The 360 Approach: How to Effectively Combine Botox and Filler
Botox, filler and skin rejuvenation treatments with Dr. Marissa Guacher in Kelowna, BC.
In the ever-evolving world of cosmetic enhancements, the art of combining treatments to achieve a natural, refreshed look has become a cornerstone of my practice. As many of you already know, my approach is all about enhancing your natural features in a way that supports your unique facial anatomy and personal aesthetic goals.
By taking a holistic approach to cosmetic injections that combines the duo of botox and fillers I have found my patients are able to achieve results that are equally subtle and transformative. The combination of the two treatments help prevent, protect and maintain natural results—allow me to explain.
What is botox?
Throughout this article I’ll be referring to botox as a way to generalize neuromodulators, not as an exact reference to the branded formula, BOTOX® Cosmetic Botox. There are several different neuromodulator brands available in Canada including: BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, Nuceiva™ and Xeomin®. All of these neuromodulators work in a similar way to manage dynamic wrinkles—those lines that appear as a result of repetitive facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, and squinting. By temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for these expressions, botox effectively reduces the appearance of these wrinkles, leading to a smoother, more refined facial appearance. The treatment is minimally invasive, involves little to no downtime, and its effects can last several months (typically three to four, depending on the individual and area), making it a popular choice for individuals looking to reduce the signs of aging or prevent the deepening of these expression lines over time. Botox’s ability to subtly pause the underlying muscle activity allows for a significant yet natural transformation in the treated areas, making it a cornerstone treatment in cosmetic care.
What is filler?
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. There are, again, several brands of dermal fillers available in Canada, but I trust and recommend Revanesse® and Restylane®. Unlike Botox, which targets muscle activity, dermal fillers work by filling in areas that have lost volume or elasticity due to aging, weight loss, or other factors. The most common types of fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (as is Revanesse®), a naturally occurring substance in the skin known for its capacity to attract and retain moisture, resulting in improved skin texture and volume. Dermal fillers are versatile and can be used in various parts of the face, including lips, cheeks, jawline, and under-eye area, providing immediate results (after some initial swelling) that can last from several months to a couple of years, depending on the type of filler used and the individual’s response to the treatment.
Why should I combine botox and filler?
The decision to combine botox and dermal fillers stems from the complementary nature of these treatments. Together, they address both dynamic and static facial concerns, providing a comprehensive approach to facial refinement. Botox extends the efficacy of fillers by reducing the muscle movements that can lead to the breakdown of the filler material over time. Meanwhile, fillers complement the smoothing effects of botox by restoring volume and structure to areas that have become hollow or have lost their youthful contour. This combination allows for a more strategic and tailored approach to enhancing facial features, where botox and fillers work in harmony to create a balanced, natural-looking outcome. By addressing the underlying causes of facial aging and volume loss with a 360 approach, patients can achieve lasting results that respect the natural proportions and movements of their face.
What botox and filler treatments do I need?
Firstly, I don’t believe anyone needs any of the treatments that I’ve mentioned throughout this article. I do, however, believe everyone has the right to make the best decision for them and should have the information they need in order to do so. Integrating botox and dermal fillers into a cohesive treatment plan requires a deep understanding of facial anatomy and appreciation for the subtle nuances of individual features—it is so important you find the right cosmetic injector for you. In British Columbia, only naturopathic physicians (such as myself), physicians, dentists, registered nurses, registered practical nurses and nurse practitioners are qualified to provide cosmetic injections. Each provider will bring a unique set of skills and subjective point of view when it comes to cosmetic injections, so it’s important you find the right match for you.
In my practice, I focus on developing a treatment plan that balances aligning with your unique facial characteristics and your aesthetic goals. If a treatment or product amount does not align with your facial anatomy, I may decline providing a treatment—my goal is help create results that you will be satisfied with in three months and three decades. It’s important that we build a foundation that will benefit you now and in the future.
For anyone considering this combined approach of botox and filler, I recommend booking a consultation with a qualified provider that can help develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and aesthetic aspirations. I offer complimentary consultations for botox and dermal filler in Kamloops, Kelowna and Vernon, BC. To book your consultation with me, click here. For more information and to see some of my patient transformations, follow me on social here.
