Injectables & Fillers
Not all cosmetic injectables and fillers are the same. They include a variety of materials, which last for different lengths of time, and have different effects and different uses.
Botox
Botox combats wrinkles that are created when nerve cells within the muscles beneath the skin release a chemical called acetylcholine. Botox is an injectable compound that disrupts the release of acetylcholine, paralyzing the muscle and stopping the contraction. The results remain for a minimum of three months and are noticeable approximately one week after treatment.
Collagen
Collagen is an essential protein complex found in the human body. Collagen molecules form fibrils that produce necessary fibers for our bodies. The configuration of fibers is the foundation for tissue formation. Collagen supports the skin, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels in our bodies. Collagen may improve deep and fine wrinkles on the forehead, crow's feet, laugh lines, frown lines, scars, thin lips, depressed scars, and more.
Collagen fillers are classified as two types:
- Collagen fillers containing human collagen much like that found in skin
- Collagen fillers that are bovine based or mammal based
Fat Injections
If you want to plump up sunken cheekbones, fill in facial lines, or create fuller lips, you should consider fat injections. Fat injections are a popular short-term solution to temporarily improve the appearance of hollow cheeks, thin lips, an aging forehead, eyes, and scars. No foreign substance enters your body because the fat used in the injection is taken directly from another area of your body.
Radiesse
Radiesse is a biocompatible, non-toxic, non-allergenic filler which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and skin folds around the mouth and nose, and fills certain scars. Radiesse is popular for its long-lasting results, which span two years or more.
Restylane
Restylane can produce positive results on facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose, and sculpting the lips. Another benefit is the long-lasting results, as Restylane treatments can last six months or more.
Sculptra
The Sculptra injection has been used to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollowed cheeks, and sunken eyes. The Sculptra filler provides up to eighty percent improvement in the treated areas, produces results that are fully evident in three to six treatment sessions, and lasts up to two years.
For more information, visit the Consumer Guide to Injectables and Fillers.