Do you have wrinkles, furrows, hollows or other unsightly aging signs on your face? Do you feel that you are either not ready for plastic surgery or cannot afford it? There are a number of things that can be done to minimize these unpleasant aging lines without resorting to a full facelift.
One of the most popular non-surgical options today is the use of injectable fillers.
While the effect may be temporary, fillers will refresh your look and can even give you a good idea of how a surgical procedure would look.
There are many fillers on the market today and a good facial plastic surgeon will review your options.
The first option for wrinkles that are just forming is Botulism Toxin type A.
This type of injectable, often referred to by the brand names Botox and Dysport, is technically not a filler.
Instead, it temporarily relaxes the muscles that are causing the wrinkles.
This smoothes out dynamic wrinkles like frown lines, forehead furrows and crow's feet, providing a more youthful and rested appearance.
This product has been in use for years and is very successful in temporarily banishing wrinkles.
Soft Tissue Fillers There are many options available in soft tissue fillers for the patient who has ingrained wrinkles, volume loss and/or nasolabial folds.
Fillers are used to restore volume to the areas and will add structure to the face by augmenting the underlying tissues.
While these fillers are not as expensive as a full facelift, they do need to be repeated every six to eight months to maintain their effect.
The most common type of fillers are based on HA (hyaluronic acid), a sugar that is found naturally in the human skin.
No skin testing is required as there is little risk of allergic reaction.
These fillers hydrate the skin and consequently act as a cushion.
Not all products are right for all places on the body.
For the lip region, formulas with smaller particles tend to be softer and more effective, while the larger-particle formulations are more effective in such places as the nasolabial folds.
Results can last from three to twelve months depending on the amount of movement in the area.
It is important to fully research the injectable filler you are considering.
It is even more important to meet and consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
Together, you can develop a plan of action that is tailor made for you.