Botox and Wrinkle Fillers
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WRINKLE TREATMENTS
Injectable wrinkle fillers offered by Dr. Gardner are soft tissue fillers that are injected into the skin to give a more youthful appearance. These procedures fill in lines and wrinkles that are the result of aging, smoking, sun exposure and gravity. The typical procedure takes less than thirty minutes and results last up to a year.
How do injectable fillers work?
While Botox injections work by relaxing muscles, injectable wrinkle fillers use substances that fill in lines and creases and add volume to facial features. They can be used to plump up cheeks and lips, soften facial features and reduce saggy skin. Often, they are used in conjunction with other skin treatment procedures (e.g., facelifts and Botox injections).
What are my options?
A variety of substances are used as wrinkle fillers. All products are absorbed by the body over time, which means repeated injections are necessary to maintain results. These include:
Collagen. A natural protein that is found in the skin and tissues.
Hyaluronic acid. A natural lubricating gel the body produces to plump the skin. Juvedérm® and Restylane® are popular products containing HA.
Calcium hydroxylapatite. A mineral found in bone; it is biodegradable and implanted as a gel.
Poly-L-lactic acid. A synthetic material made from alpha-hydroxy acid that has been used in medical procedures involving dissolvable stitches and bone screws. Radiesse® is a popular product made with CaHA.
Poly-L-lactic acid. A synthetic material created from alpha-hydroxy acid and frequently used in medical procedures involving dissolvable stitches and bone screws. It is the main ingredient in Sculptra®.
Injectable wrinkle treatment is a quick outpatient procedure performed in a doctor’s office with either a local or topical anesthesia. Results are immediate and will last from four months to a year.
Are there any side effects of the procedure?
Possible side effects and risks include infection, bruising, swelling, redness, pain, tenderness, numbness, itching and rash, skin nodules, abscesses, open sores, blurred vision, flu-like symptoms and allergic reactions. Most of these are temporary and disappear within a week; in rare cases, long-term side effects may occur.
Before undergoing this type of procedure, be aware of the potential risks and make sure you select a doctor who is trained for your specific procedure.
Call Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery at (435) 628-1704 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
BOTOX
What is Botox?
Botox is a prescription drug made from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, Botox temporarily paralyzes muscle activity. When injected into the skin, it acts as a barrier to nerve signals traveling to the muscles, preventing them from contracting. This relaxes and softens facial wrinkles and creases. Botox is most often used to treat forehead and frown lines and crow’s feet.
As with injectable fillers, Botox offers temporary results. Maintenance injections are required every three to twelve months depending on your individual results.
What Areas Can Be Treated Using Botox Injections?
Botox is most commonly used to treat:
- facial lines and wrinkles
- glabellar lines
- the ‘cobblestone’ skin of the chin
- crow’s feet
- lines at the corner of your mouth
Cosmetic purposes aren’t the only reasons to use Botox. Botox is also used for several medical conditions. As per the FDA, Botox can be used to treat:
- Eyelid spasms
- Cervical dystonia
- Limiting symptoms from an overactive bladder
- Strabismus (above 12 years old)
- Muscle contractures
- Upper limb spasticity (above 2 years old)
Botox can be taken by anyone over the age of 18 who is frustrated about the lines and wrinkles appearing on their faces. However, It isn’t suitable for pregnant and lactating women.
Preparing For Your Botox Treatment
Before the treatment, you will have to give your medical history to the doctor, along with mentioning any allergies you have. You will need to stop taking certain medications like aspirin and herbal supplements and stop smoking and alcohol consumption.
Your face should be free of make-up and creams before you get injected with Botox. The Botox solution is injected into muscles beneath wrinkled areas, with the number of injections varying based on area size. Sessions usually end in about 15-30 minutes and are painless, although you may feel some discomfort.
What to Expect After the Treatment
You can resume regular activities on the same or next day after treatment but should avoid strenuous activity. You also shouldn’t rub the area treated as it can cause the solution to spread to other areas. You may experience some swelling and redness in the treatment area, but it should disappear in 72 hours, at which point, you will be able to see the results of the treatment, which should last for 3-4 months.
Risks and Rewards:
All procedures carry a small amount of risk, but serious adverse reactions from injectable dermal fillers and Botox are rare. You might experience infection, swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, pain, numbness, rash, itching, skin nodules, abscesses, open sores, blurred vision, flu-like symptoms, or allergic reactions. These side effects are almost always temporary and usually clear up within a week. For the majority of people seeking a more youthful appearance without going under the knife, this is an acceptable risk for a solution that offers immediate results that can last as long as a year. If you don’t believe us, just ask them.
Contact Our Office
The Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery team is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best in your own skin. If you’re interested in learning more about Botox, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule your informative consultation today.
