Skin changes tend to be the earliest and most visible signs of aging. Fine lines and wrinkles appear first, and deepen over time. Hyperpigmentation may appear in sun-exposed areas. The face loses volume, elasticity and youthful radiance as production of collagen and elastin slows. Over time, as these critical elements continue to decline, the skin begins to sag.
Injectables are a popular, non-invasive treatment to improve the appearance of aging skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles or restoring lost volume to the face. The injectable that works best for you depends on the concerns you’d like addressed, your desired results and how long you’d like those results to last. At South Bay Aesthetics, we offer the following injectable treatments:
Botox Injections
Botox smoothes moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet by relaxing the underlying muscles with a series of carefully placed injections. The treatment is short – typically about 10 minutes – with little to no downtime. Results appear within one to two days and last three to six months. Botox is an affordable alternative to surgical procedures and can produce excellent aesthetic outcomes. However, it is a temporary treatment. Regular injections will be required for as long as you wish to reduce lines and wrinkles.
Dysport
Dysport is a prescription injection designed specifically to reduce the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows. Like Botox, Dysport works by using a neurotoxin to temporarily relax overactive muscles. Treatment can be completed in 10 minutes, and results are typically visible in two to three days. In clinical trials, Dysport demonstrated a three to six month duration. This strong performance, combined with similar pricing to Botox, can make Dysport an attractive option for patients seeking the most value from their injectable treatment.
Juvederm & Juvederm Plus
Juvederm is a dermal filler formulated with hyaluronic acid, a substance that is naturally present in the human body and plays a critical role in maintaining skin hydration. The Juvederm family of products contains a range of formulations designed to target specific areas and concerns. Juvederm and Juvederm Plus can be used to restore volume, soften superficial lines and folds, enhance the lips and reduce under eye hollows (tear troughs). The only difference between the two formulations is that Juvederm Plus contains lidocaine, ensuring a more comfortable treatment experience. Your Juvederm session takes just a few minutes, and the results are immediate, with results that last up to 12 months.
Sculptra
Sculptra Aesthetic is an injectable that helps gradually replace lost collagen to treat the underlying cause of facial aging, not just the symptoms. As a poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) collagen stimulator, Sculptra works within the deeper layers of the skin to revitalize collagen production and help restore your skin’s inner structure and volume. Results appear gradually over the treatment period, which typically requires two to three injections spaced six weeks apart over the course of three to four months. A completed Sculptra treatment lasts approximately one and a half years.
Radiesse
Radiesse blends the immediate visual improvement of other fillers with the benefit of long-lasting results. Radiesse is comprised of tiny calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier. When injected, these microspheres form a scaffolding structure that instantly restores volume while stimulating the body to produce its own natural collagen. Over time, the gel and microspheres are metabolized by the body, leaving only your natural collagen behind. Radiesse is used to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, as well as to correct volume loss in the back of the hands. Results can last a year or more before follow-up treatment is required.
Restylane
A hyaluronic acid filler, Restylane is used to plump the lips, fill facial wrinkles, smooth lines around the mouth, accentuate the cheeks and reduce signs of volume loss in the back of the hands. Products in the Restylane line are designed to act like your body’s naturally produced hyaluronic acid and are formulated in varying thicknesses for a more tailored treatment. Results from Restylane injections are immediate and last up to a year. As with any injectable, some swelling, bruising or redness may be present for a day or two, but side effects are generally mild and fade quickly, leaving soft and natural results.
Restylane Lyft
Restylane Lyft is a hyaluronic acid filler with a thicker formulation designed to treat severe facial wrinkles, particularly the nasolabial folds that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth. It is also used as a hand rejuvenation treatment. Because Restylane Lift is made of larger gel particles, it is a good choice for wrinkles that must be treated by deeper injection into the skin. The area of injection should instantly appear smoother and fuller, with ongoing correction as new collagen regenerates. One injection of Restylane Lift should last six months to one year, depending on how quickly your body breaks down the filler.
Which Injectable Is Right For Me?
Different injectables are designed to produce different results, and in some cases, a combination of injectables will be the most effective course for optimal facial rejuvenation. Dr. Christopher Verbin is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and will create a personalized treatment plan designed around your aesthetic needs and goals. After a detailed consultation, an injectable treatment can be performed in minutes with no downtime and immediate results. Call South Bay Aesthetics at 310-539-6500 to schedule a consultation.