A 2013 American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery poll revealed that 7 out of 10 plastic surgeries were performed for cosmetic rather than reconstructive purposes. Of those surgeries, approximately 30 percent of the patients wanted to look good for social media. It’s no secret that Botox and facial fillers are high on the list of requested cosmetic procedures. Despite this, some people still have misconceptions over what benefits the different injectables offer.
Botox Cosmetic
Do not mistake Botox for a dermal filler. Botox is actually a prescription medication originally approved by the FDA to help ease eye muscle twitches. The medication works by impeding nerve impulses that cause muscle contractions.
Over time, it was discovered that by relaxing facial muscles, the appearance of some wrinkles or facial lines also eased while the Botox remained effective, usually for a span of three to six months. Botox is especially effective in reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, laugh lines, and worry lines. Facial plastic surgeons also use Botox Cosmetic to raise the eyebrows a little.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a dermal filler that adds volume. As you age, the collagen within your tissue decreases, leading to loss of elasticity. This, in turn, leads to sagging skin, creases, and wrinkles. Radiesse is a calcium-based gel filler that restores the volume, smoothes the skin, and eases the appearance of creases and wrinkles.
At the same time, the filler stimulates collagen production so that the benefits last at least a year. If you have creases from the side of the nose to your mouth, Radiesse is helpful in filling them in and smoothing out that area. The ingredients in Radiesse are safe and slowly absorbed by your body in the months and years ahead. Watch this Radiesse video to see exactly how the dermal filler works.
Sculptra
Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid dermal filler that also helps smooth the skin and decrease the appearance of creases and wrinkles. The filler replenishes lost collagen, but it takes time to work, so improvements take weeks or months to reach their peak. This filler is especially beneficial at treating chin wrinkles, lines around the mouth, and smile lines. Results last for two years, and you do need to seek touch-up injections after the two years to maintain the benefits.
Dr. Gregory Chernoff is a triple board certified facial plastic surgeon in California and Indiana. He has more than two decades of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. His many accomplishments include that he was one of the first facial plastic surgeons to write about the use of CO2 lasers for skin resurfacing and that he is one of the first surgeons to offer laViv, an FDA-approved cell therapy rejuvenation treatment. Read more about Dr. Chernoff’s accomplishments to learn more. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Chernoff by calling (317) 573-8899 in Indianapolis, IN. If you are on the West Coast, call (707) 544-3232 in Santa Rosa, CA, or (800) 482-5499 in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach.
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