Injectables are a great way to obtain instant anti-aging results by smoothing unwanted lines and adding volume to areas where collagen has depleted. People often wonder what the differences between injectables are, where they can be best utilized and how long the effects will last. The following outlines popular products and how I most commonly use injectables here at Oculus Plastic Surgery. Let the anti-aging begin!

Botox Cosmetic® and Dysport® are the most commonly referenced injectable treatments for those who may be new to the scene. These products are ideal for patients whose primary concern is expression lines. Both products work by interfering with neurotransmitter activities, which subsequently causes the temporary relaxation of the muscle to which it is injected, creating a smooth and soft facial appearance.

Use:

• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet
• Nasalis wrinkles (wrinkles formed on the nose from squinting)
• Glabella (frown lines located between the eyebrows)
• Migraine headaches
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Blepharospasm (spasms of the eyelid)

Length of stay: typically 3-4 months

Cost: $$

Juvederm®is made from hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring sugar found in soft tissues. The role of hyaluronic acid is to act as a cushioning agent, delivering nutrients and retaining water to hydrate and nourish the skin. Since Juvederm® is natural to the body, there is no need to test for allergies or sensitivities.

Use:

• Adds volume and a smoothing effect to facial wrinkles (moderate to severe)
• Is used for volume augmentation on tear troughs, cheeks, lips and chins

Length of stay: typically 6-12 months depending on if you are a fast healer or not

Cost: $$$

Restylane®is also made from hyaluronic acid and is similar to Juvederm®. While both act as volumizing fillers, Restylane® is the only filler currently FDA approved for tear trough augmentation.

Use:

• Adds volume and a smoothing effect to facial wrinkles (moderate to severe)
• Is used for volume augmentation on tear troughs, cheeks, lips and chin

Length of stay: typically 6 months

Cost: $$$

Radiesse® is made from calcium hydroxyapatite, which is a substance found naturally in teeth and bones. Micro beads are combined with a water-based gel and once injected, Radiesse® forms with dermal tissue to stimulate collagen growth.

Use:

• Adds volume and a smoothing effect to facial wrinkles (moderate to severe)
• Cheeks, chin and jawline for facial contouring and volume augmentation

Length of stay: Radiesse® is absorbed in the body overtime, however, the new collagen produced will remain, yielding long lasting results typically 12 months or longer.

Cost: $$$$

Sculptra® is made from a synthetic substance derived from the alpha-hydroxy-acid family. It is biocompatible (will not harm the body) and biodegradable (is broken down and metabolized by the body). This substance, similar to Radiesse®, forms a matrix with the tissue and stimulates collagen growth.

Use:

• Adds volume and a smoothing effect to facial wrinkles (moderate to severe)
• Cheeks, chin, temples and jawline for tissue contouring and volume augmentation

Length of stay: Areas of treatment require 2-4 sessions performed 3-6 weeks apart. Results from Sculptra® typically last 2 years or longer when a series of 3 treatments are preformed, making those multiple sessions worth it! Ideally, one “booster” every six months following the initial series will continue the results for years to come!

Cost: $$$$$

Keep in mind, you are not only paying for the actual product but for the expertise of the person that is administering the injections.  Choose a doctor, such as myself, that is well-educated about the musculature of the face.  I am honored to be a doctor that has been chosen to educate other doctors on the proper administration techniques.  Please call Oculus Plastic Surgery to reserve an appointment today! 404.256.1500