Why is getting botox and fillers different at True Dermatology?

The product “should” generally be the same wherever you go, although there are too many places that may dilute the neurotoxins or “bait and switch” non-regulated filler products. Hopefully, this is far and few inbetween. The major difference is the injectors themselves and their personal approach and philosophy towards cosmetics. Just like how every individual is unique, this is true of every injector.

Here at True Dermatology, Dr. Calvin’s approach towards botox and filler starts with facial balancing. In fact, if you are reading this, take a look in the mirror right now. You will probably see that one side of your face is naturally bigger and more dominant than the other. When it comes down to the art of botox, the more dominant side will have stronger muscles that will require more units than the less dominant side. The opposite is true when it comes down to fillers, the less dominant side will require more fillers to better match the more dominant side. This is only one of countless examples why the variability between injectors is so large and the importance for you to choose one that is best for you.

While some places may specialize in creating the most plump lips or most exaggerated cheeks, Dr. Calvin prefers to use fillers to reverse aging. Fillers can be used to accomplish two things, first to enhance or restore.

Enhancing filler approach

Enhancing techniques include lip augmentation and cheek augmentation to better define aspects of your face that you would like to be more prominent. Patients often walk through my door with a facial feature they have in mind where they want to get fillers already. Many injectors will go along with this to make the sale. What is too often NOT discussed at the visit is how “adding” to one part of the face will “subtract” from another. If we enhance the jaw line for example, the ratio adjustment will make your face more bottom heavy and attract attention away from your forehead, eyes, and cheeks, and vice-versa.

Restoring filler approach

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Dr. Calvin’s restoring filler approach aims at reversing signs of aging. Starting in our 20’s, our facial bones start to reabsorb and cause areas of hollowing such as the under eye and temples most prominently in our 30-40s, followed by temples in the 40-50s and major cheekbone and jawline reabsorption in our 50s. You can achieve the most natural filler results if your injector is using a restoration approach to try to fill in what was lost. In fact, the results are so subtle that many of my patients admit that they started receiving compliments from their friends and family but were never asked if or where they had fillers done.

Why should I go to a dermatologist for botox and fillers? Can’t anyone do botox?

Understanding how to properly perform botox and fillers requires an in depth appreciation of facial anatomy that is learned through years of surgical practice operating on the face. Just because a provider is confident in a procedure does not mean they have the skill or proper training to perform them. There are countless weekend “botox and filler certificate courses” offered as an alternative short-cut for providers of all backgrounds to start injecting as an “expert”. Please do your research thoroughly before deciding who would be the person you trust injecting one of the most delicate and also dangerous parts of your body.

There are so many medspas, why should I come to True Dermatology for Botox and Fillers?

We are not a medspa. We do not sell any special lines of products because any “medical grade”products you can probably get online for cheaper or a prescription version that actually works. Dermatologists are expert medical doctors who have completed additional four years of residency training specifically in all medical, surgical, and cosmetic aspects of the skin.

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