I see many men and women in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s who desire a fresher appearance. While some, like the 20-somethings, do not merit a surgical procedure, individuals with manifestations of aging who would benefit from a surgical procedure might not be ready for this step. For both of these groups, minimally invasive treatments are a GREAT way to go! No scars and little to no downtime – who can beat that?
The best products we have available now are the “botox products” and fillers.
The Botox Products that are available are Botox Cosmetic and Dysport. (Link to Allergan (Botox) and Medicis (Dysport) websites.) The active ingredient in both is botulinum toxin, which works to weaken muscles that cause wrinkles and lines in the face. These products treat creasing in the forehead, frown lines between the brows, and smile lines/crow’s feet on the sides of the eyes. We are now using Botox and Dysport to shape the brow as well, raising the outer brow to correct hooding and open the eye! Botox and Dysport can also be used to treat the frown that develops at the corners of the mouth and banding in the neck. There is minimal discomfort and treatment is so fast. Botox products are the most economical way to go in achieving cosmetic improvement.
The most common fillers are Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm XC (Link to Medicis for Restylane and Perlane, and to Allergan for Juvederm). Fillers are optimal for adding volume to facial wrinkles/creases in the cheek and around the mouth: in the fold between the nose and lip; to the side of the mouth; and to the lips. These products last 6 months to a year depending on the treatment region. They come with lidocaine already in the preparation, making treatment comfortable.
Sculptra (Link to Sanofi-Aventis website) is a more robust volumizer for the cheek area. Facial rejuvenation requires not only lifting sagging tissues but also improving fullness and volume. Sculptra has beautiful, long term results, reducing the distance between the lower eyelid and cheek fullness, improving youthfulness of the face. A deflated face that has a “A” shape will be converted to a “V” shape with 2-3 treatments. Keep your eyes open for greater media attention to Sculptra!
All of these treatments refresh the face, take minimal time to perform and have little to no downtime. So come dip your toe in the pool! What are you waiting for? Contact Dr. Michele Shermak’s staff at 410-616-3000 to arrange a time to meet with Dr. Shermak to discuss which options are best for you!
