FASHION & BEAUTY :: APRIL/MAY 2007
Are You Afraid of Needles?
Did you wake up this morning with a new wrinkle? Do you suddenly look older? Do people tell you that you look angry all the time? Well, maybe it’s time to consider having a date with a needle. Today we are lucky, we can reverse time without needing an invasive procedure. If you aren’t ready for a face lift, you do have options. There are many options out there; this article is going to focus on just three, Botox cosmetic, Restylane, and Radiesse.
Botox cosmetic is the most common cosmetic procedure done in the United States. 3.3 million procedures were done alone last year. Botox received FDA approval in 2002 for the temporary treatment of moderate to severe frown lines between the brow in people 18 – 65 years of age. Since its approval Botox has been used in other areas such as around the eyes and lips. Botox is a purified protein produced by the clostridium botulinum bacterium which reduces the activity of the muscles that causes the frown lines. Getting the procedure requires no significant pre-procedure preparation. Usually, the patient meets with the doctor for consultation and then in just a few minutes, the injections are completed. Post-procedure there may be some localized pain, tenderness, swelling, or redness. Occasionally, infection, nausea, or a temporary eyelid droop can occur.
Did you ever look at your face and just want to fill in the lines? You can now with Restylane. Restylane is a hyaluronic acid derivative that is effective in smoothing out wrinkles and adding volume to areas of the face giving a more youthful appearance. Unlike Botox which can take a few days before seeing the desired affect, Restylane gives instant results. In the United States, Restylane is indicated for the treatment of wrinkles of the nasolabial folds (those lines coming down the side of the nose toward your lips). Many doctors also use it to augment the lips, the cheeks, fill in wrinkles of the forehead and around the eyes. Restylane lasts approximately 4 to 6 months. After the procedure, there may be some redness, swelling, and localized pain.
Radiesse is a dermal filler that lasts longer than the above. It is made of calcium based microspheres to help support and stimulate collagen growth. Like Restylane, results are immediate, but results last generally one year or longer. The method of injection is similar to that of Restylane as is the post-procedure after effects.
Prices for all these procedures vary. Ask your doctor which treatment is best for you. Often, doctors will combine Botox with a filler to give the desired outcome. So, put your fear of needles aside and call your doctor today.
Susan Kirchdoerffer, D.O., is the Medical Director of Reflections, located at 2036 Foulk Road, Suite 101, Wilmington, DE. Reflections is open Monday through Friday and every other Saturday. Evening appointments are available. Call 302-246-2306 today to schedule a free consultation and start indulging yourself.
Reflections,
A Medical Spa – How do you look in the mirror?
www.reflections-medicalspa.com
