Botox® and Dermal Fillers

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a highly purified protein injected into the skin to relax the muscles that cause some kinds of wrinkles. While BOTOX® can treat certain medical conditions, such as excessive sweating, it is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes, primarily to reduce wrinkles on the face and neck. BOTOX® injections are relatively painless, as the needle used is significantly smaller than those used for other injectable fillers.

The best candidates for BOTOX® are men and women seeking an enhanced appearance with fewer wrinkles. In addition, it is important that those seeking treatment are in good physical health, are not pregnant or nursing, and do not have a neuromuscular disorder. People seeking BOTOX® injections should have realistic expectations regarding this procedure’s abilities and should discuss their desired goals with their doctor beforehand.

BOTOX® injections are administered by a qualified physician using a very fine needle. The procedure only takes a few minutes and requires no anesthetic. Day-to-day activities can be resumed immediately afterwards. Wrinkles begin to fade within 24 hours, with continued improvement over the next 5 days.

Side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are rare and are usually mild and temporary. The most common side effects are headaches and temporary redness or bruising of the skin at the site of injection.

Juvederm®

Juvéderm Injectable Gel is a safe, effective gel that restores volume to the skin and smoothes away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm is the first FDA-approved dermal filler proven safe and effective for persons of color. The Juvéderm gel is made of hyaluronic acid with a smooth consistency, allowing for easy injections and instant, natural-looking results. There is no allergic testing needed for this procedure.

Topical or injectable anesthesia may be used during this procedure to numb the treatment area and minimize any potential discomfort. The results of this procedure are available right away and can usually last for up to a year, the longest results available from any hyaluronic acid product.

Restylane®

Restylane is an injectable filler, used for smoothing out facial wrinkles. It is a biodegradable gel composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance occurring within the body. In addition to adding fullness to the skin, Restylane attracts water molecules to the site of the injection, further enhancing its effectiveness.

Restylane provides results that are noticeable immediately after injection, although it may take a few days for swelling to subside. Day-to-day activities can be resumed immediately afterwards, with no downtime necessary. To maintain its effects, additional Restylane injections should be administered about 4 to 8 months later.

There are minimal complications associated with Restylane. The compound itself is derived from bacterial origins, so most allergies should not be an issue (unless specific to bacterial proteins). Side effects may include slight redness, minor swelling, and mild discomfort, which usually subside within three days, as the body adjusts to the new hyaluronic acid. Patients should refrain from rubbing or massaging the treated area for approximately 48 hours.

Radiesse™

Radiesse™ is a synthetic injectable filler that reduces wrinkles, creases and scars by augmenting the body’s natural collagen supply. Composed of microspheres in a biocompatible gel, Radiesse is made from the same minerals found in our bones, so it carries little risk of allergic reaction. Radiesse can be used on many areas of the body, including the lips, nasolabial folds, peri-oral lines, depressed scars and oral commissures.

Treatments typically take 15 minutes and require only local anesthetic. Side effects such as swelling or bruising are minimal and should fade within a few days. Results are visible immediately after the injection and can last for months or years, although the procedure can be repeated as often as you wish.

Sculptra®

Sculptra® is an injectable product that restores and corrects the signs of facial fat loss by replacing lost volume. Facial fat loss, or lipoatrophy, is the loss of fat beneath the skin, which can result in sunken cheeks, indentations, and hollow eyes. Sculptra provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas.

The results from Sculptra® are not immediate but they are long-lasting. In a clinical study, effects lasted for up to two years after the first treatment session in most patients. No skin testing is required.