Our face can sometimes age rapidly, due to its constant exposure to pollutants, sun damage, as well as the normal effects of aging. The loss of natural collagen and elastin can cause our skin to sag, wrinkle, and cause our jowls to hang below our jawline. As a result, our face is usually the biggest betrayer of our advancing age, sometimes even making us look older than our actual age.
Most people have heard of a facelift. A facelift is a cosmetic surgery that not only lifts and tightens the skin on the face to smooth out wrinkles but redistributes the underlying facial muscle and corrective tissue to provide the patient with a more youthful appearance. However, for many patients, the thought of a surgical procedure and the associated risks and recovery mean that a facelift is not a plausible option. Fortunately, not all forms of cosmetic enhancement have to be surgical.
There is now a selection of non-surgical treatments that can combat the effects of aging and help the patient to enjoy smoother, rejuvenated and younger-looking skin. The treatments are referred to as “injectables”.
What are Injectables?
“Injectables” is an umbrella term used to describe a number of different cosmetic treatments that as their name suggests, are injected into your face with the aim of improving the appearance of your skin. Injectables tend to fall into two categories – Neuromuscular Paralytic Drugs and fillers.
Neuromuscular Paralytic Drugs (Botox and Dysport)
You are probably familiar with Botox, the most commonly used brand of neurotoxin treatment in the United States. More than 6 million patients use Botox a year to improve their appearance. Neurotoxins, like Botox and Dysport, work by paralyzing muscles in the face, preventing them from contracting and forming lines and wrinkles.
Neuromuscular paralytic drugs are most commonly injected into the forehead and around the eyes, where it prevents frown lines and Crow’s feet. As these wrinkles disappear our skin looks smoother and younger. While the effects of Botox and similar treatments can be seen after 5 – 7 days, the effects are only temporary. Most patients find that they need to commit to a regular 3-4 month cycle of treatment in order to maintain their results.
Fillers (Juvederm or Restylane)
Fillers get their name from the fact that the substance injected is designed to plump out hollow areas of the face. In doing this, the skin appears tighter, smoother and more youthful.
There are various types of filler available, with one of the most popular brands being Restylane. Restylane is a biodegradable gel that was created from a substance called hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is something that we make ourselves. However, as we age our natural production of HA slows, meaning that our skin loses some of its natural plumpness. By restoring the levels of HA through a filler such as Restylane, you can enjoy tighter, smoother skin.
Fillers are typically used in the lower half of the face, particularly around the nasolabial and marionette lines (the lines that form from the nose to the mouth, and between the mouth and chin). Again, you will be able to see an improvement in your face immediately but swelling and bruising are common. Swelling and bruising generally only last a few days to a week, however, fillers are not something to get the day before an important event. Results achieved through fillers are only temporary and you will need ‘top-up’ injections if you are to maintain your new appearance.
If you are interested in finding out more about injectables, including which brands of treatment are best for you, please do not hesitate to contact our offices today at 469-675-3659.
