Injectables & Fillers
A variety of fillers and injectables like Botox, help reduce or eliminate wrinkles and creases in the facial area.
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Botulinum toxin, frequently referred to by its product name Botox, is a safe injection that reduces or eliminates forehead creases, frown lines, crow’s feet and thick bands in the neck for up to six months. The toxin functions by blocking nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that form wrinkles. The result is a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Botox has been shown to be effective in relieving migraine headaches, muscle spasms in the neck and eyes, and excessive sweating. Results can be seen within a few days of treatment and remain for a minimum of three months.
One of the most popular anti-aging treatments, Botox injections reduce wrinkles by up to 80 percent. Patients between the ages of 30 and 60 who want a fresh, well-rested appearance will benefit from Botox. Botox injections are performed in the doctor's office, generally without anesthesia. A numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area 30 minutes prior to the injections. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Depending on the extent of treatment, the injections can take from two minutes up to 20 minutes.
Possible side effects of Botox injections include headache, nausea, redness or bruising at the injection sites, or flu-like symptoms. Rarely, patients may experience muscle weakness or drooping of the upper eyelids. This is a temporary condition which usually resolves itself within days. In very rare cases it may take months. Botox injections are FDA-approved and considered safe and effective.
Restylane
This is a natural cosmetic dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid. It is used to restore volume to the skin, help smooth wrinkles, sculpt lips and improve other facial features such as deep naso-labial folds. Approved by the FDA, Restylane injections are a popular treatment and the effects can last upwards of six months. A naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) that exists in the human body, hyaluronic acid is biocompatible and completely safe.
Restylane injections can be administered in the doctor's office under local anesthesia, especially if the lips are being injected. Depending on the extent of the injections, the procedure may last a few minutes to a half an hour. Patients will notice immediate fullness at the injection site; however the final results will be evident within one week.
Moderate swelling may last for several days after treatment. Patients are asked to avoid sun exposure, but other than that, regular activities can be resumed immediately. Potential side effects of Restylane treatments may include nausea, headache, flu-like symptoms, redness, and soreness at the injection sites. Restylane is a temporary treatment, and follow-up sessions may be needed.
Collagen
Human-based collagen, known under the brand names of CosmoPlast, Cymetra, Autologen, CosmoDerm and Fascian, is a dermal filler used to build volume and create fullness above and below the eyes, in the lips, crow's feet, naso-labial folds and frown lines. Human-based collagen fillers have few negative side effects as they are biocompatible. The results may last for four to six months. As patients continue collagen treatments over time, more and more of the collagen remains in the body and the results may last longer – In some cases permanently.
Collagen fillers that are bovine-based are carried under the brand names Zyderm and Zyplast. These types of collagen are derived from cows and are used to add fullness to various facial areas such as the lips, above and below the eyes, crow's feet, naso-labial folds and frown lines. Before administering bovine-based collagen injections, your surgeon will perform an allergy test to rule out potential allergic reactions. During both human and bovine-based collagen injections, surgeons often overfill the treatment area, as up to 40 percent of the collagen dissipates within a short time.
Patients may experience some pain from the needle injection. Depending on the number of injections, the procedure can take from 15 to 30 minutes. Moderate swelling and bruising can last for 48 hours after treatment. Patients are asked to avoid sun exposure, but other regular activities can be resumed immediately. The procedure is generally performed in a doctor's office without anesthesia, although the collagen filler contains lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic.
Radiesse
This is a non-allergenic cosmetic filler that improves the appearance of wrinkles and skin folds around the nose and mouth. It is also used to fill depressed scars. Celebrated for its long-lasting results, Radiesse benefits can last for two years or more. Ideal candidates are people ages 30 to 60. Patients will notice an 80 percent improvement after treatment with Radiesse. As it is a temporary filler, treatments must be repeated over time to maintain results.
During the procedure, the doctor will inject a compound of calcium hydroxyl apatite microspheres that are suspended in a gel. Calcium and phosphate, which naturally occur in our bodies, make up the bulk of the calcium hydroxyl apatite particles. A thin connective tissue forms around the microspheres which act as a filler in the treated area. Patients may experience some swelling, which generally subsides 24 to 36 hours after the procedure. Regular activities can be resumed immediately; though patients are advised to stay out of the sun.
Radiesse injections are performed in a physician's office, usually under local anesthesia. The entire procedure can take up to 15 minutes, depending on the extent of treatment.
Juvederm
Juvederm is an FDA-approved dermal filler used in the treatment of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and naso-labial folds. It is a gel implant made of hyaluronic acid, a natural carbohydrate that boosts skin elasticity, providing a more supple appearance. Juvederm enhances the face by lifting and adding volume to targeted wrinkles and folds. The treatment lasts six to nine months, after which the compound is naturally absorbed into the body.
Juverderm is a clear, pliant gel that is injected by syringe into the mid- to deep dermis of the face. The filler comes in three formulas, each designed for specific problem areas. Risks with Juvederm are rare, but may include redness or pain at the injection site. Discoloration seldom occurs, and is a temporary condition. Swelling, bruising, lumps and firmness are uncommon side effects, which normally subside within a week. Juvederm injections are performed in a physician's office, usually under local anesthesia.
Sculptra
Sculptra, a dermal filler used throughout Europe since 1999, improves the appearance of aging skin, indented chin surfaces, sunken cheeks, and hollowed eyes. Recently introduced to the U.S. market, the filler has become increasingly popular. A synthetic Poly-L-lactic acid material, Sculptra has been utilized in dissolvable sutures and soft tissue implants. The material acts by gradually increasing the thickness of the skin.
Studies show that Sculptra provides up to 80 percent improvement in the treated areas. During the procedure, the doctor will identify the correct amount of Sculptra to be used and then inject Sculptra filler beneath the skin, under the dermis and subcutis layer.
The doctor may apply a topical numbing cream and possibly a local anesthetic prior to treatment. The procedure normally lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes. Sculptra is biocompatible and will eventually be dissolved by the body. Results are evident in three to six treatments which may last up to two years.
Common side effects of Sculptra include redness and discomfort lasting up to 14 days at the injection sites. Sculptra injections are performed in a doctor's office, and are appropriate for patients aged 35 to 60. The treatment may require multiple syringes and sessions in order to achieve optimum results.