Many of you have been asking questions in the office regarding less invasive ways to look more rested and rejuvenated. The most frequent questions I get are about fillers and Botox, both of which are injectible medicines used for smoothing lines and creases around the face.
Botox is a chemical that relaxes the muscles around the face and minimizes the lines that form from repeated contraction of the muscles with movement. The effects usually take place in about 24 hours and last approximately 3 months. The treatment areas can be tailored to each individual and customized for your particular needs.
Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are used to fill deeper creases that are caused by loss of tissue and hollowing of the soft tissues that occurs over time with aging. The most frequent areas of treatment are to smooth out under eyelid bags and to fill in deep creases between the brows or around the mouth.
Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Ultra Plus XC are new product now available from Allergan. These products were developed to minimize pain and bruising with administration of injectable fillers. They have the same naturally derived substance used for filling wrinkles and deflated areas of the face as original Juvederm or Restylane, but also have a numbing medication mixed in to optimize comfort. The injections can be done in the office with minimum down-time and the effects last anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on the placement location and amount.
If you are interested in getting more information about either Botox or dermal fillers, you should seek the advice of a professional. Oculoplastic surgeons have extensive experience with these treatments, and particularly their use around the eyes. More information can be found on our website at www.eyelidocs.com.
