Facial Aesthetics is a broad term that generally is understood to refer to products and procedures designed and/or developed to give one a more pleasing and “youthful” appearance. Many over-the-counter (and some prescription) products were developed to tighten and smooth facial skin to help lessen the effect of natural collagen loss as we age and are exposed to environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays.
“Face Lifts” and related surgical procedures also come under the broad definition of “Facial Aesthetics” but our purpose here is to address basic non-surgical approaches to facial aesthetics.
So, as the facial skin ages the natural collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin diminishes resulting in volume loss and weakened structure leading to unwelcome lines and wrinkles like the “parentheses” lines around the nose and mouth. Further, as the skin becomes less elastic, the repeated contraction of the facial muscles of expression leads to the deep furrows on the forehead and the deep wrinkles between the eyebrows which often look like the number “11”.
Botox has the effect of temporarily “relaxing” or “inactivating” the facial muscles that causes the overlying skin to “wrinkle”. Hence the skin becomes smoother and causes one to appear more youthful which is why many people choose to use Botox instead of daily expensive “lotions and potions” which were developed to have a similar effect as Botox.
As a rule-of-thumb Botox is effective for treating “dynamic” wrinkles. That is, wrinkles/creases that are caused by facial muscle contraction. So, if you can cause a furrow or wrinkle by making a facial expression, then Botox can be used to prevent those furrows or wrinkles from occurring. Jevederm (and other dermal fillers), on the other hand is effective at treating “static” wrinkles/creases such as the “parentheses” that are seen from the base of the nose to the corner of the upper lip. Juvederm is used to “fill” in and bulk up those type wrinkles/creases that do not depend on muscle contraction, they form naturally over time as we lose elasticity and volume in our face.
So let’s recap how Botox & Juvederm may benefit you. Botox is a quick, safe and FDA approved treatment to:
- Reduce frown lines that develop on the forehead
- Reduce frown lines at the bridge of the nose that sometimes form the number “11”
- Reduce the “crow’s feet” at the outside corners of the eyes
- Reduce the “smoker’s lines” often seen along the upper lid
Botox usually lasts from 4 to 6 months. Juvederm is an FDA approved form of hyaluronic acid which is found naturally in the connective tissue just below the skin. Juvederm is useful to “fill in” wrinkles/creases like the “parentheses” found typically going from the base of the nose to the corner of the upper lip. This treatment usually lasts up to about 9 months.
Check out current rates/specials on our web site: www.smiledesigncenter.net