Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Injectables - Which for What?

With so many injectable options, it can be difficult to narrow down which would be best to address your concerns. There's plenty out there to get lots of unbiased information about, but here are three, very effective and versatile fillers our doctors like to use:

Botox® Cosmetic is ideal for treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between brows, but can also be used for crow's feet, and some brow lifting. Think of the region from the eyes on up, however others, like fine "bunny lines" around the nose and mouth, could benefit from this as well. It's important to understand that it can't "fill" any wrinkles, rather it inhibits chemical responses that trigger muscle movement. This relaxation of facial movements stops (and in some cases allows the reversal!) of skin creasing. Expect results to last between 3-5 months.

Radiesse® is a dermal filler injected into deeper wrinkles such as naso-labial folds (laugh lines from nose to mouth), but also, when administered with an artistic eye, is used for cheek enhancement, and recontouring of the chin and jaw as well. This thicker gel solution contain microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite, a naturally occurring substance in the body, which not only plump the skin, but also encourage a significant amount of new collagen production. Results are proven to be some of the longest-lasting among all dermal fillers. Most patients report their Radiesse results lasting past the expected 1 year mark!

Juvederm® is a hyaluronic acid gel (mimics one of your own natural skin structures), and used to fill and smooth finer to moderate creases when injected into the mid dermis. This is ideal for minimal irregularities such as fine lines around the mouth, nose, eyes, and forehead. Expect results for up to one year.

The filler recommended for you will depend on your desired results for the area of concern, where the doctor plans to inject the product, and the thickness of your skin. To ensure that you choose a dermal injectable that is not only safe, but will also help you achieve your cosmetic goals, it's best to consult with a trained and professional provider. And remember, all of our skin consultations are complimentary!