By Dr. Karen Singer, MD | St. Petersburg, Florida
If you’ve been considering Botox®, Dysport®, dermal fillers, or other injectable treatments, you’re not alone. Every day, patients ask me many of the same questions before taking the next step. The good news? Injectable treatments have become one of the safest, most effective ways to refresh your appearance without surgery when performed by an experienced physician.
Here are the answers to the questions I hear most often in my office.
1. What’s the difference between Botox and dermal fillers?
This is the number one question!
Although they’re both injectables, they do very different things.
Neuromodulators (such as Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Letybo®) relax the muscles that cause wrinkles from facial expressions. They’re ideal for:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines (“11s”)
- Crow’s feet
- Bunny lines
- Chin dimpling
- Neck bands
- Jaw slimming
- Lip flip
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, restore lost volume and enhance facial contours. Fillers can improve:
- Lips
- Cheeks
- Jawline
- Chin
- Under-eye hollows
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Temples
Many patients achieve the best results by combining both treatments.
2. Will I look fake or “frozen”?
Absolutely not—unless that’s specifically what someone requests.
My philosophy is simple: enhance, don’t change.
My goal is for friends and family to notice that you look refreshed, rested, and healthy—not that you’ve “had work done.”
Natural-looking results are always the priority.
3. When should I start Botox?
There isn’t a magic age.
Some patients begin in their late 20s as a preventative treatment, while others don’t start until their 40s, 50s, or beyond.
The best time is when dynamic wrinkles (those that appear when you smile or frown) begin sticking around even after your face relaxes.
Preventative treatment can often slow the formation of deeper lines.
4. Do injections hurt?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised.
The injections are very quick and feel like a tiny pinch.
For fillers, I use techniques that maximize comfort, including topical numbing cream when appropriate. Many modern fillers also contain lidocaine, which makes the procedure even more comfortable.
5. How long do results last?
It depends on the treatment.
Neuromodulators:
- Typically last 3–4 months
Dermal Fillers:
- Lips: approximately 6–12 months
- Cheeks and jawline: 12–24 months
- Chin: up to 2 years in many patients
Longevity varies based on metabolism, lifestyle, and the specific product used.
6. Is there any downtime?
Very little.
Most patients return to work immediately after treatment.
You may experience:
- Mild redness
- Slight swelling
- Small bruises
- Tenderness
These effects usually resolve within a few days.
7. Can fillers be dissolved?
Yes – most fillers can.
One advantage of hyaluronic acid fillers is that they can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if necessary.
Fortunately, this is rarely needed when treatments are carefully planned and performed conservatively.
8. How do I know how many syringes I need?
Every face is unique.
Rather than treating a single wrinkle, I evaluate your entire facial balance and anatomy.
Some patients benefit from one syringe, while others achieve optimal results with a comprehensive treatment plan completed over time.
I believe in gradual, natural enhancement—not overfilling.
9. What’s the best age to get fillers?
There isn’t one.
Younger patients often use fillers to enhance features like the lips or chin.
More mature patients typically use fillers to replace volume lost through the natural aging process.
The treatment is customized to your individual goals.
10. Are injectables safe?
Yes—when administered by a properly trained, experienced medical professional.
As a board-certified physician, patient safety is always my highest priority.
During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your goals, explain the risks and benefits, and determine whether injectable treatments are appropriate for you.
11. Will people know I’ve had injections?
The best injectable treatment is one that no one notices.
Patients often tell me that friends comment:
“You look rested.”
“Did you go on vacation?”
“Your skin looks amazing!”
That’s exactly the goal.
12. How often should I come back?
Most patients schedule:
- Neuromodulators every 3–4 months
- Fillers every 9–18 months depending on the treatment area
Regular maintenance helps preserve natural-looking results without dramatic changes.
13. Can injectable treatments be combined with other aesthetic procedures?
Absolutely.
Many patients combine injectables with treatments such as Morpheus8, microneedling, medical-grade facials, chemical peels, laser treatments, or medical-grade skincare for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
These treatments work together to improve skin quality, stimulate collagen production, and enhance overall results.
14. What happens during my consultation?
Your consultation is all about you.
We’ll discuss:
- Your concerns
- Your goals
- Your facial anatomy
- Treatment options
- Expected results
- Costs
- Maintenance recommendations
You’ll never be pressured into treatment. My goal is to educate you so you can make an informed decision.
Why Choose Dr. Karen Singer?
Choosing an injector is just as important as choosing the treatment itself.
As a physician with years of experience in aesthetic medicine, I believe beautiful results come from understanding facial anatomy, practicing conservative artistry, and creating personalized treatment plans that complement—not change—your natural beauty.
Whether you’re new to injectables or looking to refine your current results, my team and I are committed to helping you feel confident, refreshed, and like the very best version of yourself.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re considering Botox®, Dysport®, dermal fillers, or a customized facial rejuvenation plan, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karen Singer, MD, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your goals—because the best results are the ones that still look like you.
