Dr. Alina Sholar is a renowned plastic surgeon based in Austin, TX, the founder of Skin Science Soul by Dr. Sholar and her much-adored Dr2Dr skincare program exclusively for physicians. Dr. Sholar is recognized nationally as an aesthetic laser expert and is frequently featured in national media outlets. After completing a full five-year general surgery residency at the University of Louisville, she went on to a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Tennessee. Her plastic surgery training included not only aesthetic surgery, but also dermatology, non-invasive and laser aesthetic treatments, reconstruction related to craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, hand surgery, burn surgery, and breast surgery. Dr. Alina Sholar is not only known for her unparalleled medical background, she also builds a true connection with her patients, with an easy girl’s-girl relatability.

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Neuromodulators (Botox, Jeuveau, etc) and fillers are a great way to reduce wrinkles, look younger and help you feel empowered to take on the world, but some get discouraged by the idea of getting injections because they think the effects do not last very long. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the most out of your injectables. Haute Beauty sat down with Haute Beauty expert Dr. Alina Sholar to find out what those tips are. Here’s what Dr. Sholar had to say:

Choose the right medical provider

The quality of your filler results can only be as good as your provider is educated and experienced. Do not ever bargain shop for the lowest price in town. Instead, choose a provider based on professional training, experience, reputation and other important credentials. Ideally, injectable fillers and neurotoxin injections are performed in a plastic surgeon’s office with a physician who fully understands appropriate filler selection, proper injection technique, anatomy, and the art of aesthetics.

While there are many fraudulent providers out there who may advertise what looks like an unbeatable price, you may not be getting the product you think you are paying for. Prices that sound too good to be true should be a red flag, along with an “injector” who is not a medical professional. There are many knock-off and black-market injectables that make it into the hands of the unreputable.

Do your research prior to scheduling a filler appointment to ensure your health and safety are the first priority, as well as the best possible results. The best way to lengthen the time between appointments is to choose a board-certified, experienced physician such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Appropriate dosing and precise injections lead to longer-lasting results. For example, Botox effectiveness is dose-dependent, so appropriate dosing of the toxin to the muscle will ensure a full three-month treatment.

An experienced, skilled physician may cost you more upfront, but it will pay for itself in results you love and less frequent touch-up visits.

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Make a plan and be consistent with maintenance

My patients with regular toxin appointments will develop muscle memory in the treated areas and find it’s easier to keep looking flawless longer. It is important to note that no injectable treatment will last forever, and some types and brands of filler will last longer than others. Also, each person metabolizes these products at a different rate, so it’s easy to appreciate the importance of customizing your maintenance plan to best suit your specific needs.

Work with your filler physician to create a maintenance plan that will help you maximize your results and find a schedule that works well for you. The best way to extend the life of your Botox or filler results is to regularly undergo “maintenance” treatments before your results wear off. Recurrent treatments are especially useful for Botox as they may actually train targeted muscles to respond to the neurotoxin for longer periods of time

You should also consider combination treatments as an integral part of your plan. In my experience, combining neuromodulators with different treatments allow injectables to last longer. Some favorite add-on treatments are VirtueRF Microneedling for robust collagen and elastin production, and CoolPeel CO2 Laser for resurfacing of fine lines to keep signs of aging at bay.

And don’t forget about the benefits of a proper anti-aging skin care routine. While fillers can help to give you a more volumized look, they work best when paired with the proper skin care routine. Anti-aging treatment products and sunscreen can go a long way in terms of helping to keep your skin looking youthful. Topical products that contain ingredients like growth factors and retinol stimulate collagen. The better the skin, the less it will experience folding and the development of lines that need Botox or fillers.

Appropriate co-therapies, skincare products, and maintenance will mean that touch-up sessions are quicker, less-expensive appointments in which your doctor re-injects a smaller amount of toxin or filler. With the right timing, you can seamlessly maintain your desired look without having unwanted gaps ineffectiveness. As always, a conversation with your board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or facial plastic surgeon will help determine the best course of action for you.

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Take your vitamins

Zinc, particularly when combined with phytase enzyme, is known as a “Botox booster” based on some studies, extending the effects of botulinum toxin injections up to 30 percent. According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, the results of a clinical trial showed that almost 92 percent of the patients who took Zinc reported that the effects of their Botox treatments were noticed more quickly and lasted several weeks longer. Zinc is to be taken four days prior to treatment.

Vitamin C can be taken orally as a supplement, or better yet, as a part of a healthy diet. Vitamin C is absolutely essential for the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C is the essential cofactor for the two enzymes required for collagen synthesis, which stabilize the collagen molecule give structural strength by cross-linking. It’s recommended you consume 75-90 mg of Vitamin C per day.