Neurotoxins: Botox and Dysport
Botox and Dysport are purified proteins that temporarily smooth the superficial lines on the face that are created when facial expressions are made. They are used to relax your dynamic muscles and prevent lines from getting worse.
Commonly injected areas are the glabella (between the brows), forehead, and around the eyes. Other areas include the armpits for excessive sweating, the chin to create a “less dimply” look, the platysmal bands to smooth out the neck, and the lips to soften the vertical or “smoker’s” lines.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers: Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Prevelle Silk
HA fillers are used to plump up moderate to deep lines and volumize areas that have lost collagen. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the body; it is what moisturizes your skin. The more HA your skin has, the more hydrated it is.
Commonly injected areas are the smile lines around the mouth, underneath the eyes, the lips, and the marionette lines. HA fillers are also used in the temples to prevent the “peanut head” look, hands to disguise protruding veins and bones, and dimpled or pitting scars to even out texture.
Volumizing filler: Radiesse
Radiesse is a volumizing filler made from calcium-based microspheres and gel. What sets it apart from hyaluronic acid fillers is that one of its primary goals is to help stimulate your body’s own natural collagen to grow.
Commonly injected areas are the smile lines around the mouth, the temples, and the mid-face/cheek area where most people tend to lose collagen first. Radiesse is a diverse product that can help plump and restore your skin’s elasticity.
The treatments described above may not be appropriate for all patients. It is important to have a thorough consultation with a qualified medical professional before commencing any type of aesthetic procedure.