As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am sometimes presented with patients who are surprised that I offer cosmetic anti-aging treatments like Botox and fillers. Both of these types of products are indeed natural substances and regarded as generally safe therapies, which I’ll outline below in more detail. I offer these services because they are minimally invasive and also because of the preventive capabilities they offer against the aging process. By maintaining the integrity of the skin (diminishing wrinkles) and preserving facial volume over time, patients can avoid more intense and invasive cosmetic procedures or surgeries. When discussing wholesome skincare, I also review other prevention strategies with my patients, including dietary and lifestyle adjustments, topical skin care advice, or using other anti-aging therapies in conjunction with Botox and fillers that help to reverse the age of the skin over time (such as Broadband Light therapy, or a “photofacial”). By reviewing the various options and strategies with my patients, we are able to utilize Botox and/or fillers as part of a preventive anti-aging program. Furthermore, I also appreciate the value these types of treatments offer to one’s mental and emotional state, as patients are often very delighted and have a greater sense of confidence, which translates into countless aspects of their overall health and well-being.
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name of botulinum toxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, naturally found in plants, soil, water and animal intestines. This product works by blocking activity at the neuromuscular junction, causing a temporary paralysis of the muscles. When this happens, the muscles are no longer able to create dynamic creases in the skin, which softens visible creases and prevents deep creases from ever forming. When used aesthetically, the doses are very small. Botox is also now used as an effective therapy to treat certain medical conditions, including migraines, muscle spasms and movement disorders.
What are Fillers?
Fillers do exactly as their name suggests – they “fill” in space and replace volume that is lost as part of the normal aging process. Volume loss occurs across all tissues over time, including not just the skin but the fat tissue, muscle tissue and even the bone. Fillers are made of ingredients that are already naturally found in the skin, such as hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep the skin plump and hydrated.
Do these treatments make me look like a different person?
One of my favorite phrases is, “The best injectable is the least detectable!” With appropriate use of aesthetic treatments, you should still look naturally like yourself but in a more rested and rejuvenated state.