Ten years ago there was BOTOX®. Now there is a veritable basket of wrinkle fighters and plumpers available to the person wanting a quick easy way to maintain a youthful appearance. But how to choose?
Most importantly, talk to your doctor. While some fillers and injectables may be available through salons or at home parties, these come with risks that just aren’t worth taking. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Aesthetic Medicine Doctor will be able to analyze your medical history to provide you with a customized plan that best fits your needs. And, your doctor has the best understanding of facial anatomy and musculature and the skills necessary to precisely target the ideal places for injections. Perhaps most importantly, your doctor will know best how to avoid undesirable or unwanted outcomes and complications. These are important considerations best not left up to the cosmetology salon that specializes in hair and nails.
What are your options?
BOTOX®
The most tried and true, the first injectable is BOTOX®. BOTOX® is a muscle relaxer used to smooth frown lines between and around the eyes. It lasts up to 4 months and takes only 10 minutes to administer. It’s been successfully used by over 11 million people and has minor to no side effects. It is important to choose a doctor with a lot of experience administering BOTOX®. Doctors who are less familiar with the technique could leave you looking “frozen” or perpetually surprised.
Dysport
Similar to BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport is injected directly into the site of wrinkles to prevent the underlying muscles from contracting. Dysport injections are made from botulinum toxin A, a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent approved by the FDA for several different uses; the same protein used in Botox injections. Its safety and efficacy profile mirrors that of Botox from the studies submitted to the FDA. Dr. Wortham can help you decide between Dysport and BOTOX®.
Restylane®
Restylane® is not a muscle relaxer, but an FDA-approved dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally occurring in the body. It restores volume to the skin, smoothing out wrinkles and other fine lines by gently lifting tissue that has lost its natural plumpness. This procedure is most commonly used to treat the glabellar lines, between the forehead, the nasolabial folds, and lips.
Since Restylane is made from a natural substance found in the body, no pre-testing is required. Restylane produces results that last for several months through its unique ability to bind with water and remain in the skin. The results of this procedure are visible right away, and can last for several months, depending on the condition of the individual patient’s skin. The risk of complications can be reduced with careful injections, that are only done by Dr. Wortham at Cosmetic Surgical Arts.
RADIESSE®
RADIESSE® is a filler made from natural collagen, which is the substance that gives skin it’s natural fullness and youth. As we age, the collagen in our skin breaks down and diminishes, resulting in a loss of the skin’s natural elasticity. RADIESSE® Volumizing Filler replaces that lost collagen and plumps up the volume in your face for a year or longer. This fuller facial appearance eliminates or greatly reduces lines in the nasal labial fold, around the eyes, and brings a pleasing fullness to lips.
Sculptra
Sculptrais a one time series of treatments designed for long lasting results. Like Radiesse, it replaces lost collagen and is used to target sunken cheeks, hollow eyes and other indentations. Typically this consists of 3 treatments over a period of months, and results last for a couple of years or more.
Juvederm
Juvéderm® Injectable Gel is a safe, effective gel that restores volume to the skin and smoothes away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm is the first FDA-approved dermal filler proven safe and effective for persons of color. The Juvéderm gel is made of hyaluronic acid with a smooth consistency, allowing for easy injections and instant, natural-looking results. There is no pre-testing needed for this procedure.