CHOOSING THE RIGHT INJECTABLE TREATMENT FOR YOU
The terms “Wrinkle Relaxer” and “Dermal Fillers” are used frequently in the world of anti-aging. They may sound familiar to you, but it’s very possible that you may still not even know what each treatment is, what they do individually and how they work. For instance, should you opt to use them separately, or can they be used in combination? How do you know if you are a good candidate? Or more importantly, what qualities should you look for in an injector to achieve a more natural, youthful appearance?
Read on to learn more and see how these exciting injectables are explained…
WHAT IS A WRINKLE RELAXER?
The easiest way to explain the difference between wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers is that wrinkle relaxers relax underlying facial muscles and smooth out skin for a better appearance, while dermal fillers fill lines and facial folds to enhance features or restore fullness. Those who seek freedom from their fine lines and wrinkles will love the great benefits that a wrinkle relaxing neuromodulator, such as Botox Cosmetic, can provide. Wrinkle relaxers work by blocking nerve impulses and reducing muscle activity and tension; thereby preventing new wrinkles from forming and reducing the appearance of unwanted facial expression lines already in existence. When they are injected appropriately, one should look natural and relaxed, but certainly not frozen. Botox Cosmetic is the most widely known wrinkle relaxer, but another brand name, Xeomin, works in similar fashion. Every patient is different as to which one they like better.
Characteristics of Wrinkle Relaxer Injections:
- Common names: Botox and Xeomin
- They are injected into specific facial muscles to reduce tension and contraction
- They are measured in units, not cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (mls)
- Effects occur gradually over 6 to 14 days – results are not instant
- Effects wear off gradually over 3 to 4 months, depending upon the areas treated and quantity of units used
- For best long-term results, treatments should be repeated every 3 to 4 months
WHAT IS A DERMAL FILLER?
For deep wrinkles, deflation loss and skin lifting, Dr. Karlsberg, MD, and Michele Ayans, PA-C, of Ventura Institute of Dermatologic Arts (VIDA) will often recommend dermal fillers. This treatment is highly effective when performed by skilled injectors and works by lifting the skin and its structures, to restore a more natural and youthful appearance to the face or hands. At VIDA, we offer Belotero Balance, a host of Juvederm facial fillers, Radiesse, Restylane, and Sculptra Aesthetic. There are a variety of fillers available to patients these days and different characteristics of each are better suited to solve certain problems or deficiencies. Therefore, the knowledge, experience and artistic skill of a qualified injector becomes that much more important to help you achieve the results that you desire. Overall, fillers are a minimally invasive procedure that allow patients to receive youthful, fuller features in one short visit. They are affordable and incredibly effective in attaining plumper, more defined lips, a more structured jaw line, deep line correction, younger looking hands, or even scar correction – and all without the need for surgery.
Characteristics of Facial Dermal Filler Injections:
- Common names: Juvederm, Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Volbella, Juvederm Vollure, Radiesse, Restylane or Sculptra
- They are injected into specific depths within the dermal layer of your skin, not into muscles
- They are measured in milliliters (mls), rather than units
- Work by filling, enhancing and restoring volume to facial contours or improving skin texture and hydration
- The effect is immediate, and swelling is typically mild (usually disappearing within one day)
- The effects generally last 6 to 12 months depending on the area treated, the amount and type of dermal filler used
- For best long-term results, treatments should generally be repeated every 6 to 12 months
WILL COMBINATION TREATMENTS WORK FOR ME?
Wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers are an important part of VIDA’s facial rejuvenation program. Individually, they are remarkable tools when Dr. Karlsberg uses them to help clients achieve a more youthful and attractive appearance. However, muscle relaxers and fillers often do work very well together and can be considered complimentary to the other’s results. Additionally, the treatments can be used in combination with laser photo rejuvenation and other anti-aging procedures in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines or deep furrows. Using a combination approach can really take years off your face. At VIDA, the treatments are performed with care and expertise in a highly interactive visit. And though the combined procedures may be a little bit more expensive, the progressive enhancements are worth it, with the longer lasting, better results.
CHOOSING VIDA FOR YOUR ANTI-AGING TREATMENTS
Injectable anti-aging has become a mainstream focus in facial rejuvenation. Choosing a physician that understands the different levels of tissue and proportions of the face is extremely important. Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Peter Karlsberg, MD, and his highly-trained physician’s assistant, Michele Ayans, PA-C, have extensive experience with dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxing injectables, and have a combined 44 years of experience between the two of them! With so many options available on today’s market, they are skilled injectors who understand what works best for certain areas and will make appropriate recommendations based on your specific needs and concerns.
At VIDA, we strive to give our patients the best advice for improving their skin and natural beauty; and overall, our philosophy is pretty simple. We want each patient to walk away feeling their absolute best, with confidence. Our goal is for patients to hear regular comments such as, “Wow, you look fantastic!” rather than, “Who did that?” or “What happened to your face?” The success of fillers and Botox is highly sensitive to technique and it’s essential to choose experienced injectors who thoroughly understand facial anatomy and aesthetic proportion.
If you seek natural results and believe you are good candidate for dermal fillers or wrinkle relaxers, contact us today or schedule a consultation for more information.