Anti-Aging and Skin Rejuvenation Treatments

 

Modern medicine and science have made antiaging remedies such as BOTOX, facelifts, and hyaluronic acidinjections some of the most popular surgical and non-surgical plastic surgery procedures.
Anti-aging, skin rejuvenation and skin resurfacing treatments span generations, from patients in their 20’s to those well into retirement. Various treatment options such as laser skin resurfacing and microdermabrasion can help all age groups, from those with sun damage and fine lines at a young age, to those with deeper wrinkles and more advanced signs of aging. Other treatments including dermal fillers such as Restylane , Juvederm or Radiesse, and can help alleviate deeper lines and wrinkles such as eye wrinkles found in those with more overt aging signs. Surgical options such as a facelift can help those that require or desire even more aggressive treatment.
 
 
Restylane®
Hyaluronic Acid Based Injectable Filler
Restylane® and Perlane®
Restylane® products (Restylane® and Perlane®) contain the active ingredient hyaluronic acid. These are dermal fillers that are used to replace lost volume and restore youthful contours to the skin as well as to smooth away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds such as eye wrinkles.
Restylane® and Perlane® contain no animal proteins. This limits any risk of an animal-based allergic reaction. One treatment lasts an average of six months. Although the FDA has approved the use of Restylane® and Perlane® for the creases around the mouth, the product is also used extensively for improvements such as plumping eyebrows, smoothing under eye hollows, lip enhancement, softening the appearance of scars and enhancing volume around the cheek, chin and jaw. Side effects of Resytlane® injections are typically mild, but can include temporary site redness, swelling and tenderness.
 
Juvederm®
Juvederm® is a brand of facial filler that is hyaluronic acid based. As your skin matures, the amount of hyaluronic acid found in the skin naturally decreases which in turn causes that skin to become less hydrated. This leads to facial wrinkles and folds.
Juvederm® is a smooth consistent gel.  Although the FDA has approved the use of Juvederm® to fill in moderate creases around the mouth, it is also commonly used for softening the appearance of scars and other depressed marks on the face. Its effects last from 6 to 12 months. There are no animal proteins in this product and, therefore, there is very little chance of an allergic reaction. As with other dermal fillers, Juvederm’s side effects tend to be mild. They can include temporary site redness, swelling, tenderness, firmness, lumps and bruising lasting seven days or less.
 
Radiesse®
Radiesse® is another form of dermal filler used for soft tissue augmentation. It is composed of beads of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) suspended in a water-based gel carrier. Radiesse works by stimulating the body into producing more collagen. It gives the skin an overall smooth appearance by adding volume to the face and is a great substance for getting rid of deep, etched-in lines around the cheek and the nasolabial folds. The result is immediate and tends to last 12 to 15 months
Radiesse® is injected into the treated area by a fine gauge needle. Radiesse does not contain lidocaine, a natural anesthetic, as some dermal fillers do. It is necessary to use a topical and/or a local anesthetic with Radiesse® injections.
The use of Radiesse® is approved by the FDA to help eliminate nasolabial folds (the “parenthesis” fold around the mouth). Radiesse® is not advised for the lips. The pressure from the muscles in the lips can cause the filler to form lumps.
Side effects may include some swelling or redness at the injection site. Radiesse® claims that it is more cost effective than other dermal fillers. It claims that one-third lower volume is required compared to hyaluronic acid products to achieve the desired effect. This lower volume should result in lower cost per treated fold.