A Wrinkle in Time
Neurotoxins and Fillers: A Fountain of Youth
Ever wish you could turn back the hands of time? Well, cosmetic dermatology makes this possible.
Let’s discuss ways we can erase signs of aging and prevent fine lines from forming and volume loss before it starts. Maintenance and Prevention.
Neurotoxins - Aka Botox and Dysport
Neurotoxins are injected into facial muscles to treat and prevent wrinkles that are caused by movement of those muscles. The most common areas for treatment are:
Crow's feet -- wrinkles around the eye area
Frown lines -- between the brows and on the forehead
Fine lines around the mouth
Lift the eyebrow for a more defined arch
Both Botox & Dysport achieve similar results, but are manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies. Both are safe and effective. We can discuss which neurotoxin is right for you.
The appointment is pretty pain free, using the smallest needles, and only takes about 15 minutes. There is no downtime besides a little swelling at the injection sites, which subsides within the hour. The common misconception is Botox or Dysport causes a frozen, emotionless face. In reality, you'll notice your optimal results gradually (7-10 days for Dysport and 10-14 days for Botox). Results are natural and most people will think you look very refreshed and well rested. Within a few days of having Botox you'll start to notice those movements are a little harder to make, and the wrinkles that form are significantly smaller. Neurotoxins are eventually metabolized so results generally last 3-4 months. Botox and Dysport are preventative, so start early.
Starting in your late twenties or early thirties will prevent lines at rest from forming.
Dermal Fillers: Aka Juvederm and Restylane
As we age, our collagen and elastic fibers break down and we lose volume and fat which contribute to a youthful appearance. Our cheeks become hollow and our lips begin to crease and lose their shape, and lines around our mouths begin to form. The corners of our mouth begin to turn down. Dermal fillers can help! Dermal fillers replace volume that was once there and help restore our natural, youthful appearance.
Most dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA) based meaning they draw in water giving our natural collegen a boost. HA fillers are also eventually absorbed and metabolized in six to eight months with some lasting twelve to eighteen months. In the event you don’t like the results, HA fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
The most common areas where filler is used:
Cheeks - to add volume and lift
Lips - to smooth and/or add volume
Vertical lip lines
Facial wrinkles
Nasolabial folds
Marionette lines – lines from the corners of your mouth that run toward your chin
Each syringe of filler contains 1 mL of product. 5 syringes of product = 1 teaspoon. Small amounts of filler can go a long way, and still look very natural.
Working with neurotoxins and filler can help maintain a youthful, natural appearance.