by Minimally-Invasive Procedures for Anti-Aging and Facial Contouring
As we age, our facial features change in ways that can make us feel self-conscious. Wrinkles, lines and sagging skin are all natural byproducts of the aging process. Fortunately, there are safe and effective minimally-invasive treatment options available today that can help refine facial features without surgery. Known as aesthetic injectables, these procedures use injections of dermal fillers and botulinum toxins to subtly reshape contours and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermal Fillers for Volume Restoration
Dermal fillers are Aesthetic Injectables of gel-like substances that can restore lost volume and fullness to areas of the face. Common areas treated include the lips, cheeks, and marionette lines. The most popular dermal filler options are hyaluronic acid-based formulas like Juvéderm and Restylane. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in skin that helps attract and bind water, leaving the skin plump and hydrated. During a dermal filler treatment, the hyaluronic acid gel is injected into targeted areas using an ultra-fine needle. Results are seen immediately and generally last between 6-12 months before touch-ups are needed. Fillers restore the cushioning fat lost to aging, subtly refining facial contours for a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.
Botulinum Toxin for Wrinkle Reduction
Often called “Botox”, botulinum toxin injections are used to temporarily relax the underlying muscles that cause fine lines and wrinkles in targeted areas. The most common treatment areas include the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet. During treatment, tiny amounts of purified botulinum toxin are injected directly into problem muscles using an ultra-fine needle. Within 3-7 days, the muscle begins to relax, gently smoothing away wrinkles above the brows, between the eyebrows and around the eyes. Lasting approximately 3-6 months, Botox temporarily “freezes” muscles in their relaxed state so wrinkles don’t have the chance to form. This allows skin to naturally flatten back out over time for a less lined, more refreshed appearance.
Maximizing the Benefits of Fillers and Botox
For optimal results with dermal fillers and Botox, it’s important to choose a board-certified injector with extensive experience. An experienced injector understands facial anatomy and can customize a treatment plan specific to each patient’s features and aesthetic goals. Proper injection technique is critical – too superficially injected filler may dissipate quickly while too deeply injected filler can cause visible lumps and bumps. With practice, an expert injector learns precise placement deep within the layers of the skin and underlying muscles for most natural appearing results. Combining dermal fillers and Botox can be highly effective. For example, fillers can restore lost cheek volume and definition while simultaneously injected Botox relaxes muscles of the jawline for a sculpted, lifted appearance. Regular touch-ups are important to maintain improvements over time. With consistent annual or bi-annual treatments, aesthetic injectables can subtly and naturally enhance one’s appearance for years to come.
Choosing Injectables for Marionette Lines
Marionette lines, the downward folds that form from the corners of the mouth, can make a person appear sad or older than their actual age. Dermal fillers are incredibly effective for improving the appearance of marionette lines. Hyaluronic acid gels like Restylane and Juvederm are formulated to naturally fill in the valleys created by these lines. During treatment, the dermal filler is injected through the skin directly into the marionette line grooves. This restores lost volume to create a smoother transition from the chin to the lip and cheek area. Because the product is gradually absorbed over several months, multiple touch-up injections are usually needed for continued long-term correction. Some patients also see additional benefit from combining marionette line injections with small amounts of Botox at specific points on the jawline to relax the horizontal pull of hyperfunctional muscles. With repeated natural-looking treatment, marionette lines can transform a sad or tired appearance into one that is subtly lifted and brightened.
Safety and Potential Risks of Aesthetic Injectables
While dermal fillers and Botox can produce rewarding anti-aging results, as with any medical cosmetic procedure, there may be potential side effects or risks. Choosing a highly qualified and experienced medical spa aesthetician or facial plastic surgeon is crucial. Common side effects of dermal fillers are generally mild and temporary, including temporary pain, redness, bruising or swelling. Risks are minimized by implementing stringent sterilization protocols and using sterile single-use needles. With Botox, minor side effects may include minor pain or bruising but serious complications are rare. For some individuals with specific medical conditions, risks are higher and alternative options should be discussed. As with any medical treatment, fillers and Botox carry additional potential though unlikely risks like pigmentation changes, firmness, lumpiness or asymmetry. Overall, when performed by a board-certified professional in a medically-supervised setting, aesthetic injectables have an excellent safety record when used as indicated. Regular maintenance touch-ups allow for minor tweaks to continually refine results over time.
