Top 10 Injectable Treatment Questions in Ottawa
1. Are Botox and filler safe?
Fortunately, both Botox and fillers (such as Juvéderm, Stylage, and Restylane) have a long safety record. However, even with Health Canada and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval serious risks do exist. We always spend significant time during our consultation discussing the risks of these cosmetic treatments prior to proceeding. Make sure rare, and serious adverse events are detailed with you prior to proceeding with any cosmetic treatment.
2. How much does Botox cost in Ottawa?
The cost of injectable treatments including Botox will depend on a few factors. First, is the geographical area. Botox in downtown NYC will certainly be more expensive than a smaller city. Botox injected by an experienced and seasoned physician will also be more expensive than a new injector or a nurse injector. Qualifications and experience of your injector will certainly impact price. As with most things you get what you pay for! Finally, the actual product used will impact the price. Botox is more expensive than less known or less popular neuromodulators. Fillers such as Juvéderm that have been on the market for a long time will also be more expensive than smaller, less common brands.
Botox Cosmetic is typically priced per ‘unit’. A unit of Botox is a very small amount, typically 0.01mL. Most patients need anywhere from 5-50 units depending on the areas they want treated as well as their desired results. In Ottawa, Botox commonly ranges in price from $9-$15/unit. At Concept Medical (at the time which this blog was published) Botox is $12.50/unit and ONLY injected by our experienced physicians.
3. How much is filler in Ottawa?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection for the lips, cheeks, tear trough etc. also are dependent on the injector, the product, and location. As well, the overall amount of product needed will impact the pricing. Most fillers have 1mL of product in them. Typically, fillers such as Juvéderm are priced per syringe (or per 1mL). Finally, WHERE the filler is injected will impact the price. More advanced areas such as tear troughs are typically more expensive than less advanced areas such as the cheeks.
In Ottawa, fillers range in price from approximately $500-$800/syringe. At Concept Medical (at the time which this blog was published) HA fillers are $595-$750/syringe and ONLY injected by our experienced physicians.
Will the results look natural?
YES! Treatments with Botox and fillers such as Restylane, Stylage, Juvéderm and Belotero should always look natural. Never fake, frozen, or overdone. Cosmetic injectable treatments should make you look better but NOT different. The key to a natural, refreshed look is the right product in the right area for the right patients, AND most importantly by the right injector. Make sure to choose your clinic and injector wisely. * Results vary.
4. What filler is the best?
There is no best filler. Approved fillers such as Juvéderm, Stylage, or Belotero can all be used to create natural results if injected by an experienced medical professional. Each product has a unique consistency, and picking the ‘right’ filler for the desired results is critical. However, even more important is WHO is injecting the filler. Serious risks and adverse events can and do happen, so ensure your injector is well trained and experienced. At Concept Medical, we use primarily Juvéderm. There are currently 7 DIFFERENT types of Juvéderm. Some are best for contouring the chin or cheeks, while others best for tear troughs or eye bags, and lips.
5. How long does Botox and filler last?
Botox typically lasts 3-4 months, while fillers can last 12 months or more depending on the product and amount used. Lip filler typically lasts the least amount of time, given the regular movement and the need for a softer HA filler in this area. Lip filler typically lasts 6-12 months for most individuals. A recent study demonstrated that over 50% of patients treated with Juvéderm Volbella in their lips were still pleased with their results after 12 months. * Results vary.
6. Does insurance ever cover the cost of Botox and filler treatments?
Insurance providers do not typically cover the cost of cosmetic treatments such as Botox and filler. However, that being said Botox IS used for a number of therapeutic/medical (not cosmetic) indications such as chronic migraines, and hyperhidrosis (sweating). In these cases insurance plans often do cover the costs. For more information about our medical treatments, please call us at 613.829.1266.
7. Are injectable treatments such as Botox Cosmetic and Juvéderm painful?
Both products are injected using a tiny needle. Although they are tolerable, they are not painless. Most patients say it feels like a small pinch. However, given the very small needle most patients find the treatment a breeze.
8. Is there scarring after Botox?
Although theoretically possible, there are no known reports (to the best of the author’s knowledge) of scarring after Botox when performed correctly.
9. Is Botox permanent?
No. Botox is not permanent. Botox wears off in about 3-4 months after treatment. With repeat treatments, lines and wrinkles tend to improve with time. If you decide to stop Botox at any time your wrinkles slowly go back to their original state, not worse.
10. Does Botox or filler injections cause bruising?
Bruising is NOT uncommon after injectable treatments such as Botox or filler. Since we are using a small needle bruising can happen. We also suggest patient not have an injectable treatment 2 weeks prior to an important event in case bruising does occur. Slow injection technique, a experience injector as well as applying ice afterwards can minimize bruising. That being said, even with all precautions, bruising can and does occur.