Wrinkle-reducing agents to smooth skin

Are you tired of the line between your eyes? Many patients complain that they are asked why they are upset or mad, when they aren’t. Years of squinting and frowning can leave deep wrinkles that form between the eyebrows, around the eyes and across the forehead. Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) can diminish those wrinkles and lines that create an angry or sad look which distract from a pleasant facial appearance. Botox is also used to help soften lines of the neck and improve a dimply chin. And they can be easily be injected during an office visit.

Botox is very well tolerated. It causes minimal pain and side effects though occasionally patients will bruise or have a minor headache.

Make-up can easily be applied and patients can return to work and normal activity following Botox. However, It is important to avoid massaging the area, exercising and lying down. Allergic reactions are unlikely.

Botulinum toxin temporarily weakens the muscle to diminish unwanted lines. An appropriate amount of toxin will smooth out lines and prevent new ones from forming while maintaining a natural appearance. For optimal results botulinum toxin may be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers, lasers and chemical peels. This combination therapy can soften deeper lines around the mouth and between the eyes. It is also used to help soften lines of the neck and improve dimpling of the chin.

In addition to cosmetic uses, this product has medical uses as well. In dermatology we use it to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) by injecting botulinum toxin under the arms, palms and soles. The toxin weakens the action of the skin’s sweat glands which are responsible for perspiration. A single treatment session can last up to six months.

Do you have smokers or lipstick lines around your mouth? Combining filler with Botox can soften deeper lines around the mouth and between the eyes. Soft tissue fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse) are gel like substances that are injected in to the skin to improve the appearance of the smile lines, smoker lines, naso-labial folds, corners of the mouth and tear troughs.

Fillers also plump the lips, fill the cheeks, improve acne scars, and can soften thinning hands.

Each filler brings subtle, distinctive benefits and your doctor can choose which one is best for you depending on location being treated and your age. As we age, our lips begin to thin and recess.

Patients wish they had a fuller lip but don’t want an overfilled look like you see on the “Real Housewives.” An experienced injector can give you a subtle improvement in lip size and shape with still looking natural results. Restylane Silk, a new filler, has a smaller particle size than the original hyaluronic acid fillers which is great for the lips.

The aging process causes a loss of volume and collagen. Soft tissue fillers have the unique ability to fill and contour these changes.

These fillers last approximately six to twelve months, depending on the filler chosen. Many of the fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, but Radiesse is made of calcium hydroxyapatite and Sculptra is made of poly-l-lactic acid. Both have the ability to help stimulate the body’s own collage to form.

Getting a filler is easy. It is injected during an office visit and is well tolerated. Numbing cream is applied to the skin prior to injecting the filler.

Most dermal fillers are mixed with lidocaine to ease the discomfort and ice is applied to help minimize pain and to decrease swelling. Swelling and bruising may occur but are temporary and can be covered with makeup.

Other possible side effects include a nodule, but nodules can be dissolved with hyaluronidase, in most cases. It is important to have a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon perform your injections as they know the facial anatomy and underlying vessels, thus helping you avoid rare complications. Botox and fillers offer amazing results with little downtime at affordable prices.