Celebrate Your Independence from Wrinkles with Injectable Fillers

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Lines and wrinkles on your face can make you look older than you feel, and they can even cause you to look angry or tired when you’re really not. Dermal injectable treatments are the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States. Many men and women have regular dermal injections to meet their appearance goals without surgery.*

If you’re looking to free yourself from the bonds of lines and wrinkles, let this be your guide to liberation. We’ll look at the causes of premature aging and what you can do to prevent it. You’ll also learn about the most commonly used injectables and what it’s like to have them done.

Sunless tanning products make it possible to get the sun-kissed look without all the adverse effects.While nobody is immune to the effects of aging, some people show the physical signs of aging sooner than others. The natural aging process can be accelerated by several factors:

  • Smoking: Aside from being a major health risk, smoking is terrible for your skin and your looks in general. People who smoke tend to show signs of aging in their skin much faster than people who don’t. Why? Smoking inhibits blood flow, cutting off oxygen to the skin cells in your face.
  • Sun exposure: One of the most common causes of early aging is sun damage. Until recently, the full effects of sun damage were not widely known. It was common for people to bake in the sun for hours or regularly visit tanning salons in an effort to give their skin a “healthy” glow. Now we know that sun exposure reduces your skin’s elasticity, opening the door for accelerated wrinkling. It can also leave you looking blotchy and dry.
  • Other environmental factors: While sun exposure is the culprit we hear about most, there are plenty of other things in the environment that can wreak havoc on your skin. Long-term exposure to extreme weather like high winds can also cause you to age more rapidly. More bad news: recent research has linked air pollution to premature aging. It’s believed that the pollutants infiltrate the skin, depriving cells of oxygen and promoting the growth of skin-wrecking free radicals.
  • Stress: Yes, emotional stress can definitely take a toll on your skin. Under-eye circles and dried-out skin are tell-tale signs of prolonged stress (and the lack of sleep that generally comes with it). When you’re under stress, you are more likely to furrow your brow, squint your eyes and frown. When you do these things every day for a long time, lines and wrinkles form.
  • Dramatic changes in weight: Losing weight can make your face look more aged than when you were heavier. This is simply due to the loss of fat that gives the face its youthful volume.
  • Genetics: Some people simply age faster than others, having a genetic predisposition for skin sagging or under-eye puffiness. However, we now know that your lifestyle choices and skincare regimen have much more to do with how you will age than what your mom looks like. For some eye-opening visual confirmation of this, check out these photos of twins showing how smoking accelerates aging.

BOTOX® and Dysport®

Celebrate Your Independence from Wrinkles with Injectable Fillers img 2BOTOX® and Dysport® are FDA-approved to treat dynamic wrinkles by relaxing the tense underlying muscles that cause them.* These are the lines and wrinkles that form as a result of repeated facial movements. They are also one of the most prominent types of wrinkles. If you have any of the following issues, you may be a good candidate for BOTOX® or Dysport®.*

  • “Frown lines” that can make you look angry or worried
  • Lines around the eyes (often called “crow’s feet) that make you look older and tired
  • Horizontal lines on the forehead
  • A dimpled chin that takes away from your facial symmetry
  • “11” lines, a name often used for vertical lines between the eyes

Dysport® vs BOTOX®: Deciding Which One Is Right for You

Tense facial muscles create lines that can visually age us by several years.

Dysport® and BOTOX® are both temporary injectable products made with botulinum toxin (which is where BOTOX® gets its name). Botulinum toxin prohibits certain muscles from contracting, which smooths out repetitive movement wrinkles.* While similar, these injectables have some differences.

