A fact of life is that we all age. Growing up and older sounds good until it actually happens to you. Cosmetic dermatology is your key to aging gracefully. Neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin as well as fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero, Radiesse, Sculptra & Bellafill offer the opportunity to look 5-10 years younger without using surgery or altering the natural appearance of your face.
Neuromuscular Modulators
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin are neuromuscular modulators that reduce the frown lines between the brows, wrinkles in the forehead, and wrinkles around the eyes. They are naturally occurring proteins which safely relax the muscles in which they are placed. This is done in a way to keep your natural expression and features but reduce wrinkling. It takes just a few minutes and can last 3-4 months.
Injectable Collagen Stimulators “Fillers”
Fillers are injectable collagen stimulators that are great for fine lines and moderate to severe wrinkles. However, in the last few years most cosmetic dermatologists have been getting away from filling just lines and heading more to volume restoration. When you put filler in the proper place on the cheek it can lift it up and decrease the smile lines below. If you fill in front of the ear, it can help lift the corner of the mouth and smooth the jawline.
There are four main types of fillers which are further outlined below, your cosmetic dermatologist will decide which is right for you.
- Hyaluronic Fillers: These include Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, and Boletero. These fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid which is a substance found in normal skin, which our bodies produce to keep our tissue thick. It is processed in the lab and not derived from animals like its predecessor collagen. The improvements can last 4-12 months, depending how much is injected and the location.
- Radiesse: This filler is composed of calcium-based microspheres that can last 6-12 months depending on the location and the amount injected. This product is great for cheekbones, jawlines, the nose, and the hands.
- Scultpra Aesthetic: This filler is composed of Poly-L lactic acid, which stimulates the replacement of lost collagen. A series of three treatments are used over a few months and results can last over 2 years. This product is great to restore volume to the temples and cheeks.
- Bellafill: This is a longer lasting filler composed of collagen and polymethylacrylate. A skin test is required one month before treatment, and once the desired results are achieved can last 2-5 years.
New Advances in Cosmetic Dermatology
In the last few years almost all the companies started to add a numbing agent to the fillers that significantly reduces the need for additional pain relief, though topical numbing agents and dental blocks can also be used.
Even more recently a new tool for injection has come onto the market that causes less bruising. It is called a cannula and it looks like a needle except the tip has a blunt end and is not sharp. A needle is used to puncture the skin but then the cannula is inserted. Since the cannula has a blunt end it is much less likely to cut through blood vessels and cause bleeding under the skin which is what causes the bruising.
Another incredible innovation is the AccuVein device which uses an invisible infrared laser to detect blood vessels. This device allows doctors to personalize treatments to the patient’s anatomy by providing vein visibility. Not only does this increase patient safety, but it also decreases downtime by providing a roadmap of the blood vessels that cannot usually be seen. During Dr. Siperstein’s cosmetic injections, this device helps her to see and avoid larger veins, thereby minimizing the potential for bruising. While the use of this device and a cannula significantly decreases the likelihood of bruising, it cannot always be eliminated entirely. In light of this, Dr. Siperstein also offers complimentary IPL treatments 1-2 days after the procedure if patients do experience bruising, which eliminates most of the bruising within 24-48 hours.
There is no reason to become a “wrinkle in time” with the art of cosmetic dermatology on your side. Discover more about how to keep your youthful appearance by speaking to one of the talented team members here at Siperstein Dermatology group. Our services include an array of treatments for all areas of concern – from your face to your feet, we have you covered.
