding intense exercise for 4-8 hours post procedure. 

How long until I see results from my Botox lip flip?

Depending on which medication is used (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Jeuveau) results will likely start to show within 4-5 days with final results between 10-14 days.

How long will my Botox lip flip last?

Unfortunately, results only last up to 2-months in this high movement area. That means the procedure needs do be done again every 2 months.

Are lip flips worth it?

Having any type of aesthetic procedure is a personal choice and you have to decide for yourself if it is worth it.

We have done many lip flips at Elite and find that lip filler tends to have a more desirable and longer lasting effect, with or without the lip flip. 

We’ve also found that many people look “ducky” from poorly placed or migrated filler done elsewhere and when we dissolve and redo it we get a great result.

In rare cases, we have also referred clients for plastic surgery consults. But for most clients we can give at least a subtle treatment to enhance their look.

If you want to learn more or chat about these procedures book a consult below to chat.

Read more about how to tell if you’ll look lucky ducky in this article.

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