As a result of the natural aging process,  the skin begins to lose its elasticity, causing the appearance of fine lines and creases around the face, especially in areas where there is repeated movement from such facial expressions as laughing and smiling.  These lines typically appear around  the eyes and mouth, while the deeper nasolabial folds run between the bottom of the nose and corners  of the mouth.   Fat grafting and cosmetic injectables are two options which can be used to greatly diminish these lines.

 

Fat Grafting

In a fat grafting procedure, fat that is liposuctioned from the inner thighs or abdomen in injected into the creases to soften their appearance.  Fat Grafts can also be used to add fullness to areas that are thin or gaunt, such as the cheeks and lips.

 

Cosmetic injectables

 

BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®

When injected into the muscles beneath fine lines, the purified proteins BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®  block the nerve impulses which lead to muscle activity.  This dimininished muscle activity prevents creasing, allowing the skin to smooth out.  The effects typically last three to four months.

 

Juvederm™Ultra,  Juvederm®Ultra Plus, Perlane®, and Restylane®

Composed of a synthetic form of hyaluronic acid,  a naturally produced substance  in the skin which helps it to remain supple and smooth,  Juvederm™Ultra,  Juvederm®Ultra Plus, Perlane®, and Restylane®  can be used to fill in creases and folds, and add volume to areas such as the cheeks and lips.  Perlane® and Restylane® last approximately six months, while the effects of  Juvederm™Ultra and Juvederm™Ultra Plus can remain up to a year.  A secondary layer of Juvederm™Ultra and Juvederm™Plus can be injected at six months to provide a longer lasting effect.

 

Radiesse®

Radiesse® goes a step further than most other fillers by not only filling in lines, but also stimulating collagen production to increase volume in the skin.  Composed of calcium hydroxylapatite, a material that is naturally found in the bones, Radiesse® can last up to a year or longer.