FYI Cosmetics

Restylane® is a cosmetic skin enhancement known as a dermal filler. It is the number one selling dermal filler on the market today. Dermal fillers can instantly restore volume to the skin and smooth and refine wrinkles and the skin folds of the face. Fillers assist in reversing the effects of aging by returning the skin surface to its more youthful state. Restylane is a safe non allergenic smooth clear gel that is made up of hyaluronic acid to achieve a long lasting “quick fix”. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance within the skin that helps retain natural moisture and adds volume and hydration. In select areas Restylane® can replace what is lost in the skin as the body ages. As opposed to other similar dermal fillers like collagen there is no need for any skin testing prior to treatments because the hyaluronic acid is naturally occurring in the body. Restylane® is injected into the mid to deep dermis to help correct moderate to severe wrinkles quickly and instantly. Treatments provide a naturally smooth look so skin appears smoother with fewer wrinkles. The results make you look great without being obvious. Restylane® is excellent for smile lines, laugh lines or those parentheses lines that show up from the nose to the mouth.

A typical Restylane® treatment can be done on the way home from work, the gym or even on a lunch break. The amount of filler needed is dependent upon the severity and depth of the wrinkles to be treated or the lips to be enhanced. Prior to the procedure a review of your previous medical history will be completed by the physician or their staff. The soft tissue of your face will be examined to determine the depth of the wrinkles and skin folds. For an even more customized treatment Perlane® is available. Perlane® is also made up of hyaluronic acid however it has larger gel particles and is intended to go deeper within the skin for more intense wrinkles. Before and after photographs are generally taken to see the noticeable difference after treatment.

Anesthesia is not required. However some may prefer to have a topical anesthetic or a nerve block to numb the treatment area. Once ready, a very small needle is inserted under the skin to allow the gel to fill wrinkles, plump the skin and lips, fill in the hollows under the eyes and even contour cheeks. Several injections on the same visit may be required to achieve the desired goal. A typical Restylane® session often takes less than 15 minutes with improvement seen immediately. Many people require only one session to have the wrinkles smoothed away for up to one year. Results vary and some clients may require periodic “touch up” treatments. Restylane® is able to produce excellent cosmetic results time after time with effects lasting at least 6 months. Treatments boast minimal to no down or recovery time. Side effects include redness, swelling, bruising and pain at the injection site, which do not last more than a few days. Additional side effects can include firmness and bumps that may last up to a week.

Dermal fillers like Restylane® are one of the fastest growing non surgical treatments for facial wrinkles in the US today. Keeping in mind that all dermal fillers are not created equal it is prudent to consult with an experienced and knowledgeable cosmetic physician to determine if Restylane® is right for you.

The most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States is Botox®. This FDA approved treatment is a solution that is injected into the skin to quickly and effectively eliminate some of the facial lines and wrinkles caused by the environmental, age and stress. Originally Botox® was designated to treat eye muscle disorders. However doctors observed an unusual side effect of the treatment was that the Botox softened the frown lines between the eyebrows. Made from Clostridium Botulinum bacterium, Botulinum Toxin Type A (aka Botox®) has been proven effective in several medical applications such as decreasing muscle spasticity, jaw clenching, migraine headaches and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in addition to its fast effective aesthetic abilities. Botox® works to temporarily reduce the muscle activity that causes those frown and squint lines around the forehead and eyes.

Wrinkles can be generated from the movement of facial muscles as we make expressions. With the passage of time, the continuous movement of the facial muscles can often increase the depth of these wrinkles and make them appear more pronounced How does Botox® Cosmetic work to eliminate the fine lines and wrinkles? A small amount of the solution is injected in several places along the muscle that has created the wrinkle. As the solution begins to take effect, the nerve impulses within the muscle are blocked causing the muscle to begin to relax and weaken. When the muscle is weak and relaxed it is physically unable to form a wrinkle. Because of this, the skin that lies over the treated muscle becomes smooth making the lines and wrinkles disappear almost magically.

Improvement to the treated areas can be seen in a little as 3 days and as long as 2 weeks after the initial injections. Occasionally complete relaxation of the treated muscle is not achieved and a touch up to area may be required. Areas of the forehead, around and between the eyes can achieve a smoothing of the moderate to severe lines without downtime or surgery. Treatments can take only a few minutes and do not require any sedation or anesthesia. Discomfort during the treatments in minimal. Results of treatments can last from one to five months and sometimes longer with repeated treatments.

Ideal candidates for Botox® Cosmetic are those who want to see an improvement in the lines and wrinkles noted on their forehead, between and around their eyes. These candidates usually do not yet need or want to commit to a surgical procedure at this time or they are unable to have a surgery. Botox® is also used in conjunction with other facial procedures such as face lifts or laser resurfacing and skin tightening to enhance the cosmetic outcomes. As with any procedure there are some minimal side effects that have been noted. Not everyone will experience these side effects and in most cases tolerate the procedure very well. The possible side effects include slight discomfort during the injection, bruising at the site of injection and for a very small percentage of people (less than 3%) the development of a droopy eyelid known as ptosis. This will usually return to normal as the solution wears off.

Botox® is proven safe and effective for most people and has been used on millions of people for several years. If facial wrinkles and fines lines are your concern consider Botox® cosmetic and consult your cosmetic physician to determine if it right for you.

