Three ways wrinkle fillers help you look younger without surgery

The cosmetic surgeons at UMass Memorial Medical Center offer three injectable agents, Botox®, Restylane®; and Radiesse®, to patients seeking a nonsurgical solution to photodamaged or aging skin.

Many products claim to smooth out frown lines, crow’s-feet and other facial wrinkles, but few deliver the results of Botox, Restylane and Radiesse. That is why the cosmetic surgeons at UMass Memorial Medical Center offer Botox treatments and other injectable agents to patients seeking a nonsurgical solution to photodamaged or aging skin.

1) Botox – freeze aging in its tracks
Botox injections are the industry’s fastest-growing cosmetic procedure, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. The injections work by paralyzing specific facial muscles, usually frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Botox can also prevent you from making the facial expressions that form wrinkles in later years.

Botox treatments usually take about 10 minutes. You can even get Botox on your lunch break, since the injection requires no recovery time. While no anesthesia is necessary, mild numbing agents can be used at the injection site. Side effects may include bruising and temporary eyelid droop. Results occur in just a few days, and the effects last from four to six months.

2) Restylane – pump up the volume
Restylane is the world’s most-used cosmetic filler, and it is often used in combination with Botox. Restylane is made from hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar compound that binds with water to provide lasting volume. This volume can be used to plump lips and smooth wrinkles and folds. It is especially popular for nasolabial folds — the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Restylane injections have been used in more than 1.4 million treatments, and its use is considered one of the safest cosmetic procedures on the market. Restylane treatments usually take about 15 to 30 minutes, and require little to no recovery time. You may experience some redness and swelling, though cold compresses can reduce the effect. Results are immediate, and last about six months.

Learn more about Restylane.

3) Radiesse – looks that last
Radiesse is similar to Restylane, with one key difference: it can last a year or more. It is also more expensive for the same reason. Radiesse gets its longevity from a different chemical structure. Instead of binding with water, Radiesse stimulates the body to produce more collagen. The collagen then provides volume to correct facial wrinkles such as smile lines and nasolabial folds.

Though Radiesse cannot be used in the lips, doctors occasionally prescribe it to fill sunken cheeks and facial indentations. The injection requires a local anesthetic, but normal activities can be resumed almost immediately. Side effects include mild irritation and swelling near the injection site. Results are evident immediately after treatment.

Learn more about Radiesse.

For more information about injection treatments and injectable fillers, please contact the UMass Memorial Cosmetic Surgery Center at 508-334-5990.