Myths and facts about non-surgical facial rejuvenation

Curious about Botox, Restylane and Juvederm?
May 2, 2011 | By: Joyce M. Palmer

Both men and women are staying in the work force longer and know that there is only one chance to create that first impression. As a result, many are looking towards non-surgical rejuvenation procedures to help retain or regain that youthful look.

As we age, our faces to slowly undergo the “3 D’s” of aging: deterioration, descent and deflation. Lines appear on forehead, in between the eyebrows and beside the eyes. Under eye bags appear, cheeks become hollow, lips become very thin, and deep lines develop on either side of the mouth. Facial rejuvenation combining Botox® and facial fillers effectively creates a result that is balanced and natural looking.

One of the most important decisions that you will have to make is which doctor to go to. A plastic surgeon who has specialized in aesthetic plastic surgery would be the doctor of choice. These surgeons go beyond the normal 5 year residency training post medical school and do what is called a “fellowship”, where they are mentored by some of the world’s most renowned plastic surgeons. These aesthetic plastic surgeons are not only technically and surgically superior, but they are also artists who understand facial and body contours along with balance and symmetry. The main goal of their procedures is to keep you looking like you, only more rejuvenated and refreshed.

BOTOX®
One of the most misunderstood tools for non-surgical rejuvenation is Botox®. One of the myths regarding Botox Cosmetic® is that it is an unsafe product. Botox Cosmetic® has an extremely long and established safety record.  While you may only be familiar with Botox Cosmetic® as a wrinkle treatment, Botox® has been used for over 20 years for many medical conditions and is one of the most researched medicines in the world.

Botox®, when administered by a specialist is intended to enhance the way you look, not to change it. It is used to relax the muscles that create the lines in the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes.  Botox®, if done properly, will not freeze the area that has been treated. You will have facial animation and frowning abilities. Botox® is not used to add or create volume in the face.

The results from Botox® are gradual and normally start to be felt within 48 hours, but it does take 2 weeks for the full effects to be seen. This is great for the person who wants to be very private. People will only think you had a great rest or vacation because you look so refreshed. The treatment is very comfortable and fees depend on the amount of Botox® required. These fees can vary from $400 - $1000 plus taxes. The treatment should be repeated every 4 months.

Fillers for volume loss
The deflation or volume loss of the face can cause our faces to droop and sag. Aesthetic plastic surgeons use fillers made from hyaluronic acid to restore the youthful contours and soften the folds around the mouth and chin, reposition the cheeks and replace volume in the lips. Aesthetic plastic specialists fill the pockets that are created under the eyes called “tear troughs” which give the under eye bag look. This procedure can put off under eye surgery for quite a few years and, the filler will last typically about 2 years. 

The most common fillers on the market today are Restylane™ and Juvederm®. The main ingredient, hyaluronic acid, is a sugar based molecule that is naturally found in human skin.  Hyaluronic acid is the sponge that attracts and holds the water molecules in skin to maintain the volume. Unfortunately our production of hyaluronic acid becomes less and less as we age, resulting in major volume loss. Using the man-made hyaluronic acid, aesthetic plastic surgeons restore facial volume by repositioning and contouring areas that include the lips, cheeks, jowls and chin.

How long the results last, depends, on the area that the filler is placed. An area of high movement such as the mouth and lips, results lasts 6 – 12 months. When placed on top of bones such as the jowls, cheeks and temples the results can last up to 2 years. The recommendation for fillers is to have a yearly treatment to keep your face looking its best.

What is the cost of having volume replacement?
A single syringe of filler is $600 and the amount of correction required determines the number of syringes needed to give you optimal results. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this at your consultation and a written quote should be given by the clinic that you visit. A treatment plan can also be designed to take place over a few months or even up to a year to reach your ultimate goal. Multiple syringe packages are available.

The main thing to remember when considering non-surgical procedures is that your results are completely dependent upon the injector. Family doctors and even dentists are doing cosmetic procedures these days; however their training consists of a one day training session where a specific injection chart is taught. They do not have the training and expertise to perform the more complicated or customized procedures. It is your face and you have to live with it for many months if you choose a less qualified person to do your treatment. Any cosmetic procedure should be based on quality and experience rather than cost.