There is so much advertising today about anti-aging facial products and procedures, especially ones that are injected. How do you know which one is right for you?
Great question! TV and print media are inundating the world today with products and procedures to make us look younger. There are creams and lotions that promise to reduce the signs of aging. Others promise to correct skin damage or protect you from further damage that has occurred through the normal aging process, through sun exposure or by poor health or diet.
At one time the only thing you could do to look younger was to have surgery. Many people found this an unpleasant choice. They were afraid of surgery and the possibility of post surgical complications, the considerable financial investment, nervous that the results were permanent and that there was considerable “downtime” during the healing process.
The cosmetic pharmaceutical companies stepped in and began to manufacture injectable products that—although temporary—could give you back a youthful look by reducing lines, wrinkles and facial folds.
These are the products we hear so much about today:
Botox and Dysport are neurotoxins that relax the muscles, which in turn eliminate the lines that can often make people look angry or tired. It is typically used between the eyebrows, around the eyes and on the forehead. Results will generally last from three to five months.
Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm are hylauronic acid gels that are clear in color. They are injected below the skin to fill in a wrinkle or a fold or to replace lost and desired volume. These fillers are injected into different areas of the face, i.e. the lips (lip augmentation), the nasal-labial folds (those lines that go from the sides of your nose toward your mouth), the marionette lines (the lines from the corners of your mouth that go toward your chin) and the cheeks (cheek augmentation). These lines/folds, and natural loss of volume, tend to cause us to look older than we feel. Results are instantaneous and can last from four months up to more than a year.
Radiesse is a calcium-based material that also falls into the dermal filler category. Radiesse dermal filler is made from a biocompatible substance that’s identical to
what is naturally found in the body. It is white in color so it is not used in the lips. As with all the fillers mentioned, Radiesse has virtually no risk of allergic
reaction, and there have been very few side effects reported in clinical trials andactual use. Each product can/will last a different amount of time on different people, but with any of the filler products chosen, your results are immediate and will make you look younger.
How do you know which healthcare provider to choose? Do your homework. Go to someone whose ability you trust, someone who has been well trained in these procedures. Check their references, ask family and friends who they would recommend. Dentists can be an especially good choice since they are extremely well trained in injection techniques and perform it on a daily basis. They are also well trained in facial anatomy and aesthetics. Ask your healthcare professional for a consultation so you will know their recommendations and the fees before you commit to the procedures and so you feel comfortable with your decisions. Be proactive, say what you would like but ask your provider about realistic expectations. Even the most proficient injectors are not magicians and certain corrections cannot be made with non-surgical techniques.
These products are a great way of helping keep “Father Time” from your doorstep. As we approach the holidays and the coming year, think of giving yourself the gift that helps you look and feel great.
