Botox and facial fillers are commonly used to treat facial wrinkles, furrows and lines. Both are injected into the skin, but work differently. Not all wrinkles can be treated the same way. Botox and fillers are used for different purposes and sometimes are used together depending upon the situation.
These medications can be used alone or in combination with CO2 or radiofrequency laser therapy to achieve your desired result. Be sure to ask our staff which treatment modality would be best for you and your specific skin type.
Botox is a neurotoxin that causes paralysis of muscles. Botox is great for wrinkles caused by muscle contraction. For instance, wrinkles caused by muscular contraction of your forehead or other facial areas can be improved with Botox treatment which weakens or paralyzes these muscles.
When to Use Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers actually fill in the line or wrinkle. Results are immediate and are longer lasting than Botox. Fillers are also used to enhance certain facial features such as the lips and enhance certain contours of the face.
There are a variety of fillers in use and their use depends upon the intended results and location.
In general, wrinkles which are present when your face is completely relaxed may be treated with a facial filler. Wrinkles which develop when you use your facial muscles (smile, grimace, etc.) may need Botox.
Depending upon the severity of your symptoms and their location, some individuals may benefit from a combination of both Botox and fillers.
Treatments should be given only by an experienced physician.
Volumizers
As we age, we lose normal fat underneath the skin. This loss of “subcutaneous fat” accentuates wrinkles and creases of the face. Dermal fillers are used to add “volume” to the skin. Other factors which affect your facial skin, and your results, include sun exposure, lifestyle and heredity.
They are commonly used to treat:
- Chins
- Filling out lips
- Lifting cheeks
- Augmenting cheeks
- Jawlines
- Hands
There are several different types of dermal fillers available for treating wrinkles.
Juvederm – Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Juvederm is a popular name brand of hyaluronic acid fillers. These types of fillers are the most common. There are several hyaluronic acid fillers available and are sold under the brand names;
- Juvederm
- HylaForm
- Belotero Balance
- Restylane
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a normal type of polysaccharide (a type of sugar) found in the body such as skin and cartilage. HA is a great volumizer as it effectively combines with water and swells causing a nice filling effect to smooth out wrinkles and folds. Hyaluronic acid injections last anywhere from 6 months to a year and need to be repeated.
Synthetic Wrinkle Fillers
While these wrinkle fillers may last longer, there may be more side effects due to the increased longevity. Reactions to the ingredients are more common and disfigurement may occur. Unlike Juvederm, synthetic dermal fillers are composed of substances not naturally found in the skin or body.
Brand names include:
- Bellafill
- Radiesse
- Sculptra
- Silicone
Collagen Injection Fillers
Collagen is a normal protein found in the body. Collagen injections were the first dermal fillers and are still available today, but the results do not last as long as other types of fillers. Allergic reactions have decreased due to better processing and many feel that the results are more natural looking.
Brand names of collagen injections include:
- Cosmoderm
- Evolence
- Fibrel
- Zyderm
- Zyplast
Autologous Materials
Autologous means “your own tissue.” Your own fat and platelets can be used as dermal fillers. Because these fillers come from your own body, they do not need FDA approval!
Fat may be surgically removed from one area of your body, treated and then injected. Results vary and may need to be repeated. Similarly, platelets can be extracted from your blood, treated and processed and injected. These, too, may need to be repeated.
What to Expect
Treatments are delivered in the office. You may resume full activity following treatments. Though the effects of dermal fillers are immediate, you may notice;
- Mild swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Numbness
Most of these conditions are temporary and topical icing or a local anesthetic may be helpful during application.
If you would like to schedule an appointment, PLEASE CALL (240-401-4230) or EMAIL US!
We look forward to seeing you!