Anti-Aging Injectables

Different types of dermal fillers are available. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers directly replace lost volume, while fillers made from Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) stimulate collagen production.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps provide fullness and elasticity. As we age, our skin changes.  It becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as plump as it once did.  HA diminishes, causing skin to lose volume and increasing the chances for wrinkles and folds to appear.  

Poly-L-lactic acid is a collagen stimulator that absorbs into your body a few days after treatment to encourage your cells to produce more collagen. Collagen is a protein in your skin as well as in your connective tissues, bones, and cartilage that provides structure, support, and strength. We start losing collagen in our 20s and lose 1-2% a year as we age. 

Dermal fillers are placed beneath the skin to provide support and volume, smooth lines, soften creases, and enhance contour.  By replacing lost volume, fillers create a younger, natural appearance.

Fillers are used to:

• Reverse signs of volume loss
• Smooth away facial wrinkles and folds (laugh lines)
• Provide subtle lip enhancement
• Smooth lines around the mouth
• Lift and add volume to the cheeks

Some dermal fillers that we use include: 

Restylane®

The Restylane® family of products includes Restylane^®, Restylane-L^®, Restylane^® Lyft with Lidocaine, Restylane^® Silk, Restylane^® Kysse, Restylane^® Refyne, Restylane^® Defyne, Restylane^® Contour, and Restylane^® Eyelight. Restylane® was first approved in 2006 and the portfolio has grown over the years.

Dermal fillers are created with two considerations in mind: support and stretch. While there is versatility among the products, each Restylane® product is formulated with different uses based on the goals of the treated area. For example, Restylane® Kysse is formulated for the lips where there is more facial movement; therefore, a filler with more flexibility is preferred, while Restylane® Contour is preferred for midface volume loss where support is valued over flexibility.

Results are seen immediately. Swelling may occur that decreases over 2-3 days. HA fillers are reversable and last 9-12 months or longer.

Sculptra®

Sculptra® is a bio-stimulatory aesthetic injectable that helps stimulate your own natural collagen production to smooth facial wrinkles and improve skin tightness, revealing a refreshed-looking you. Sculptra gradually helps restore your skin foundation, with results seen as early as 1 month after treatment and lasting up to 2 years, revealing natural-looking firmness and improved skin quality. 

** Important information to know about receiving cosmetic injectables:

Before your appointment, it is best not to take any anti-inflammatory medications that can cause bleeding and increase the chance of bruising. Avoid Aspirin, and Ibuprofen for 3-7 days. Also, avoid Vitamin E, fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids, Ginkgo biloba, Garlic, Ginger, cayenne, licorice, flax seed oil, or COQ10. Drinking alcohol should also be avoided a few days before treatment since it can also thin the blood. If you have a history of cold sores, notify the clinic.  A prescription may be given. Always inform your clinician of all medications, including antibiotics, high blood pressure medication, Coumadin, Plavix, or other blood thinners, as well as your complete medical history. Always discuss any concerns you have prior to treatment. Results may vary, and occasionally, additional treatment may be required to achieve the desired results.

Muscles of facial expression can cause the skin to wrinkle over time. This process, referred to as dynamic aging, can be treated using medications injected into the specific facial muscles to relax them. Relaxing these muscles decreases facial movement and the appearance of wrinkles associated with facial expression. Over time, continued treatment of these muscles can reduce the appearance of static wrinkles, which are wrinkles seen at rest. Any of the neuromodulators can be used in any area of facial aesthetics. There are some advantages to each. While the onset may vary by product, the full effect can take up to 14 days for each. Longevity is multifactorial and can be influenced by everything from how your body metabolizes the medication to the area being treated. Some neuromodulators we offer include:

Botox®

Botox®, or Onabotulinumtoxin A, was first approved by the FDA to improve the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows. Since its initial approval in 2002, the indications for medical and aesthetic treatments, as well as off-label uses, have grown. The number of units varies by treatment area. Botox ® is a great option for treating any area of the face, especially small ones such as the crow's feet. The onset can be seen in as few as 5-7 days with maximum relaxation being seen in up to 14 days. Results typically last 3-4 months. Although it is uncommon, due to a protein in the medication, patients may develop a resistance over time. With its long history, Botox® has a well-established safety and efficacy profile. Due to its longevity, it is often the standard to which other neuromodulators are compared. 

Dysport®

Dysport®, abobotulinuntoxin A, received FDA approval in 2009 to treat frown lines. Like Botox®, it has many approved cosmetic, therapeutic, and off-label uses. Due to its molecular structure, Dysport may spread more than Botox®, making it an ideal neuromodulator for larger areas like the forehead.  The structure also requires higher unit dosing than Botox®. The onset of Dysport may be seen in as little as 1-3 days. Like Botox, it can take up to 14 days for the full effect. Results typically last 3-4 months. Dysport is unsuitable for patients with lactose or cow’s milk protein allergies.

Daxxify®

Daxxify® (daxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm) is the newest neuromodulator on the market. It received FDA approval in 2022. Daxxify is the first neuromodulator to use peptide exchange technology and is free of animal-based components and human serum albumin. This can be beneficial for patients with certain allergies. The dosage of Daxxify is typically twice that of Botox®, but due to the different structure results, it may last 6-9 months. While your initial investment may be larger, the results can last twice as long.

Jeuveau®

Jeuveau®, prabotulinumtoxin A-xvfs, dubbed by maker Evolus as #NEWTOX, was approved in 2019. It’s structure is similar to Botox ® making the dosage per area the same. The onset can be seen in as few as 3-5 days with maximum relaxation being seen in up to 14 days. Results typically last 3-4 months but have been reported to last up to 6 months. Since it is newer on the market there isn’t as much information about efficacy as the older neuromodulators.

** Important information to know about receiving cosmetic injectables:

Before your appointment, it is best not to take any anti-inflammatory medications that can cause bleeding and increase the chance of bruising. Avoid Aspirin, and Ibuprofen for 3-7 days. Also, avoid Vitamin E, fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids, Ginkgo biloba, Garlic, Ginger, cayenne, licorice, flax seed oil, or COQ10. Drinking alcohol should also be avoided a few days before treatment since it can also thin the blood. If you have a history of cold sores, notify the clinic.  A prescription may be given. Always inform your clinician of all medications, including antibiotics, high blood pressure medication, Coumadin, Plavix, or other blood thinners, as well as your complete medical history. Always discuss any concerns you have prior to treatment. Results may vary, and occasionally, additional treatment may be required to achieve the desired results.