If you're considering injectable fillers...
As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.
Soft-tissue fillers, most commonly injectable collagen (e.g; Zypast and Cosmoplast), hyaluronic acid (e.g; Restylane, Hylaform, and Juvederm) and, calcium hydroxylapatite (e.g; Radiesse),or fat, can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser treatment, or a recontouring procedure, such as a facelift.
If you're considering a facial-rejuvenation treatment with injectable fillers, the following information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when injectables can help, how the procedure is performed, and what results you can expect. It may not answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.
If you're considering Botox Injections
The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Studies have also suggested that Botox is effective in relieving migraine headaches, excessive sweating and muscle spasms in the neck and eyes. Risks of the procedure are rare and should be discussed with your physician.
The procedure takes only minutes to perform and is done either by a physician or a trained nurse. Several small injections are placed into the facial muscles directly beneath the skin. Following the injections there is usually temporary swelling and occasionally bruising. Your physician will instruct you on how to care for the area but generally you will be advised to not massage the areas and remain upright for 3 to four hours after the injection. The smoothing effect of the Botox will take place several days to a week after the injection. The effects of Botox will last between 3 to 5 months.
