Injectables Before the Holidays: When to Get Botulinum Toxin and Fillers

3 Key Takeaways:

• Timing is essential – book your treatments 3 to 4 weeks before events for optimal results. Allot time for consultation and proper assessment. 
• Safety and natural results matter – always choose a qualified medical professional for your injectable treatments.
• Myths debunked – dermal fillers are reversible, safe, and won’t make you look fake or unnatural when administered correctly.

The holiday season is almost here, bringing parties, reunions, and gatherings. It’s also the time when many want to look refreshed and youthful, and this is where botulinum toxin or dermal filler injections can help. Properly administered, these treatments can give you a comprehensive, youthful glow that looks completely natural.

The main question is: when is the best time to schedule botulinum toxin or dermal filler injections before the holidays? Read on as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore answers this and explains how injectables can help you feel confident and always ready this festive season.

Botulinum toxin: Quick facts

1. Botulinum toxin is a purified neurotoxin derived from Clostridium botulinum.
2. It works by temporarily relaxing facial muscles, softening expression-related wrinkles without affecting long-term muscle function.
3. US FDA-approved uses include treatment of forehead lines, crow’s feet, glabellar lines (frown lines), and platysma neck bands.
4. Results typically last 3 to 4 months, and can vary depending on the treatment area. 
5. Botulinum toxin should only be administered by a qualified doctor using genuine products in a proper clinical setting.

For further reading:FAQs About Botulinum Toxin: Answers from Dr. Dennis Teng

Botulinum toxin: How it works and what to expect

Botulinum toxin effectively reduces the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Carefully placed injections can relax the underlying facial muscles, soften lines, and give you a more refreshed, youthful look. It is US FDA-approved for 4 areas: 

• Frown lines or angry 11s
• Horizontal forehead lines
• Wrinkles in the corner of the eyes or crow’s feet
• Platysma bands (vertical strips that connect the jawline and the neck)

When results appear: You’ll start to notice improvements within a few days, but it takes 14 days for the neurotoxin to settle and show its full effects.

How long it lasts: The results typically last between 3 to 4 months before touch-up is needed.

When to book: Many suggest planning 2 weeks ahead, but 3 to 4 weeks is ideal. Be sure to allot time for consultation and proper assessment. 

Note: While the injection itself is quick (10 to 15 minutes), proper preparation is essential for safety and optimal results. A consultation with a qualified medical professional is crucial to evaluate your condition, assess your facial structure, and discuss your goals. These will help determine if you’re a suitable candidate. 

For further reading: Understanding Botulinum Toxin Safety: Why it Matters Who You Trust

Dermal fillers: How they work and what to expect

Dermal fillers help restore lost facial volume, smooth deeper lines, and improve facial contours. They are injected under the skin to fill in the gaps due to unwanted folds and creases. As collagen production naturally declines with age, fillers help bring back firmness and youthful structure.

Fillers can:

• Add volume to cheeks and lips
• Smooth lines and folds
• Enhance facial contours
• Improve overall skin plumpness

Most fillers today are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that attracts moisture and supports collagen production. This means they not only replace lost volume, but also help improve the skin’s quality over time.

When results appear: You’ll see improvements immediately, with results continuing to improve as swelling settles.

How long they last: Most fillers last 6 to 12 months, while some formulations last even longer.

When to book: It is ideal to schedule 10 to 14 days before an event, as this is the time it takes the fillers to fully settle. Ideally, plan 3 to 4 weeks ahead so any swelling fully resolves and results blend in naturally.

For further reading: 13 Most Common Questions About Facial Fillers in Singapore

Dermal fillers: Myths vs facts

Many people hesitate to try dermal fillers due to common fears and misconceptions. Let’s separate myths from facts.

Myth: Fillers are irreversible.
Fact: Most fillers naturally dissolve over time, typically lasting 6 to 12 months depending on the type used. After this period, the treated area gradually returns to its original appearance. If needed, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can safely dissolve hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. 

Myth: Fillers will make you look weird and fake.
Fact: When administered by a licensed injector, fillers should not look overdone or fake. Botched jobs and undesirable results are more likely to happen if you fall into the wrong hands or have someone untrained to inject the fillers.

Myth: Once you start, you can’t stop.
Fact: Many worry that stopping fillers will make the face saggy or wrinkly. This isn’t true. Once the effects of dermal fillers wear off, the treated areas simply return to their original appearance.

Myth: Filler injections are very painful.
Fact: Many fillers today contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that makes the treatment more comfortable. In addition, aesthetic clinics also offer topical numbing creams, ice, and cooling devices to help ease any pain. Most patients describe the feeling as a slight pinching or prickling, not painful.

Myth: Fillers replace the need for surgery.
Fact: While fillers can improve lost volume, diminish fine lines, and enhance contour, they cannot achieve the dramatic, long-lasting results of a surgical facelift or related procedures. This is particularly true in cases of severe sagging or excess skin.

Always plan early

The end of the year is a busy time for many clinics. Booking early gives you more flexibility and helps make sure that you get optimal results for your treatments. At Cutis, we can guide you on:

• The treatments that fit your timeline – We’ll help identify the procedures that are best suited to both your goals and schedule.
• Safe combination treatments – Guidance on which treatments can be performed together safely, and how to space them for the optimal results. 
• Aftercare to reduce risks and minimize downtime – Tips on recovery and post-treatment care to lower the risk of side effects and help you heal faster.
• Setting realistic expectations – Understanding what results to expect and how long treatments last helps you plan confidently.

Celebrate the season with confidence that lasts

At Cutis Laser Clinics, we take a personalized, holistic approach to our treatments. Our focus is on safety and effectiveness, as well as tailored care and natural-looking results that improve over time. We can help you celebrate the season with beauty and confidence, whether your goal is to smooth, lift, or glow.

Get glowing, refreshed, and confident for the holidays and beyond. WhatsApp us at +65 9780 2079 to learn or to schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors in Singapore.