Plastic Surgery

Injectables

Often referred to as a “liquid face lift”, injectables such as Botox and Dermal Fillers are used to soften and fill in lines and wrinkles. Many patients consider injectables in place of major surgery, although a face lift is the only procedure that can eliminate the sagging that occurs with aging.

There are two types of injectables that do two totally different things. There is Botox which is used to relax facial muscles to prevent wrinkles due to facial expression and there are dermal fillers like Juvederm and Volbella which are used to fill in medium to deep wrinkles.

This may seem like a very simple procedure since it’s just a few minor injections but it is actually both an art and science that only experienced healthcare professionals should do.

Botox

Botox is a purified substance that is derived from bacteria. Facial expressions like smiling, frowning and squinting can cause lines and wrinkles. Botulinum Toxin or Botox is used to block muscular nerve signals that weaken muscles so that they can’t contract, diminishing your unwanted “expression” lines.

A very thin needle is used to inject Botox. The face has over 43 muscles so it is vital that the person doing the injections can pinpoint the correct injection spots to give you optimal results. Only allow an experienced healthcare professional to inject you. The procedure only takes about 15 minutes and is ultimately painless. It may take 7 to 10 days for you to see the total results from Botox.

Your expression lines will be gone and you will be left with a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Your results should last approximately three months. It is recommended to have Botox injections every three months to maintain the benefits.

Dermal Fillers

The most common dermal filler used today is Hyaluronic Acid which is a natural protein found and produced in your body. Juvederm and Volbella are dermal fillers made from Hyaluronic Acid. Facial lines around the mouth, chin and nasal labial folds are commonly treated with dermal fillers.

Although dermal fillers cannot help with excessive sagging skin, these soft tissue fillers can add more volume and provide immediate results at a lower cost than Surgery.

Your doctor will consult with you prior to the treatment to determine your goals and expectations. Together you can decide what procedure will best suit your needs.

Some fillers like Juvederm have lidocaine in them so no topical anesthetic is required. Sometimes a cool ice pack is used to numb the area prior to the injection, other times a dental block is used. If a dental block is used it is more difficult to administer the ideal amount of filler due to the swelling it causes. This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Results are immediate and can last up to 12 months.