Wrinkles, lines and facial sagging add years to your appearance. But
you can fight back to keep your youthful appearance. Your
dermatologist uses two types of injectibles – relaxers
and fillers - to reverse those signs of aging. Relaxers,
such as Botox, lessen muscle reactions so that the overlying
skin becomes smoother. Fillers restore lost volume by
plumping up wrinkles and firming sagging spots.
RELAXERS
Many wrinkles are actually creases that are worn into the skin
by repeatedly making the same expression. Botox injections
smooth wrinkles by safely relaxing overactive muscles, thus
allowing the creases in the skin to smooth out. Botox is
especially effective in treating frown lines, horizontal
lines across the forehead, crows’ feet and vertical
lip lines (“smoker’s lines”).
Botox treatments consist of approximately 10 minute sessions. There
is no down time after your treatment, which means that you
can apply make up immediately. Results typically last
about four months, after which the muscles begin to contract
once again. As an added bonus, if you begin your Botox regime
early enough (say, in your 30’s or 40’s), it can
prevent deep wrinkles from ever forming in certain areas.
FILLERS
For areas that Botox won’t handle, your dermatologist
might recommend a dermal filler, a substance injected below
the skin to fill up and soften the wrinkles. The effectiveness
and duration of results depends on which filler is used, what
area is being treated, and how each patient interacts with
the specific filler.
Fillers come in three main types: those that stimulate
collagen and tissue growth, those that replace lost volume
with “filler” material, and those that both stimulate
and replace.
Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Radiesse are examples of
the last type: they are smooth gels that keep the skin
plumped and stimulate the production of new collagen to lift
and fill. Common areas treated in this manner include
the nasolabial folds (“smile lines”) and the marionette
folds under the mouth. Fillers are also very effective
in the cheeks, for restoring youthful fullness, as well as
the lips.
In most cases, these fillers last nine months, although in
some instances the treatments can last for over a year.
The treatment options for minimizing lines and wrinkles, as
well as lifting up the downward sag on the face are many and
varied. However, not all products are appropriate for
all treatment areas. Consult with your dermatologist
about which product is right for you. And regain your
smooth, youthful appearance today.
Dr. Lisa Benest is a medical and cosmetic dermatologist in
Burbank, CA. She and her staff provide comprehensive
skin examinations as well as an array of non-invasive, cosmetic
procedures and offer a full line of skin care products. To
learn more about how to take care of your skin as well as the
most up-to-date treatments in skin care, schedule a Free Consultation
with our cosmetic nurse. Check out our website for a
complete list of all our treatments: www.lisabenestmd.com
Lisa Benest M.D.
1624 W. Olive #B
Burbank, CA
818-729-9149
www.lisabenestmd.com
