Injectable products that provide stunning results without the need for surgery have taken the world of plastic surgery by storm since cosmetic Botox was first introduced in the late ’90s. More recently, facial fillers such as Juvederm, Prevelle Silk, and Sculptra have redefined how plastic surgeons and their patients think about wrinkle treatment. Different injectable treatments produce different results, so with a little research and a short discussion with a plastic surgeon, you can find the treatment that’s perfect for you.
All of these injectable treatments take about 15 minutes and involve no downtime, as patients can usually return to their daily routines immediately following the procedure. The side effects are typically mild and characteristic of most injections: redness, bruising, or stinging. These effects pass quickly.
Botox is best at targeting the following problem areas:
- forehead lines
- frown lines
- crow’s feet
- lines between the upper lip and nose (perioral wrinkles)
- wrinkles on the neck
Through targeted injections that relax certain muscles, Botox can allow other muscles to extend and stretch the skin, which eliminates the appearance of wrinkles. The effects last about six months.
Facial fillers are most often used to treat smile lines and wrinkles below the mouth, but are also used for other wrinkles and creases. Some are highly effective in augmenting lips and filling out recessed cheeks.
Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm, Prevelle Silk, and Restylane all fill out skin volume with a substance that occurs naturally in the body. These products, which have results that typically last for 6 months, are very effective smile lines and other facial wrinkles, although each has a unique formulation suited to specific applications. Prevelle Silk and Restylane are especially good at treating flat, lifeless lips, while Juvederm excels at treating smile lines and the “marionette lines” that lie at the corners of the mouth.
Other fillers can last much longer than the 6-month period granted by Botox and hyaluronic acid-based fillers. Sculptra lasts for up to two years and works by stimulating collagen growth. Its effects are built up over time so that repeat treatments are often necessary, but it ultimately results in a more natural, long-lasting appearance.
Each of these products has different benefits and applications, so that you should always be certain to discuss your unique needs and priorities with a qualified plastic surgeon to find a treatment that’s perfect for you.