  • Dysport®: Dysport® generally takes effect faster than BOTOX®.* That’s why people looking for a last minute rejuvenation before an event or date often choose Dysport®.
  • BOTOX®: BOTOX® tends to stay in place more than Dysport®, making it an ideal choice when treating very specific areas.*   

What Happens at Your BOTOX® or Dysport® Appointment

When you go to your BOTOX® or Dysport® appointment, you may be given a numbing agent to make you more comfortable during the procedure. After this, the product will be injected into the specific areas you wish to treat. A treatment session usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes.* There’s no downtime involved, and you should be able to return to your regular activities immediately.*

After Your BOTOX ® or Dysport ® Treatment

BOTOX® and Dysport® can be scheduled over your lunch hour.You may experience some swelling, bruising or discoloration (your skin may look pink around the injection sites).* It’s usually minimal, and you can easily cover it up with makeup if you want to. You’ll be advised to avoid rubbing the treated areas for 24 hours. This is to keep the product from spreading out and away from the treatment areas. Individual experiences vary, but most people see results develop over the next 2 to 7 days.* The effects of BOTOX ® and Dysport® are temporary, and usually last for around 3 to 4 months.*  

Injectable Fillers

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Collagen and elastin production begins to slow down as we age. Collagen and elastin are the proteins that give skin its firmness, resilience and soft texture. We also start to lose facial fat, which can make us look gaunt and less youthful. Some of the greatest benefits of injectable fillers are that they are FDA-approved to restore lost facial volume and minimize deep lines and wrinkles.*

If any of these symptoms describe you, injectable fillers might be right for you:*

  • You notice deep wrinkles
  • Your facial features are asymmetrical
  • You want fuller lips
  • You are unhappy with fine lines around your mouth
  • You have prominent “laugh lines,” or deep creases in your nasolabial folds

Types of Injectable Fillers

Many people use BOTOX® or Dysport® in combination with injectable fillers.There are many injectable facial fillers available today, each with its own advantages. Your plastic surgeon or facial injectable professional can advise you about each one to help you decide which is best suited to your needs and goals.

  • BELOTERO® Balance: BELOTERO® Balance is a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in the body and helps make skin plump, firm and supple. Since our natural HA production slows down over time, hyaluronic acid fillers are very popular. BELOTERO® Balance is most commonly used to treat smile lines and vertical lines around the lips, and typically lasts for around 4 to 8 months.*
  • Restylane®: Restylane® is a family of hyaluronic acid filler products. Each Restylane® product is designed to target specific concerns. Restylane® is FDA-approved as a cheek filler and wrinkle filler.* Individual experiences vary, but Restylane® results can last for up to 1 year.*
  • Juvéderm® Voluma XC: Another popular HA filler, Juvéderm Voluma XC is FDA-approved to restore lost volume in the mid-face area.* 
  • Bellafill®: Bellafill is used to fill wrinkles and scars, and is the first FDA-approved dermal filler with results that can last up to 5 years.* (This is why it’s sometimes nicknamed “the 5-year filler.”) Bellafill® contains polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) collagen, and can be very effective at treating nasolabial folds.*
  • RADIESSE®: RADIESSE® is formulated with calcium-based microspheres. RADIESSE® is FDA-approved to treat deep nasolabial folds, smile lines and marionette lines (the lines that run down the sides of your mouth).*

What Happens at Your Injectable Filler Appointment

A topical numbing cream may be applied to the areas you’re having treated to minimize any discomfort during the injections.* The number of injections you have depends on your specific case. Therefore, the length of the appointment time varies. Some injectable fillers, such as Bellafill®, may be applied over the course of two separate sessions. 

It’s a good idea to request a consultation to discuss which injectable products would work best for you.

Depending on which fillers you use and your individual experience, your results may be noticeable quickly or they may become visible after about 1 week.* To avoid migration of the product, you shouldn’t massage or rub the areas you had treated for 24 hours after your appointment. There could be some mild bruising, redness or swelling immediately after treatment.* You should be able to go right back to your normal routine,* but there are a few guidelines to follow after you have injectable fillers done:

  • If you had your lips treated, avoid very hot or cold food and drinks
  • Use perfume and dye-free products on your face
  • If you have any swelling, you can apply an ice pack for about 5 minutes every half hour during the initial hours after your treatment

The person who administers your injectables will give you specific instructions, and may schedule a follow-up appointment about 2 to 3 weeks after your treatment.

