Injectable Cosmetic Treatments
Turning back the clock on aging is now evermore possible with a growing number of injectable cosmetic procedure choices. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2018 compilation of injectable treatment statistics, over 2.3 million injectable procedures were performed, an amazing 40.6% increase since 2012. At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, we often combine injectable treatments with surgical procedures to enhance and maintain your cosmetic anti-aging result.
As we age, there is a progressive loss of fat, dermis, and bone in our faces leaving laugh lines, smile lines, sunken cheeks, and facial creases over the areas where muscle movement occurs. Injectable cosmetic treatments can treat these lines and creases, soften the muscle movement that creates wrinkles, stimulate collagen production, and in general, restore a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.
What are Injectables
Injectables are formulated to provide specific anti-aging correction and are differentiated by their purpose. There are wrinkle relaxers, dermal fillers, and bio-stimulators. They include the following:
- Botulinum Toxin (Dysport, Botox)
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
- Hyaluronic Acid (Juvederm & Restylane family)
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra)
- Polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA (Bellafill)
Wrinkle Relaxers (Neurotoxins)
- Botulinum Toxin (Dysport, Botox)
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
- Hyaluronic Acid (Juvederm & Restylane family)
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra)
- Polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA (Bellafill)
Dermal Fillers
There is a variety of FDA approved dermal fillers comprised of a substance called hyaluronic acid (HA), which naturally occurs in the body. Two main product families make up the bulk of dermal fillers. They are Juvederm and Restylane.
The injectable products offered by each mainly differs by the thickness of product and duration of action. Thinner fillers are used in finer lines such as smoker’s lines or under the eyes to conceal under eye bags. Lip augmentation is generally performed with an HA filler. Thicker HA fillers, such as Restylane Lyft and Juvederm Voluma, are appropriate for deeper lines or for filling cheeks and large hollow areas.
Recently, dermal fillers have been used to temporarily correct contour irregularities of the nose. Deemed a Lunchtime Nose Job, this procedure can help patients avoid surgery while still enjoying a cosmetically improved nose shape.
Radiesse is another dermal filler offered at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa. Radiesse is a heavier, thicker product designed to last longer than HA dermal fillers. It is FDA approved for the treatment of nasolabial folds and also for plumping up aging hands. Radiesse is not recommended for under the eyes or injection into the lips. The effects of Radiesse can last from one year to 18 months.
Bio Stimulator
Some products are not intended to fill lines and wrinkles, but to stimulate the body to produce more collagen. Two such products are Sculptra and Bellafill. Although comprised of different substances, their end action is the same; creating volume where fat loss has occurred (through aging or weight loss). Sculptra and Bellafill are the longest lasting of all injectables, lasting 2 to 5 years.
What are the risks of Injectable Cosmetic Procedures?
Bruising and swelling are always a risk with any injectable cosmetic procedure. Even in the hands of an expert injector, a bruise can occur. A map of blood vessels lies just under the surface of the skin which makes bruising a likely, although not inevitable side effect.
Injectables at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa
Whether you are looking to reverse the signs of aging or trying to postpone and prevent wrinkles and volume loss, the highly trained staff at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa can help you sort out your injectable options. Vectra 3D imaging is also available atChanges Plastic Surgery & Spa. With this high-tech system, we can show you the results of injectable cosmetic treatment before actually having any procedure. If you are ready to explore the options of cosmetic injectable enhancement and correction, schedule a consultation with the expert injectors at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa.