Injectables
Injectables
What are Injectables and Fillers?
Injectables and Fillers are substances that are injected into the skin through small needles to improve the appearance of the face. They help fill out deep wrinkles, creases, forehead furrows, “crow’s feet” and other skin depressions. They can also be used to plump areas such as the lips and cheeks. As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.
Soft-tissue fillers, most commonly injectable collagen, Restylane® / Juvederm® or fat, can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser treatment, or a recontouring procedure, such as a facelift.
If you're considering a facial-rejuvenation treatment with collagen or fat, this brochure will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when injectables can help, how the procedure is performed, and what results you can expect. It may not answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.
KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS
Injected collagen, Restylane® / Juvederm® and fat are primarily used to improve the appearance of the skin's texture. They can help fill out deep facial wrinkles, creases and furrows, "sunken" cheeks, skin depressions and some types of scars. They can also be used to add a fuller, more sensuous look to the lips.
Injectables are usually not sufficient for severe surface wrinkles on the face, such as multiple vertical "lipstick lines" that sometimes form around the mouth. Instead, your plastic surgeon may suggest a resurfacing technique, such as chemical peel, dermabrasion or laser treatments. Rather than filling in facial lines, resurfacing methods strip away the outer layers of the skin to produce a smoother appearance.
Deep folds in the face or brow caused by overactive muscles or by loose skin may be more effectively treated with cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or browlift. Injectables are sometimes used in conjunction with facial surgery procedures; however, injectables alone cannot change facial contour the way surgery can.
Keep in mind that a plastic surgeon is a specialist that can offer you the full gamut of the most advanced treatments ranging from cosmetic surgery, refinishing techniques, laser therapy, injectables and the use of other fillers. You and your surgeon may determine that a single procedure or a combination of procedures is the best choice for you.
ASPS brochures are available on chemical peel, dermabrasion, laser treatments, facelift and browlift. If you and your doctor think that one of these other procedures might be more appropriate for you, ask your plastic surgeon to provide you with a copy.
How does the treatment work?
Each Injectable and Filler works in a unique way:
Nerve cells release a chemical that triggers muscle contraction, which causes wrinkles. Botox® is injected into the skin to disrupt the chemical release, which in turn stops the contraction. As a result, these wrinkles disappear for about three months.
Fat cells are extracted from the patient's buttocks, thighs or stomach. The fat then must be prepared and then it is injected beneath the skin in the targeted areas. This fat must survive as a free tissue transfer. If the fat attaches to a new blood supply then this will be a longer lasting result. Since this method involves the transfer of living fat cells its results are less predictable.
- Restylane® and Juvederm®:
Restylane® and Juvederm® are a clear gel that is injected into target areas of the face. The gel then attracts water and holds the volume of the skin, which decreases the appearance of facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose. The effects can last six months or longer.
What are the results?
Injectables and Fillers can shape facial contours, smooth wrinkles or sculpt lips. The final result is that your facial features are left looking healthy, more youthful and have an overall smoother appearance.
How many treatments are required?
Botox®, Fat and Restylane® and Juvederm® produce only temporary effects; therefore, the number of treatments is determined by the patient. Occasionally Fat Fillers can be permanent if the fat cells survive in the targeted facial area, so it is possible that only one treatment may be necessary. However, most fat fillers fade away after a few months, and treatment may continue if the patient desires.
Are there any possible side effects?
When injectables are administered by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor in nature. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions and their healing abilities. The outcome of treatment with injectables is never completely predictable. Each treatment carries its own side effects. The most common among these are uneven texture of the skin, swelling and scarring. The risk of these side effects is minimal.
Will there be any downtime?
No, there is no downtime. You may immediately return to your daily routine.
What are the benefits of Injectables and Fillers over other treatments?
These treatments have no downtime as opposed to skin resurfacing. Also, following treatment there is little discomfort. Results can be seen in a short time period and after only one session. Since Restylane® / Juvederm® are natural compounds there is little risk of allergic reactions.
What can be expected post-treatment?
On some occasions, there is redness or swelling. This temporary discomfort may last a couple of days. Following Botox® treatment, the face will feel relaxed, and you may be tempted to massage it. Do not massage the treated areas because this could move the Botox® around and create a different effect than intended.
How soon will results appear?
Your results appear as soon as any swelling diminishes.
How long does a treatment last?
Treatments generally take about thirty minutes.
Who should avoid treatment?
Do not use Injectables or Fillers if you have an infection at the site where they will be injected. Avoid Botox® if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or are pregnant. Some conditions may increase the chance of infection, so a doctor should be advised before pursuing treatment if you have a serious medical condition, are breast feeding or plan to become pregnant.
How long do the results last?
All results vary from patient to patient. Botox® can last for up to four months, Restylane®/ Juvederm® results can last for six to twelve months, and the results of a Fat Transfer may last as long as three years.
What are the alternative treatments?
Other injectables include Fascian®, Dermalogen®, Hylaform®, Autologen® and Artecoll®. There are an assortment of other treatments including collagen creams, fruit acids, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing and phototherapy.
Is additional treatment necessary?
Additional treatment is not required for immediate results, but additional treatment is required for maintenance. Results will begin to fade, and your facial features will gradually return to their former state.
What are the limitations of Injectables and Fillers?
The limitation of Injectables and Fillers is that they fade with time and are not a permanent answer to wrinkles. Because fat is reabsorbed into the body, Fat Transfer is not a good option for multiple areas that need to remain symmetrical.
Instructions for before treatment:
Tell your medical professional about any allergies you have, any serious medical conditions and all medications you are taking, both prescription and non-prescription. Carefully follow any instructions given to you regarding eating, drinking, smoking and vitamins. To reduce bruising, avoid anticoagulants, aspirin and other blood thinners for a week before treatment.
Instructions for after treatment:
Avoid vigorous activity directly after treatment, and continue to avoid blood thinners until bruising diminishes.
