Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Treatment of Facial Wrinkles

INTRODUCTION:

The gradual development of facial wrinkles, whether fine surface lines or deeper creases and folds, is the classic early sign of accumulated skin damage and inevitable aging. Premature aging and wrinkling of the skin may be accelerated by excessive exposure to the sun and other elements, overactive facial expression muscles, the frequent use of tobacco products, poor nutrition, or skin disorders. Fine surface wrinkles that progress to deeper creases, deepening facial expression due to repeated skin folding, and deep folds which develop with one's maturity are obvious changes which may combine to portray a less desirable appearance. Persistent facial lines, especially those involved in negative emotional expressions, may mistakenly portray to others, the look or worry, anger, anxiety, disgust, or sadness, despite one's own positive internal feelings. Regardless of the cause of facial creases or folds, safe and successful treatments for reduction or elimination of these problems are now available with the help of a plastic surgeon. Injecting or implanting substances which either temporarily weaken the muscles or act as skin volume fillers serve to soften or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and produce a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

Treatments for facial wrinkles are usually performed in the office setting which is convenient, private, and safe for person who desire therapy. Your health, in conjunction with the appropriate therapy to achieve your goals, is given full consideration by your plastic surgeon prior to any decision to undertake specific treatment. However, very few individual health problems would limit the use of these therapies due to their minimally-invasive methods of application. Your concerns and any medical requirements for each facial wrinkle therapy will be part of the consultation with your surgeon.

UNDERSTANDING TYPES OF TREATMENTS FOR FACIAL WRINKLES:

Prominent forehead creases, brow furrows or eye lines (crow's feet) produced by specific facial expression muscles repeatedly creasing the skin may be effectively treated by reducing the function of specific facial muscles. Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a sterile, purified protein produced from the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum, in the laboratory. Botox injected in small amounts into facial muscles binds to the nerve endings supplying the muscle and prevents nerve impulses from traveling to the muscle. When injected into muscle, it weakens or paralyzes the muscle around the area injected for a typical period of several months. The resultant weakening or paralyzing effect on the facial muscle temporarily reduces or eliminates previous skin creasing and new skin creasing is avoided. Botox may take several days to have its effect, and the effect typically lasts 3-6 months, in most individuals, before full muscle movement returns. At that point further treatment may be elected.

Injectable collage is an animal protein filler material formulated for safe use in nearly all areas of the face, including the lips and crow's feet. Fine wrinkles are filled in by the material to reduce their visibility. Other prominent facial creases and folds around the forehead, cheeks, and chin can be treated as well with this material. Initial collagen allergy testing must be performed, and repeated treatments every 2-4 months are typically needed to sustain the desired result. The treatments are easily performed in the office and usually have minimal side effects.

Human collagen matrix, is an implant used for reconstruction of soft tissue defects. It may be threaded beneath the deep creases of the brow or cheek folds or placed within the upper and lower lips, to flatten and reduce wrinkle visibility. Typically, this material maintains the majority of its volume correction similar to injectable collagen.

Another type of implant is a nonsesorbable synthetic polymer material, ePTFE which may likewise be used in the forehead, cheek folds, and lips to produce volume enhancement and effacement of deep facial creases. This material does not incorporate into surrounding tissue, but it does not lose volume either. It provides more lasting change and may be placed during an office procedure using local anesthetic and small incisions with a relatively short recovery period.

Fat grafting creates a natural augmentation for the face, especially for the lips and mouth region. Fat is usually harvested from the abdomen and about one third of the volume remains after the treatment. Fat grafting can be repeated for additional fullness.

MAKING THE DECISION FOR A SPECIFIC THERAPY:

Expectations of any facial wrinkle therapy must be realistic. While an expectation for the complete and permanent removal of facial wrinkles for those persons considering treatment may be attractive, it is unrealistic, due to the ongoing nature of wrinkle formation and currently available methods for treatment. The patterns and severity of facial wrinkle formation are highly individual. Therefore, after consultation with your surgeon, the appropriate therapy for your specific problems must be tailored to meet your needs. Management of many facial wrinkles may require repeated treatment for the use of combinations of treatments to achieve optimal results. The goal is to improve or reduce the appearance of the wrinkle or crease. This can be accomplished by reducing skin folding caused by underlying facial muscle action, as in botulinum toxin therapy. Alternatively, the skin beneath the wrinkle can be augmented to efface the wrinkle with injected or inserted filler material.

