Today’s market for wrinkle-fighting injectables is greater than ever thanks in part to the wild popularity of Botox, which has been administered nearly 12 million times in the United States since 2002.

Botox is quite unique compared to other injectables; it is an FDA-approved botulinum toxin that is injected into a particular facial muscle to block the nerve impulses that contract, and naturally create wrinkles. Extremely effective, its results can last from three to six months. Regular follow-up treatments are required to preserve the outcome.

While Botox has proven to be very safe for the majority of patients, another type of injectable may be a better fit for you. Two popular and safe alternatives are Juvederm® and Restylane®. Unlike Botox, these injectables are dermal fillers, meaning that they are injected just beneath the skin to “fill” certain areas of the face in order to reduce lines and wrinkles. They are sometimes used to help smooth out scars as well. Both Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid-based fillers. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin, making these injectables resistant to rejection. Additionally, both products last longer than Botox at six months to a year.

Because Juvederm and Restylane are both similar in make-up, cost, and duration of results, it is best to speak with a qualified specialist to see which filler is right for you. Some doctors report minor differences, such as how Juvederm more readily diffuses into the skin tissues. Because Restylane does not diffuse as quickly, it can be argued that it is easier to mold into facial areas.

Each of these three products is leading the way when it comes to fighting aging and sending wrinkles back in time. If you would like to learn more about Botox, Juvederm, and Restylane, please contact the office of Dr. Beran to schedule a consultation.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 7th, 2011 at 10:49 am and is filed under Cosmetic Surgery. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.