Cosmetic Aesthetics: Injectables 101
Anti-aging treatments are getting more and more sophisticated, and for most women, confusing. Many women will choose to treat fine lines and wrinkles with the variety of cosmeceutical products available. As the wrinkles advance and become more pronounced, or as you notice the inevitable loss of volume and sagging of skin that occurs, treatment with injectable fillers becomes more the treatment option of choice.
Botox® is the most popular and widely known injectable aesthetic treatment in the marketplace today. It's not a filler, though. Botox® is FDA approved for "smoothing" moderate to severe vertical frown lines in the forehead also known as the "11"'s. Many physicians also use it in other areas, such as crow's feet. Botox® is a form of the Botulinum Toxin Type A and works by blocking nerve impulses that trigger wrinkle-causing muscle contractions. Botox® results generally last about 4 months, but individual results may vary.
Most aesthetic professionals use a combination of Botox® and other injectable fillers to sculpt the face and provide the most natural results, short of actual plastic surgery. Let's take a look at some of the cosmetic injectable filler choices used for aesthetic contouring and sculpting.
Collagen fillers are the oldest type of filler available and are still considered the gold standard. The main types of collagen fillers used in anti-aging treament are bovine (from cows), porcine (from pig) or human. The results are temporary, as the collagen is reabsorbed, requiring repeat injections over time to maintain the enhanced effect.
- If bovine collagen is used, because of its' similarity to human collagen, you must undergo pre-procedure testing to make sure you're not allergic to the bovine collagen. The testing can be lengthy--a series of testing done up to four weeks before injections. Bovine collagen is generally used for the treatment of superficial lines and wrinkles, crowfeets and depending on which filler, possibly the naso-labial folds, deeper wrinkles and lip injections. Zyplast® and Zyderm® are the most common bovine fillers. Results can last from 3 -6 months.
- One of the benefits of porcine collagen is the fact that no pre-injection testing needs to be done. Evolence® is the newest porcine collagen to be approved for use in treating moderate to deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. The technology in Evolence® helps to minimize bruising and swelling, which is common in collagen injections. The results are natural and can last up to 6 months or longer.
- Cosmoderm® and Cosmoplast® are the first and only human collagen dermal fillers approved for the treatment of fine lines and lip border. No pre-treatment testing is required.
Hyaluronic Acid fillers are gel substances injected into areas of the face to fill in spaces and to contour. Hyaluronic acid gels are used because of the natural feel and results. One of the problems with some types of fillers is that the gel can have a granular consistency similar to tiny beads. The gel reabsorbs into your body as time goes on, necessitating re-injection.
is made by Allergan, the same company that manufactures Botox® . JuvedermTM is indicated for treatment of moderate to severe facial folds and wrinkles and is a smooth gel product, thus you shouldn't have the granular feel once injected.
® has can be used anywhere on the face and is especially known for use to enhance the lips. Restylane results can last up to six months.
Semi-Permanent:
- Artefill® is the first and only FDA-approved injectable wrinkle filler designed for the correction of smile lines that doesn't get re-absorbed into the body. Artefill® is a combination of bovine collagen and a synthetic microsphere.
uses a similar type of microsphere technology, however it is not considered permanent. It is approved for correction of moderate to severe folds and wrinkles, including nasolabial folds. Radiesse is a synthetic filler, so no advance testing is needed.
There are many cosmetic injectable options available (this list is not made to be all-inclusive) and educating yourself will enable you to decide which product(s) might be the best for your needs. Some injectable treatments do have a level of pain and possibly downtime involved. You need to research the professional and/or clinic or medi-spa where your treatment will be provided. Ask questions. Get referrals. The information I've compiled here is not intended to be a substitute for doing your homework. The discussion should also include cost, as cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance and prices of individual treatments can vary widely.
Have you thought about getting Botox® or have you had Botox® or other injectables? Are you planning to use injectables as part of an overall anti-aging plan?
Great post- thanks for breaking it down!
Posted by: Mischo Beauty | August 13, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Great post!!
Posted by: Lianne | August 13, 2008 at 04:31 PM