Facial Balancing in Lake Norman, NC

Two different clocks

Neurotoxin takes time to work. You'll see a change over several days, and it's settled at about two weeks. Filler shows right away, but swelling can take a few days to go down, and a bruise is possible. Your included follow-up is at two weeks, which is also when we'd make any adjustment.

Put together, that means a facial balancing plan wants a runway.

When to book before an event

• More than two weeks out: room for the consult, the treatment, the two-week check, and a second step if you want one.
• Two weeks out: you’ll be settled, but there’s no time for a second step.
• Less than two weeks: book a consult now and treat after the event.

That's my scheduling advice, not a medical rule, and your consult is where we fit it to your plan.

What goes into a plan

Filler for structure and volume, usually hyaluronic acid (HA). I use Juvéderm. Different HA fillers do different jobs, and I pick the right one for you at your consult. Neurotoxin for movement, at $13 per unit. Most plans lean on filler, with neurotoxin as the smaller piece. Area pages: cheeks, jawline and chin, neurotoxin.

What it costs

The plan is quoted at a free consult. Filler is priced per syringe, neurotoxins are $13 per unit, and you see the full number before anything is booked. See pricing.

Pain and how long it lasts

Expect pressure and a few pinches. We talk through numbing at the consult. MedlinePlus says cosmetic Botox may be repeated every 3 to 4 months, depending on how long the effect lasts. Filler lasts longer, and how long depends on the product, the area, and your body.

Your first visit

Bring your date. At the free consult I look at your face, go over your health history, and build the plan backward from the event. If there's time to start the same day, we usually can.

Safety

Tell me if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, under 22, have an infection or rash where we'd treat, or a bleeding disorder or severe allergies. The FDA's dermal filler dos and don'ts also notes that swelling or redness can flare near filler after an illness, a vaccine, or dental work, so mention anything like that coming up. The FDA lists bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, and itching as common dermal filler side effects and says many clear up within days to weeks. The most serious risk is filler getting into a blood vessel. The FDA calls that chance low, but it can cause tissue damage, vision problems including blindness, or stroke. Get care right away for unusual pain, any change in your vision, or skin near the injection site that turns white, gray, or blue.