In part I, we presented a variety of non-surgical cosmetic treatments that can help reduce the effect of the aging process on our face. We discussed how certain aesthetic medical treatments can improve the appearance of skin tone, texture, sun damage, red spots, broken capillaries and rosacea.

Remember: although the aging process will continue, however, we can delay some of the external factors that can accelerate the manifestation of lines, wrinkles and folds.

In this second article, we will discuss other factors that contribute to the aging of the face such as:

• Muscle contractions of facials muscles causing deepening of lines and wrinkles, being more visible with the face at rest.

• Loss of the volume due to breakdown of the collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastic fibers. Gravity will push down the supportive tissue and cause deeper wrinkles and folds and general loss of volume in the face.

I will be presenting how injectables such as Botox (BTA) and fillers can smooth out lines and wrinkles and fill in wrinkles, creases and folds while adding volume to the face.

Lines & Wrinkles due to Muscle Contractions

Studies have shown that receiving injectable fillers and products such as BTA (Botox, Dysport or Xeomin) can help delay the visible aging process and prevent lines and wrinkles from getting deeper.

BTA relaxes the contraction of the muscles that cause the lines and wrinkles. BTA was approved by the FDA for aesthetic purposes in 2002. However, BTA has been around for more than 20 years and it has been used for the treatment of muscle spasms, strabismus and constant blinking of the eyelids. More recently, BTA has been approved for treatment of migraine headaches, sweaty underarms and neurogenic bladder.

Treatments with BTA have been proven safe and simple to administer. A medical history is required to evaluate any contraindication to the treatment.

BTA treatments can last 3 to 4 months. Receiving ongoing injections will allow the muscle to remain relaxed, losing their tone and avoiding the progression to permanent wrinkles and creases that will become more visible even with the face at rest. After receiving a series of treatments with BTA, some of my clients have noticed that the treated muscles remained relaxed beyond the 3 to 4 months, requiring less frequency of treatments. Remember, results will vary per person.

BTA improves the appearance of: frown lines, crow’s feet, vertical lip lines, forehead lines, nose lines, wrinkles in the corners of the lips, vertical lip lines, gummy smile, dimpled chin, wrinkles around the neck and neck bands.

Prices will vary according to the geographical area and the qualifications of the injector. Most medical aesthetic clinics charge BTA by the unit, approximately $10-15 per unit.

Volume Restoration

As we age, we lose fat pads and bone, and due to the effect of gravity, the fat will move from one area of the face to another (e.g. cheek pads will become jowls).

Injectable fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse & Belotero are among the most known injectable fillers used for aesthetic purposes. It helps restore volume loss that occurs with aging due to the breakdown of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. They last from 6 to 12 months on average.

If a client has had a significant amount of volume loss due to aging or rapid weight loss, a larger volume of injectable filler will be initially required to achieve a good aesthetic outcome. During the aesthetic consultation, it is very important to determine the approximate number of syringes that will be necessary to achieve a good volume restoration and cosmetic outcome, without overcorrection.

On occasion, I get clients, who due to budget limitations, can only afford one syringe and would like me to distribute it in multiple areas. In doing so, the results are minimal and the client are sometimes unable to see a significant difference.

I recommend that my clients, if they are ready to begin treatments with injectable fillers, receive the amount necessary that will improve the area of concern. Additional syringes can be injected during other office visits until the desired volume has been restored.

After a few months, the skin will gradually disintegrate the filler. These products can last up to a year after injected. Some patients will require less volume of injectable filler when they return for treatment touch-ups. Studies have shown that receiving filler injections can stimulate rebuilding of collagen, therefore, improving the tone and firmness of the skin and soft tissues.

Injectable fillers can improve the appearance of smile lines, marionette lines, deep forehead lines, deep frown creases, droopy eyebrows, hollow temples, sunken eyes, hollow cheeks, vertical lip lines, thin lips, sagging corner of the lip, undefined chin, undefined jaw line, and add volume to the hands.

Another advantage of receiving treatments with non-permanent injectable fillers is that the injection can be modified as the face continues to age.

There are other injectable fillers such as Artefill and Sculptra (semi-permanent fillers), which can last up to 3 years. With Sculptra, the results are not seen immediately, taking about 3 to 6 months to see results. A series of treatments are required during a period of three to six months.

Juvederm and Voluma, the newest HA (hyaluronic acis) filler, is approved by the FDA for cheek augmentation. However, similar results can be obtained with Restylane, Perlane and Radiesse.

Treatment with injectable fillers have been proven to be safe, and clients can see immediate results, restoring the youthful appearance of their faces.

It is not necessary to receive all these aesthetic treatments at once. At The Aesthetic & Wellness Center, we listen to your concerns and give you recommendations for the best non-surgical procedure for you. Also, we have now clarified any misinformation and misconception you may have about these treatments.

As we presented in part I, it is important nourish your body from the inside out, providing the right vitamins, minerals and supplements, helping restore your skin, as well as your hair and nails, which are actually extensions of your skin.

Start taking care of your skin today. The best complement we can receive from our families and friends is that we look great and don’t show our “real” age.