Treatments
The recent trend in Facial Aesthetics, away from the so-called
“done” look toward a more natural appearance has led to an
explosion in the field if injectable implants. Although cosmetic fillers
will never eliminate the need for a facelift, different options are
available which may be able delay a surgical procedure.
Cosmetic Facial Sculpting with injectable products, either alone or in
combination, is a subtle way to create an appearance that is both beautiful
and natural.
Cosmetic injectables, such as Botox®, Radiesse ™, and
collagen, are used for anything from smoothing out a little wrinkle to
evening out a deep furrow, they can correct hollowness around the eyes, add
fullness to thin lips, balance a disproportionate face caused by an
asymmetry present at birth, even camouflage the embarrassing pock marks and
emotionally tormenting acne scars of adolescence. They can be used to
restore fullness that is naturally lost as fat diminishes from the face
with aging, or can be used to create stronger features such as prominent
cheekbones or a more angled jaw line.
Cosmetic injectables either paralyze muscle or plump skin. They are
derived from animal sources, donated human sources (yours or someone
else's), or are completely synthetic. Some are temporary, some are
permanent. Some are injected, some are surgically implanted, and the range
in cost for one treatment can vary between a few hundred to a few thousand
dollars.
The chart below offers a brief comparison of injectable products most commonly used
in the US. Because these details can seem overwhelming, the initial
consultation is free of charge and will provide you with the knowledge and
understanding needed to determine which treatment is right for you.
After a physician examines your area of concern, and discusses your
desired outcome, a mutual agreement regarding realistic expectations of
your treatment result will be determined, leading to an individualized
treatment plan. In order that you feel completely comfortable with your
decision, specific information pertaining to appropriate treatments, and
treatment alternatives will be explained in great detail and any and all
questions will be answered.
In order to alleviate concerns you may have regarding your decision to
investigate cosmetic treatments options, free phone consultations are
offered to answer questions and help you determine whether or not you
should you schedule an appointment. Beneficial information can also be
provided before your initial visit. Our Cosmetic Consultant is available
anytime by calling
(508) 269-8689.
Treatment Chart
| |
Description |
Procedure |
Safety |
Duration |
Botulinum
Toxin Type A |
Botulinum
Toxin Type A is a toxin that blocks neuromuscular transmission. When
injected in tiny amounts into specific muscles it improve lines and
wrinkles associated with facial expression.
Manufactured
under the names of Botox® Cosmatic and Dysport® |
Botulinum
toxin is injected in minute quantities. It blocks the nerve impulses to
the facial muscles responsible for contraction, thereby relaxing the
muscles and smoothing facial lines. It is most effective on frown lines
and crow's feet around the eyes. Accurate dosing and precise positioning
are critical in order to obtain a natural result.
The
treatment takes about 30 minutes and the effect of a treatment can be
seen within 1 - 2 weeks. |
There
are no long-term risks of botulinum toxin. Redness may occur at the
injection site, as well as, bruising, swelling and headaches. If
overdosed or the injection is performed incorrectly, the patient can be
left with a droop. This effect wears off within approx. 2 weeks. |
The
average treatment result lasts three-four months. |
Collagen
treatment |
Collagen
is derived from the hides of cows specially bred for the purpose.
Collagen can also be derived from pig skin. Because collagen is an animal
product, a collagen test skin implant is administered to determine
whether the patient is allergic to the implant, four weeks prior to the
treatment.
Collagen
is manufactured under many names, two of which are Zyderm and Zyplast. |
Collagen
is injected under the skin to fill lines and wrinkles. It is also used
for lip enhancement.
The
treatment takes less than an hour. |
Redness
and swelling may occur. Allergic reactions are possible in 3–4% of
patients. |
The
result is immediate and normally lasts three to four months. |
Stabilized
Non-Animal Hyaluronic acid gel (NASHA) |
Hyaluronic
acid is a substance that exists naturally in the body. Its most important
function is to carry and bind water. Non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic
acid (NASHA) does not contain animal protein and does not require a skin
test prior to treatment.
NASHA,
manufactured under the name of RESTYLANE. |
NASHa
is designed to reduce wrinkles and folds and to enhancing facial contours
and lips.
The
treatment takes less than an hour. |
Injection-related
adverse reactions such as swelling, redness and tenderness may occur.
Other adverse reactions are very rare. |
The
result is immediate and can last from 6 - 12 months, depending on the
patient and the area that is being treated. |
Other
Hyaluronic acid products |
Numerous
other hyaluronic acid treatments are available. Some of these products
are derived from cockscombs bred especially for this purpose.
Hyaluronic
acid gel is also manufactured under these names; Hylaform, Juvederm,
Rofilan and AcHyal. |
Hyaluronic
acid is used to treat lips, wrinkles and facial lines.
The
treatment takes less than an hour to perform. |
Swelling,
redness and tenderness may occur at the site of injection. Other adverse
reactions are rare. |
Immediate
result. The duration varies depending on the type of product, the
condition of the patient and the area being treated. |
Permanent/semi-permanent
skin implants |
Permanent
and semi-permanent skin implants contain a range of different synthetic
ingredients to make the product last longer.
Permanent
and semi-permanent skin implants are manufactured under the names of
Radiesse, Artecoll, Dermalive, NewFill, Evolution, Outline and Amazingel. |
These
products are used to fill lines and wrinkles and to augment lips. Some of
the products require at least two treatment sessions. |
Immediate
reactions include redness and swelling at the injection site. Longer-term
reactions include permanent redness, inflammation, lumpiness, skin
discoloration or granulomas. |
The
duration differs between products. Some claim to last forever, while
others offer a sustained improvement for over twelve months. |
Fat
injections / liposculpture |
Fat
injections or liposculpture are performed using the patient’s own
fat cells taken from unwanted fat deposits. There are many variables in
this treatment, including the way the fat is extracted, whether frozen or
fresh fat is used, the area that is injected, the amount of fat that is
used and how deeply the fat is injected. |
The
fat is injected under the skin to treat hollow cheeks, to enhance lips or
cheeks or to treat deep folds. The procedure is performed under local
anaesthesia and can take from less than one hour to several hours. |
Some
lumpiness can occur, in addition to injection-related reactions. If the
patient puts on weight, the injected area can become enlarged, which may
not be desirable. |
The
reported duration varies from a few months to several years. |
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