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Non surgical facial enhancements
Non-surgical Facelift:
How to Get a Lift Without Surgery
Tighten this. Lift that. Smooth those. Eliminate these.
Facial procedures have almost replaced diamonds as a girl’s best friend.
According to a survey by the American Academy of Facial Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, the number of facelifts performed in 2003 increased by 46 percent from 2002. This is especially interesting when you consider that a facelift was one of the top five surgical cosmetic procedures in 2002, according to the American Society of Cosmetic Surgeons. People, it seems, are becoming more and more interested in, well, putting their best face forward.
Unfortunately, surgery is an expensive, time-consuming procedure often riddled with risks and pain, all for the sake of beauty. Many people are unwilling or unable to go under the knife, but still want the rejuvenated appearance of a surgical facelift. If you’re one of them, the revolution of non-surgical facelifts may be your answer! The effects aren’t as permanent, but they can be quite dramatic. Here are some of the more common ways to restore a more youthful face without having to spend too much down time and money.
WHAT IS BOTOX?
Botox (Botulinum toxin) has been used therapeutically since 1980. It has been used for many muscular disorders, especially those involving the eye. It is also used for muscle tremors and laryngeal spasm. When used, it is always injected into the muscle in spasm. The preparation is extremely dilute. Any accidental ingestion is too dilute to cause harm. Botox is FDA-approved for medical and cosmetic use. It is used in infants, children and adults.
Botox can also be injected to relax facial muscles. It is most beneficial for the treatment of lines caused by overactive muscles of the forehead, cheeks and mouth. This makes it an ideal treatment for frown lines, forehead furrows, and also "crow's feet". It can also be injected to reverse the downward turn of the angle of the mouth.
The cost of a Botox injection session is between $300 - $550, depending on the amount used. The cost may increase if the muscles about the mouth are treated. The effects last about 4 - 5 months, but with repeated use the effects may last 6 months or longer.
After injection of Botox, some patients report a very mild headache for 1 - 2 hours. Very rarely, injection of Botox near the eye may cause a temporary droopy eyelid. This will disappear within 4-6 weeks. The droopiness is manageable using lopidine eye drops 3 - 4 times a day as needed.
Most patients find Botox therapy to be a simple and quick alternative to cosmetic surgery or laser treatments.
Facial Fillers
Restylane
Juvederm
Radiesse
Sculptra
Restylane, Restylane-Fine Lines,
Restylane, Cosmetic Fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to plump up wrinkles and increase volume. Restylane and Juvederm are commonly used to improve lines around the mouth, frown lines between the eyebrows, as well as to make the lips fuller. The results are immediate but not permanent. Restylane approved by the FDA is made of hyaluronic acid, a substance which occurs naturally in our soft tissues. Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Sculptra fillers are made of different substances with different applications. Restylaneand Juvederm are used for fine lines mainly to fill in lines around the lips and mouth; while Radiesse and Sculpta are used for deeper lines and for the shaping the face.
Procedure Description
The filler is injected through a fine needle, with local anesthesia used to make the treatment more comfortable. Treatment takes just a few minutes. There is usually some swelling, which may last for up to 2 days. Restylane gradually wears off and retreatment is typically needed in 4-6 months. Juvederm last for approximately 12 months. Radiesse has been shown to last approximately 18 months and Sculptra can last up to 24 months.
Additional Information
Come in for your consultation regarding how Fillers can help rejuvenate your face!
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