BOTOX®
Botox® has become the most popular muscle relaxer, typically lasting 3-4 months. Originally approved by the FDA to treat eyelid muscle spasm, its approval has been extended to treat the area between the eyebrows. Forehead and eyelid wrinkles are improved by Botox® injections in these areas. We have expanded applications to raise the outer eyebrows and the corners of the mouth. Patients are usually satisfied with the duration of improvement and changes in the smile when used to diminish lip lines/wrinkles. Side effects usually lasting one to two days occur in 1% to 2% or treatments typically subside without any treatment. Occasional bruising most often seen around the eyelids is easily camouflaged with leg and body cover cream.
Facial Wrinkle Fillers
With the increased technology chemists have developed longer lasting hyaluronic acid injectables. Restylane, Perlane and Juvaderm are appropriate for medium depth lines around the mouth, eyelids,cheeks and to fill the lips. Smokers fine lip lines can be smoothed out as well as the corners of the mouth. This will turn up the corners to diminish a sad, drooping appearance. Radiesse is similar to hydroxyapetite, the major constituent of bony tissues. It can correct the smile lines from the mouth to the nose and the chin as well as between the brows, and changes can last for one year or more when combined with Botox®. These fillers are relatively allergy free. Immediate results are noted with mild swelling which subsides overnight. Occasional bruising can be camouflaged with leg and body cover cream. You will look better that same evening. Please check with our staff one week in advance to ensure we have your choice available.
Permanent Fillers
This most appealing group of procedures can give a permanent correction to the deeper folds surrounding the nose, mouth,.lips and between the brows. Several different implant options are available include grafting of skin from an existing scar, facelift, eyelid or tummy tuck (otherwise discarded skin). Autologous tissue grafting continues to render the most long lasting, natural appearing results. Synthetic materials including silicone, polymethylmethacrylate, latex, gortex and alloderm have been used successfully to yield permanent correction of these areas albeit with higher complication rates and occasional palpability. Careful consideration of long term changes in facial anatomy must be made in planning the location and amount of correction. Facial tissues may droop, leaving permanent bulges in inappropriate locations.
Those Juicy Lips
Our approach to lip aesthetics has become more sophisticated. Filling and shaping the lips in the appropriate areas will give a more attractive appearance than just enlarging them. We can fill your upper or lower lip or both, central and outer areas, front bottom or top depending on the shape of your lips and the look that you like. Restylane and Juvaderm are the most common fillers used. These can last for six months. Fat suctioned from your waist or hips may last longer. In some cases fat injections result in permanent augmentation. The placement of alloderm or synthetic implants is also an option for more permanent lip enhancement. Studying your lips and the photos of others helps us to shape your lips in the most desirable way. The various options and expected results will be reviewed during your consultation.