The choice of a type of therapy depends on the location and extent of the wrinkles, the desired duration of the effects, and the tolerance for potential side effects. All of these treatments provide additional and complimentary aesthetic benefits whether combined with another facial rejuvenation procedure such as facelift, browlift, blepharoplasty or skin resurfacing.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER EACH TREATMENT:

In comparison to typical cosmetic surgical procedures, the office time for these procedures and the subsequent recovery period until one returns to normal function are minimal. Botulinum toxin therapy typically takes a few minutes to perform, and most patients may return immediately to home or work. Minor local irritation, redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection sites are the most commonly observed side effects, all of which typically abate within a few hours. Likewise, collagen injection therapy can be accomplished with a 5-15 minute procedure with similar attendant side effects. Some mild irritation at the injection sites is unavoidable but can easily be camouflaged with standard make-up, if necessary.

Filler implant insertion typically takes up to an hour to perform in the office, depending upon the number and extent of treatment locations. Several sutures are used to close the insertion site. More swelling, redness, and discomfort may accompany these procedures, which require the use of local anesthetic. Local application of cold compresses may feel comforting. Most early swelling subsides within a day or two, though minor swelling and irritation may last for several weeks during the implant healing phase. Your activity level and medication for pain after the procedure are dependent upon your doctor's recommendations.

The information provided above is for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary. A personal consultation with us is the best way to gain information about your particular complaint, and about potential treatment options to address the same.

BOTOX®*

Don't let frown lines mask the real you! BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to temporarily improve the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows. It is administered discreetly by our doctors as a simple, nonsurgical treatment right here at Spodak Dental Group's comprehensive facility. It works by blocking nerve impulses to the injected areas, thus reducing the muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines to form between the brows.

With real, noticeable results, no surgery and no recovery time, there are many reasons why BOTOX® Cosmetic has been chosen by millions of people and their doctors.

If you are pleased with your BOTOX® Cosmetic results, you may want to consider a regular treatment plan to help maintain them. Don't forget that you can receive injections every 3 to 4 months as long as you don't have any serious allergic reactions or other significant side effects. Call today for a confidential consultation.

> JUVÉDERM® Treatment Visualizer

*Contents largely courtesy of www.botoxcosmetic.com.


JUVÉDERM®**

Everyone's skin ages differently and JUVÉDERM® may be used to rejuvenate multiple problem areas. From smile lines to vertical lip lines, you can smooth away unwanted wrinkles and restore natural contours.

JUVÉDERM® is a smooth gel filler that our doctors use to instantly smooth away wrinkles around your mouth and nose. With just one treatment, you'll get smooth and natural-looking results that last up to a year. Call today for a confidential consultation.

JUVÉDERM® ... Everyone will notice, but no one will know.

> JUVÉDERM® Treatment Visualizer
> Before And After Gallery

**Content largely courtesy of www.juvederm.com.


RESTYLANE®***

For smoothing wrinkles, sculpting lips, and improving other facial features, Restylane injections are a growing favorite. Approved by the FDA in December 2003, Restylane can produce positive results on facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose. Another benefit is the long-lasting results, as the effects of Restylane® treatments can last six months or more.

Restylane® injections are administered discreetly here at Spodak Dental Group in our comprehensive facility. It is most often performed with local anesthesia, especially if the lip is being treated. Depending upon the extent of the treatment, the procedure can take from a few minutes up to 30 minutes. Patients return home shortly after the procedure.

Restylane® is a clear liquid gel, a non-animal-based hyaluronic acid (a natural sugar compound).

  • Step One: The doctor may first select one or more injection points for each location to be treated. Antiseptic is also applied.
  • Step Two: The doctor will then identify the correct amount of Restylane to be used.
  • Step Three: The Restylane filler is then injected beneath the skin. Hyaluronic acid in the filler adheres to the skin as the water contained in the acid helps to retain volume under the skin's surface. The acid acts as a magnet for water, which helps to preserve the renewed volume of the skin.

Results are fully evident within one week. Restylane® has a success rate for reducing or eliminating deep wrinkles that cannot be accomplished with other procedures such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Swelling may be pronounced, lasting for two or three days. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, though patients are advised to stay out of the sun.

Restylane® treatments are a temporary solution for reducing wrinkles by about 80 percent. Follow-up treatments may be needed. Call us today for a confidential consultation.

***Content largely courtesy of www.restylaneusa.com

Call our office at 561-498-0050 or schedule a consultation with one of our Delray Beach dentists today.

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