Lip augmentation is a treatment that individuals have been undergoing for many years. We all know what it’s like to feel as if one of our facial features pales in comparison to the rest of our profile, for many individuals they find that the facial feature they wish to enhance is their lips. The shape and design of our lips is based purely on genetics, but as aesthetic technology has progressed, treatments have become available that can enhance the lips for a plumper, fuller look and feel. Over the years several lip augmentation treatments have become available to consumers, so it is up to you to decide which will get you the lip enhancement results you are looking for.

There are several different options for injectable lip augmentation, each is comprised of different ingredients and each provides different results.

Collagen: One widely used injection for lip augmentation is collagen. Collagen is a natural protein found within the body that works to support the structures of the skin. Where collagen works to smooth and plump the skin, it can also work to enhance the structure of the lips. There are two main types of collagen injections for lip augmentation: collagen formulas derived from human dermis which include Cosmoplast® and Cosmoderm®, or forms of bovine collagen injections such as Zyplast® or Zyderm® (bovine forms require allergy testing prior to injection). Both forms of collagen injection can provide lasting lip augmentation results, results that can last up to four months.

Hyaluronic Acid: This is another widely used cosmetic filler for lip augmentation; hyaluronic acid is a substance that found naturally within the human body that works to provide natural volume and fullness to the skin. When injected, the hyaluronic acid gel attaches to water molecules. By doing this, this substance adds both moisture and volume to the areas that are injected. The most common form of hyaluronic acid injection is Restylane®. In addition to lip augmentation, Restylane® is also commonly used to smooth away wrinkles and fine lines and to reduce the size and depth of concave scars. Patients have seen Restylane® results last as long as six months.

Hydroxylapatite: Hydroxylapatite is another injectable filler that is a gel-like formulation comprised of hydroxylapatite which is a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones. This natural filler is the heaviest of all cosmetic fillers and is most often used to fill deeper creases such as nasolabial folds, fine lines and wrinkles, but can also be used to enhance the fullness of other facial features as well. The most common hydroxylapatite filler used by consumers is known as Radiesse. Radiesse is only sometimes used for lip augmentation, only because of its heaviness; it can sometimes lead to droopy lips if used in excess. However, used properly, Radiesse can bring a natural fullness to the lips that has been known to last for as long as a year.

Other lip injection options include human fat and PMMA, and there are still even some synthetic compounds used by physicians for lip augmentation. As technology has progressed, it has been discovered that all natural substances allow for the most natural look, so those looking to enhance their lips naturally and beautifully, consider the lip augmentation options above.

Anti-aging is quickly becoming one of the largest factions of the cosmetic industry, therefore more and more treatments are being developed to help men and women look and feel years younger; one such treatment is Restylane. Restylane is an all natural cosmetic filler that is designed to help individuals enhance their appearance for a smoother, younger look. Cosmetic fillers are designed to improve the overall appearance of the face by smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. Some such fillers consist of manufactured solutions, but Restylane, a more advanced therapy, consists of all natural ingredients that are already found in the body—this filler gives individuals a completely natural look.

There are two basic types of injections that men and women can get. The first group is designed to relax facial muscles so that wrinkles and fine lines will become smooth. The most popular of these injections is Botox®, and Botox® is used primarily around the upper part of the face such as the eyes and between the brows. The other type of cosmetic fillers utilizes collagen or other natural ingredients to help fill in fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, younger look. These fillers are used for the lower part of the face—around the nose and mouth. Restylane falls into this category.

Restylane is a cosmetic filler that is designed to mimic natural material found within the body. This filler is comprised of a non-animal, biodegradable gel that is based on a natural substance called hyaluronic acid. This acid is found naturally within the human body; its purpose is to provide natural volume and fullness to the skin. Hyaluronic acid works mostly with cartilage to protect our joints, but it has been successfully used to strengthen other areas of the body as well. When providing the body with cushion and support, the hyaluronic acid attaches itself to water molecules within the skin. Unfortunately, as we age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid within our bodies decreases. Because the acid decreases, the amount of water molecules in the skin eventually decreases as well—this reduction of moisture is what ultimately leads to the formation of wrinkles. Therefore, Restylane injections add both moisture and volume which helps to shape softer, smoother, healthier skin.

Restylane injections are very quick and easy; patients can get treatment and immediately return to daily activities. During the procedure, Restylane is injected beneath the skin in tiny amounts using a very fine needle. Once injected, it joins together with the body’s hyaluronic acid which causes an increase in volume. The acid then attaches to the water molecules and as it breaks down, the acid and water bind together—Restylane maintains its shape by using the body’s own moisture. Once injected, patients will immediately experience the smoothing of wrinkles and fine lines, and over time, results will become even more apparent. In addition to smoothing lines and wrinkles, Restylane can also be used to shape lips and contour facial features. It is a great way for men and women to naturally experience a smoother, younger look.

Many factors including age, skin type, daily activities and exposure can influence overall results, but Restylane injections have been known to last patients six months or even longer. The reason this filler is so innovative is because when the acid bonds with the water molecules, it allows individuals to maintain a natural shape that lasts; because it naturally promotes the increase in moisture in the skin, over time, the same amount of volume can be retained while using less hyaluronic acid. Patients who receive Restylane treatments twice a year can permanently maintain their smooth, youthful appearance, but may quickly notice that less Restylane injections are needed during scheduled visits. Overall, Restylane is a safe and effective natural way to smooth fine lines and wrinkles in order to restore more youthful skin.