Where to Have Your Injectable Treatments

Results that look unnatural or “overdone” are usually caused by unqualified people or inferior products.Not everyone who administers injectable fillers is qualified to do so. Dermal injections are medical procedures, so a medical professional should be overseeing or performing the treatment. See a plastic surgeon, physician’s assistant or nurse who has been trained to administer dermal injectables. These procedures should always be done in a clinic setting. Never allow someone who is not a trained professional to do any kind of injection on you. Avoid “BOTOX® parties” or any other kind of at-home injections.

Choosing to have injectable treatments done anywhere besides a reputable practice or clinic is dangerous. You may not be getting the product you’re paying for, or it could be diluted or old. There is a much greater risk of negative side effects and bad results when you don’t go to a professional.

More Med Spa Treatments

Injectables are FDA-approved to temporarily treat lines and wrinkles, but your skin texture may still be aging you.

Dermal injectables should be just one part of your overall skincare strategy. There are other steps you can follow to take care of your complexion.

  • Use sunscreen every day. Even when it’s cloudy, wear sunscreen. On days when you’ll be in the sun for long periods, cover up as much as possible and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Stop smoking. You already know that smoking is bad for your skin, and it’s also bad for your health. If you have trouble quitting, get help. The benefits will be worth the effort.
  • Clean your skin. Wash your face every night before bed. Leaving makeup and dirt on your face can clog your pores and leave your skin looking dull.
  • Exfoliate. Exfoliate your facial skin regularly to remove dead surface cells. A couple days per week is usually sufficient. If you exfoliate too much, you could irritate your skin.
  • Moisturize at least once each day. Consider using a moisturizing sunscreen specifically formulated for facial use during the day, and a hydrating cream or serum at night.
  • You only have one face. Quality matters in the world of skin care products. Insist on high-quality cleansers, moisturizers and other facial products made with pure, effective ingredients.
  • Reduce your stress. To combat the effects of stress on your appearance, practice active stress-reduction techniques. Take time out for yourself and learn to set boundaries in your personal and professional life (learning the art of a firm but polite “no” can be a big stress reducer in itself). Regular exercise reduces stress, too.
  • Get plenty of sleep. Staying up late and waking up early leaves you looking and feeling tired. Regularly missing sleep can take its toll on your skin.
  • Eat right. “You are what you eat” is at least partially true. Your diet affects how your skin looks. Eat healthy skin-nourishing foods and steer clear of sugary snacks and drinks; sugar can do some scary things to your skin.

Spa Treatments to Complement Your Injectables

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Spa treatments can further complement the results of your injectable treatments by treating the skin’s surface.

  • SkinPen®: The SkinPen® is a microneedling device that uses 12 tiny needles to delicately puncture your skin’s surface, stimulating your natural healing processes.* SkinPen® treatment may be recommended to treat finer lines, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.*
  • Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is the ultimate exfoliation treatment, using diamond crystals to slough off dead skin cells.Spa treatments utilize products and techniques designed to noticeably improve the texture of your skin.
  • Chemical peels: Chemical peels are customized with ingredients tailored to particular skin issues.
  • Light Therapy: LED light therapy may be a suggested treatment for those with old scars.* Treatments are typically scheduled as a series. 
  • Facials: Like chemical peels, facials should be tailored to your individual skin care needs. During a facial, specialized ingredients are brushed onto or massaged into your skin.

The Limitations of Dermal Injectables

While there are many benefits of injectable fillers, they do have their limitations. It’s important to know what can and can’t be achieved through treatments such as BOTOX®, Dysport® and injectable fillers.    

  • Fillers and other injectables are temporary. The person who administers your injectable can help you develop a plan for evenly scheduling regular maintenance visits.
  • They won’t remove excess fat. As we age, fat can migrate from the upper parts of the face, settling around the jawline. Fillers are FDA-approved to correct age-related volume loss, but cannot eliminate saggy jowls.
  • They can’t get rid of excess skin. Skin can become lax when we get older. Better proportion can be achieved by adding fullness to other areas of the face, but loose skin cannot be reduced or removed with injectable products of any kind.

If you are concerned that your issues are beyond the scope of BOTOX®, Dysport® or injectable fillers, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon about cosmetic surgery options.  Many people decide to have facial plastic surgery as well as injectable treatments.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.