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There is a growing trend to minimize the extent of surgery. Individuals are seeking less invasive procedures, quicker recoveries and more cost effective ways to maintain their looks.
This desire has led to a growth industry in skin care products (see Skin Care section); peels (Obagi™ TCA Blue Peel, Vitalize® Peel and Refinity™ Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels); fillers (Restylane®, JUVÉDERM Injectable Gel, Radiesse®, Prevelle™ Silk, Evolence®, Sculptra™ and fat); and muscle relaxing drugs (BOTOX® Cosmetic, Reloxin™, Myobloc®). These combinations have often been referred to as “liquid facelifts”. In reality they cannot totally substitute for surgery but in many cases they can provide very satisfactory rejuvenations and delay the need for more involved procedures.
It is important to be treated by a plastic surgeon who understands facial balance. These products can do much more than fill lines and wrinkles – they can reintroduce volume and youth.
The benefits are in the ease of performance and the absence of significant complications. The downside is that they are not permanent and need to be repeated for maintenance.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® Cosmetic is commonly used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and mouth to smooth crow's feet, frown and worry lines, and lines on the neck. Made from a purified protein, BOTOX® relaxes wrinkles and gives the face a rejuvenated look. BOTOX® may also be useful for migraine headaches, excessive sweating, and eye and neck muscle spasms.
Fat Grafting / Fat Injections
Among the newer concepts of aging is the idea that as we age we lose volume in our tissues and this leads to sagging. Rather than trying to tighten the loose areas some surgeons are advocating refilling the tissues with fat. Small volumes of fat can go a long way in creating higher cheek bones and giving fuller lips. The fat is obtained by syringe liposuction. We may see full face fat grafting replace face lifting in selected patients.
JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel
Touted as the "next generation" of facial fillers, JUVÉDERM gently smoothes wrinkles and folds around the mouth and nose and restores a youthful volume to the face. Made with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that works with collagen and elastin to provide volume and support to the skin, JUVÉDERM is especially effective on smile lines and "parentheses" (nasolabial folds) that run from the bottom of the nose to the sides of the mouth. Treatment takes only 15 minutes with immediate results and no downtime. Results typically last about 6-9 months.
Radiesse®
Radiesse® is a synthetic injectable filler that reduces wrinkles, creases and scars by augmenting the body’s natural collagen supply. It can be used on many areas of the body, including the cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds, peri-oral lines, depressed scars and oral commissures. Treatments typically take 15 minutes and require only local anesthetic. Results are visible immediately after the injection and can last for 12 months or longer.
Restylane®
Restylane® is designed to smooth wrinkles, sculpt lips and shape facial contours. It is a clear, synthetic gel made with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is found throughout your body. It carries little risk of allergic reaction. The most common areas for treatment are the glabellar lines (between the eyebrows) and the nasolabial folds (from the root of the nose to the angle of your mouth). With its unique ability to bind with water, Restylane remains in your skin for many months.
Evolence®
Evolence is an advanced collagen-based dermal filler that provides long-lasting correction of moderate to deep facial wrinkles and folds. It is especially effective for nasolabial folds (wrinkles from the nose to the corners of your mouth). Scientifically engineered to mimic the properties of natural collagen in skin, Evolence is a breakthrough in aging treatment. Injected just below the skin’s surface, Evolence replaces facial collagen, which naturally depletes with age, and smoothes out wrinkles and folds. Evolence uses innovative Glymatrix technology that increases the stability and longevity of the filler.
The results of Evolence are immediate and produce a natural enhancement with little to no swelling or bruising. Any swelling you may experience right after the procedure should resolve after a few hours. Considerable results can generally be obtained after only one treatment. You may, however, desire touch-ups to further enhance your new look. Treatment results have been clinically proven to last up to 6 months, and in many cases have been reported to last as long as 12 months.
For more information on Evolence, visit www.evolence.com
Sculptra™
Sculptra™ counteracts the loss of fat beneath the skin (a condition called lipoatrophy). Sculptra™ is injected into the deep dermis layer of the skin to improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, indentations and wrinkles. Its main component is an L-Polylactic acid that has been used for 20 years in surgical products such as dissolvable sutures. Results can last up to two years.
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