Show Your Face A Little Love This Valentine’s Day
- Posted on: Feb 6 2018
As February 14th fast approaches and the possibility that your beloved will be gazing at you over a romantic candlelight dinner, perhaps it’s time to think about how to get that fresh-from-vacation glow of youthful radiance. Plastic surgeon Dr. Orna Fisher has some quick and non-invasive options to consider for a lovely pick-me-up. The following procedures will result in a well-rested, more vibrant appearance that everyone will notice but no one will quite know why.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers, or HA fillers, are made from hyaluronic acid “which is a naturally occurring substance in our skin and that’s why it makes such a great filler,” says Dr. Fisher. HA fillers include Juvéderm and Restylane and are gels used to fill in deep lines on the face, such as the nasolabial folds or “smile line.” “These fillers can also make the face look more youthful by adding fullness to areas that have lost volume or to areas needing augmentation. Some HA fillers can be used specifically to augment the lips or to fill in lines around the mouth. Others can specifically be used to add fullness to the midface,” says Dr. Fisher, who notes the effect of HA fillers needs to be redone periodically to maintain the effect.
The Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators, such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin, are another injectable option to consider. These injectables work by paralyzing specific facial muscles of expression; for example, the wrinkles between the eyebrows. “When too pronounced, those wrinkles can make one look older, angry, or stressed. Neuromodulators can soften these lines so that you appear smoother and more relaxed,” explains Dr. Fisher. Using a fine needle, it is injected into specific areas to stop the signals that run between the muscles and nerves. This signal blockage causes the muscle not to contract, smoothing out wrinkles to create a softer and relaxed look. Common areas to receive neuromodulators include forehead creases, lines around the eyes, lip lines, frown lines, and lines around the chin or neck. “You will notice a change in your appearance within three days,” says Dr. Fisher, who adds that the full effect is evident after about one week. “For most people, a Botox treatment will last between four and six months. The great thing about “Botox” is if you like it, you can keep doing it. If you don’t, the effect will go away.”
Other Injectables
With dermal filler Sculptra Aesthetic, your youthfulness is gradually restored. An FDA-approved injectable that helps gradually replace lost collagen — an underlying cause of facial aging — results can last more than two years. Sculptra Aesthetic fills lines and wrinkles and aids in the preservation of much-needed collagen. This product, by stimulating fibroblasts with Poly-L-lactic acid, encourages an increase in the ongoing production of collagen. Sculptra Aesthetic can be used to subtly add volume to your face over time. The improvement is gradual and gives a natural, more youthful appearance. Multiple injections are generally required, and the number depends on how much facial volume needs to be restored. Over the course of a few treatments, conducted over approximately three months, a foundation is rebuilt in such a way that causes a more vibrant appearance. “Sculptra is particularly useful in the temple area. Temples atrophy or become hollow as we age. In most people this starts in the 40s or early 50s and is a telltale sign of aging,” explains Dr. Fisher. “Sculptra restores volume to this area very effectively.”
Laser Touch
A final non-invasive option is Clear+Brilliant, which is a no-downtime laser that rejuvenates the skin from the inside out for a more glowing complexion. “Clear+Brilliant stimulates collagen deep within the skin, so it does have a rejuvenating effect and over time skin has a better texture and is a little thicker,” explains Dr. Fisher. “It also treats surface skin issues of hyperpigmentation and textural changes – all with no downtime.” While it can simply be used as a “laser facial” or a “lunchtime laser” for rejuvenation and anti-aging effects, the Clear+Brilliant laser is also used for maintaining the results of more aggressive treatments such as deeper lasers and facelift surgery.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
Posted in: Botox, Facial Rejuvenation & Injectable