Botox / Collagen
Injected materials are used to help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, flat appearing cheeks, and some types of scars. They can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips. If you're considering a facial-rejuvenation treatment with such fillers, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when injectables can help, how the procedure is performed, and what results you can expect.
Injectables are usually not sufficient for severe surface wrinkles on the face, such as multiple vertical "lipstick lines" that often form around the mouth. These are more successfully treated with a resurfacing technique, such as an Erbium laser resurfacing treatment. Rather than filling in facial lines, resurfacing methods strip away the outer layers of the skin to produce a smoother appearance.
Deep folds in the face or brow caused by overactive muscles or by loose skin may be more effectively treated with surgical procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift. Injectables are sometimes used in conjunction with facial surgery procedures; however, injectables alone cannot change facial contour the way surgery can.
The most important fact to remember about injectable fillers is that the results are not necessarily permanent. Injected materials are eventually metabolized by the body. You should not expect the same long-lasting results that may be gained through cosmetic surgery. In some individuals, the results may last only a few month; in others, the results may be maintained indefinitely. Researchers believe that age, genetic background, skin quality and lifestyle as well as the injected body site may all play a role in the injected material's "staying power."
The Injectables
Radiance – this injectable filler is presently the newest and most promising long term soft tissue filler, with results lasting 3 to 5 years. No side effects or allergic reactions have been reported. Radiance consists of calcium hydroxylaptite, a primary component of teeth and bones, and is supplied in an injectable form which remains soft and pliable.
Restylane and Perlane - are hyaluronic acid based products which are both widely used in Europe and Canada as wrinkle and line fillers, with more than 27 million people treated worldwide. Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (sugar molecule), is one of the very few substances which is identical in all species and tissue types and plays an important role in giving volume to the skin, shape of the eye and elasticity of the joints. There are no allergic reactions associated with this filler. Restylane and Perlane have not yet been approved by the FDA. However, they are anticipated to receive approval within the year. Results for both last from 6 to 12 months and they will be available in our office once the FDA approval is completed.
Collagen – is extremely reliable, used for over 20 years in cosmetic treatments with excellent results. Results last from 3 to 6 months. Allergy testing is required prior to treatment with Zyplast (bovine derived) collagen, but not for CosmoPlast, the human derivative. Although newer fillers may replace collagen some day, many patients still rely on collagen therapy for excellent rejuvenation of facial wrinkles and lip augmentation.
Autologous Fat - the fat-injection procedure also known as microlipoinjection, involves extracting fat cells from your abdomen, thighs, buttocks or elsewhere and re-injecting them beneath the facial skin. Fat is most often used to fill in "sunken" cheeks, hollows under the eyes, laugh lines between the nose and mouth and skin depressions and indentations. It is also useful to augment tissues during surgical procedures of the face to minimize forehead wrinkles and to enhance the lips.
Botox – although not a true filler, is an excellent treatment used for the past 12 years for muscle driven wrinkles, primarily in the upper face - specifically frown lines and crows feet. Botox, a protein derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, has also been used in medical therapy (ophthalmology and neurology) for the past 20 years. Last year, Botox received FDA approval for cosmetic treatment of frown lines and has since received massive publicity. Presently there is no treatment substitute. A result last from 4 to 9 months, and it will prevent crows feet and facial lines from developing in the area where Botox has been injected.
After your treatment
Immediately following treatment, you may notice some minor discomfort, stinging or throbbing in the injected area. Occasionally some bruising or swelling will occur, but it is usually minor. Any redness that appears in the injected site usually disappears within 24 hours. However, in some individuals, particularly fair-skinned patients, this redness may persist for a week or more. No bandaging is needed and you are free to eat, drink, and wear makeup with sunblock protection shortly thereafter.
If you're like most patients, you'll be very satisfied with the results of your injectable treatments. You may be surprised at the pleasing results that can be gained from this procedure.
Keep in mind that Dr Manis, Dr. Hvistendahl, Dr. Poulos are specialist that can offer you the full range of the most advanced treatments ranging from cosmetic surgery, refinishing techniques, laser therapy, injectables and the use of other fillers. Our office staff along with you surgeon will be delighted to assist you so you can determine whether a single procedure or a combination of procedures is the best choice for you.
Consult one of our board certified plastic surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Specialists for a complete consultation regarding eyes/browlift and how it may improve your self confidence and restore a more youthful appearance to your skin.