Wrinkle, wrinkle, go away. Don’t come another day!

As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling and chewing. The underlying tissues [collagen and elastin] that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped-up begin to break down with age. As we continue to use our facial muscles, the thin stiffened skin shows signs of wrinkles often leaving laugh lines, frown lines, smile lines and facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs. Some of the wrinkles are related to genetics; but most are related to sun exposure.

Facial Fillers

Facial soft-tissue fillers can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face erasing years away. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser skin treatment, chemical peel or a recontouring procedure, such as liposuction, fat transfer or mini facelift.

Facial fillers or injectable fillers are primarily used to improve the appearance of the skin’s texture. They can help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, “sunken” cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars like acne pits. They can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips and improve “lipstick lines.” Many fillers are available on the market; common fillers include: Restylane, Radiesse,Juvederm, Sculptra and Selphyl. Each of the listed fillers are made from different substances and have different characteristics and modes of action. Effects and length of time effect are greatly different for each of the common fillers.

Botox: Neuromuscular Blockades

Botox is not a filler; but rather a neuromuscular blockade medication. It is used in conjunction with fillers to help smooth creases caused by overactive muscles (such as forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet and frown lines). The fillers help lift the cracks in the skin, while the neuro-blocker causes the underlying facial muscles to be weak. The weakened muscle is then not able to contract exposing the wrinkle. Excess facial skin, fatty deposit or neck skin is more appropriately treated by skin tightening surgical and non-surgical face and neck lifts or forehead lifts in conjunction with fillers and or neuromodulators. Depending on the type of facial filler used, the results may last anywhere from a few months to a year and a half or more.

Facial rejuvenation is very individualized. That’s why it’s important to discuss your hopes and expectations during the initial facial consultation with your surgeon. In your initial consultation, make sure to discuss and select a treatment option based on your goals and concerns, your anatomy problems and your lifestyle. Make sure that your aesthetic ideals match what your cosmetic surgeon invisions. There is a definite art involved for appropriate filler injections. It is NOT paint by numbers; but rather face sculpture—the key is not the filler; but the artist who is completing the procedure. When injectables are administered by a qualified surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor in nature.

It is wise to search the internet for effects and characteristics of the above listed facial fillers prior to a facial evaluation and treatment planning. Well educated, you will be better prepared to discuss options and choices with your physician artist.