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Injectables and Fillers
 Injectables and fillers are popular nonsurgical techniques for treating facial lines and wrinkles. These minimally invasive procedures produce quick results with virtually no downtime. These treatments, however, are palliative, cannot correct facial sagging or achieve the same results as surgical or resurfacing procedures.
BOTOX® Cosmetic, or botulinum toxin type A, is a protein commonly used to non-surgically reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles caused by muscle contraction during facial expression. The injections work by blocking nerve impulses thereby preventing muscle contraction and secondarily relaxing these lines. Repetitive treatment has been shown to add longevity to results achieved through muscle atrophy. Common areas for Botox injections include horizontal forehead furrows, vertical lines between the eyebrows and "crow's feet" around the eyes. Within several days of treatment, expression lines appear noticeably softer and the face assumes a more rejuvenated appearance.
Collagen is another substance used for the treatment of frown lines and smile lines. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in the second layer of the skin. Injections counteract the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement by plumping soft tissues, filling in lines and depressions and replacing the natural collagen that is lost from your skin over time. The result is a temporarily rejuvenated look.
Juvederm™ is a clear transparent gel composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is found throughout your body. With its unique ability to bind with water, Juvederm hydrates and adds volume and density to your skin thereby smoothing wrinkles, sculpting lips or shaping facial contours. Results are longer lasting than with other treatments such as collagen and since this substance is not of animal or human origin there is no risk of disease transmission or allergic reaction. Hence, no skin test is required.
Fat represents an excellent soft tissue filler. In a procedure referred to as autologous fat transfer, fat is taken from your own body utilizing donor sites such as the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. Herein, excess fluids are removed using sterile technique and fat alone is then injected into the desired treatment area. Clinical evidence supports a greater longevity of results achieved through this particular technique.
Resurfacing is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of therapeutic modalities. Included among these are chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Each may be used on the entire face, albeit with exception. These procedures, performed alone or in concert with other rejuvenative procedures, provide significant and long-lasting improvement of sun damaged, unevenly pigmented or coarsely wrinkled facial skin.
Chemical peels may be of superficial, medium or deeper depth depending upon your skin's needs. Glycolic acid is one of a larger group of alpha hydroxy acids, derived from natural sources such as fruit and milk. It is used in varying concentrations as a superficial but prescription-strength peeling solution. Typically administered as a series of peels, glycolic acid preparations work beneath the skin's surface to help loosen and eliminate damaged skin cells, unclog pores and impart a healthier glow. The result is a reduction in the visible signs of aging and sun damage. Chemical peels containing trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol are used for purposes of medium and deep peels, respectively. Unlike deeper peels, superficial peels require no anesthetic and permit immediate return to work or other activities.
Dermabrasion entails the use of a small, rapidly spinning wheel with a roughened surface to abrade the skin removing its upper layers. This resurfacing technique is well suited for the treatment of facial scars or vertical wrinkles around the mouth.
Laser skin resurfacing is another popular technique. Using a beam of precisely focused light, the laser removes the outer, often damaged layer of skin. It is highly effective in treating fine lines, uneven pigmentation and superficial scarring leaving a smoother, younger look. The laser also has a mild tightening effect on the skin, particularly in the lower eyelid area. There are several lasers in use today though the most widely known are the carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium. Here, the erbium laser maintains a clear advantage. Greater precision over depth and extent of procedure translate to greater control over how gentle or aggressive the procedure is. In addition, the erbium laser does not portend the risk of scarring and delayed hypopigmentation, or loss of pigmentation, that the carbon dioxide laser does.
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