Information about Botox injections in New York, NY with Top Facial Plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono.
Self-Injecting Botox and Fillers: Is it a Good Idea?
It seems like everyone is jumping on different beauty trains. This is due to the advent of social media and the newfound emphasis on broadcasting one’s face. Instagram models tout masks and creams, TikTok influencers give tips to look ten years younger, and Twitter users offer pithy pieces of anti-aging advice.
In many cases, people come forward with their cosmetic treatment experiences. They vlog glowing testimonials about facial plastic surgeons and dermatologists in their areas and the products and services they use.
Recently, consumers have turned to a problematic form of personal care: self-injection. Someone buys a vial of knockoff Botox or Restylane and attempts to use it on themselves without external advice. Unsurprisingly, this has caused a wave of complications and medical mishaps. Even those who consult online how-to videos are in danger of nerve damage and long-term complications.
“It’s a no-brainer: don’t inject yourself with products that a medical doctor should be administering,” says Dr. Jacono. “The best-case scenario is that you look distorted. The worst is that you become disfigured. The fact of the matter is that those who aren’t trained to do this work end up harming themselves.”
What Does Botox Do?
Understanding the perils of self-administering fillers comes from a deeper comprehension of what these treatments are. Put simply, Botox and fillers are injectable solutions that smooth wrinkles and add volume to the face. That said, Botox and fillers have fundamentally different compositions and outcomes.
“I routinely use both Botox and fillers at my practice,” says Dr. Jacono. “I find them to be incredibly useful treatments for those not ready to have surgery. They are relatively easy to use, require no downtime, and offer consistent results. My patients are usually excited to undergo a series of sessions.”
Botox, on the one hand, is an injectable made from a bacterium called Botulinum toxin. In large doses, this is toxic, but in small to moderate doses, it is safe for aesthetic treatment. The goal of Botox is to eliminate wrinkles by blocking impulses from the nerves to certain muscles. After a treatment session, the muscles relax, and the overlying skin smooths. Botox has been on the market for many years and has been an effective option since its inception.
“Botox has become a mainstay in modern cosmetic treatment,” says Dr. Jacono. “It has helped revolutionize how we perceive ourselves and others. More often than not, people will admit to getting Botox injections to look their best, and nobody bats an eye. This is because it has become common upkeep. Essentially, it has become the new face cream for the masses.”
What Do Facial Fillers Do?
Facial or dermal fillers are also injectable solutions that make the face appear smoother. However, instead of freezing certain muscles, they add volume to the face, lips, and cheeks. They smooth deeper lines and wrinkles while also making the face as a whole look more symmetrical. Usually, dermal fillers are made of a substance called hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body. Hyaluronic acid primarily acts as a lubricating agent in the joints and tissues. When injected, it smooths skin and builds volume. Facial fillers can be used for non-surgical facelifts that do not require cuts, sutures, or long recovery times.
“Hyaluronic acid fillers are very effective options in the fight against aging,” says Dr. Jacono. “Injections are relatively painless, and take only a few minutes to administer. Results are almost instantaneous—patients will leave the office looking younger and better-rested. The best part about this treatment is that it lasts anywhere between 9 and 12 months, sometimes longer. Botox only lasts for 3 to 4 months before maintenance is required.
Whatever you decide, Dr. Jacono and other physicians recommend that you don’t use these compounds on your own. Doctors have been trained to inject in specific spots that do not compromise wellness. Their goal is to make you look as good as possible with the least amount of risk.
“When you’re on the market for a cosmetic treatment, always go to a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist,” says Dr. Jacono. “If you don’t, you run the risk of harming yourself.
Who Is Dr. Andrew Jacono?
Dr. Andrew Jacono, M.D., FACS, is a specialist in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures. He is an assistant clinical professor at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He is the head of facial plastic surgery at North Shore University Hospital on Long Island and is a fellowship director for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Jacono has been published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. He has also been featured on a number of news outlets, including Good Morning America, Anderson, and CNN, as well as in USA Today, Parade, and Newsweek. His television series, Facing Trauma, appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Jacono is a senior advisor to FACE TO FACE, which provides pro bono surgery to domestic violence victims, and is a volunteer surgeon for Healing the Children.
