Wrinkle Treatments – The Facts On Botox and Other Injectable Fillers
Have you started doing that thing in the mirror? That private ritual
where you pull the skin of your forehead or by your mouth and eyes with
your fingertips so your face looks as smooth and taut as it used to be?
Your wrinkles may be getting on your nerves, but maybe the idea of
surgery seems too extreme or permanent right now. You’re not there yet,
but you’d love to say goodbye to these creases. You’d also like to
start building a relationship with a plastic surgeon so that when
you’re ready for more permanent work, you have someone you trust.
Injectable fillers or BOTOX could be the perfect solution.
There are several options available.
War on Wrinkles
BOTOX, the most famous cosmetic injection and produced by Allergan, can
be injected into the forehead region, relaxing the muscles that cause
wrinkles. Recently a competitor to BOTOX was released by Ipsen SA and
Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp. Called Dysport, it is intended for the
same uses as BOTOX.
Medicis also distributes Restylane and Perlane—injectable fillers made
of hyaluronic acid that plump up facial creases and laugh lines (also
called naso-labial folds). These products typically start to break down
in the body after six to 12 months.
Other hyaluronic fillers, such as Juvéderm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra
Plus (made by Allergen, the makers of BOTOX), can be used similarly as
Restylane and Perlane. These gel injectables also last about six to 12
months.
Longer lasting injectables have been introduced to treat deep
naso-labial folds. Radiesse is probably the most popular of these
longer lasting injectables. Radiesse is essentially a paste made of
calcium hydroxylapatite (a substance found on bone). This product is
injected deeper in the facial soft tissue to increase the volume.
Radiesse lasts about 12 to 15 months before being absorbed by the body.
Injectable fillers and BOTOX are performed in the doctor’s office and
require minimal downtime. To learn more about how fillers and BOTOX may
be right for you, we welcome you to come in for a consultation with Dr.
Kwak.
