Should I Get Botox®?

When it comes to injectables, there is no one particular product that works best for all. While Botox® may work well for some people, there may be better options for others. Botox® is the best known injectable because of its many uses, including decreasing excessive sweating, calming spasms, and relaxing facial muscles to smooth out wrinkles on the skin. Although Botox® can be very effective for wrinkles around the eyes, between the brows and on the forehead, other injectables are used to fill in facial creases and treat volume loss.

Commonly used FDA-approved Injectables

The following injectables are FDA-approved and commonly used:

Restylane® and Juvederm®

These injectables contain hyaluronic acid that is found in natural human tissue. These fillers are mainly used to reduce frown lines, nasolabial folds, and the appearance of crow’s feet. They also can be used to increase volume in the lips. At times, they are also used to fill in volume loss on the face.

Radiesse®

This injectable contains calcium hydroxylapatite, which can smooth out wrinkles around the mouth and nose, and help fill deep scars.

Sculptra®

This injectable has synthetic poly-l-lactic acid that can increase volume in the face and hands, by stimulating natural collagen. It seems to last longer than the other injectables discussed.

Fat Grafting / Fat Transfer

Another option for facial and body volume loss is the autologous (from your own body) fat injections. This procedure involves removing fat from another part of the patient’s body, such as the buttocks or thighs, and injecting it into the area that the patient wants to boost volume or smooth out wrinkles. Since this is the patient’s natural fat, it is safe, FDA-approved and free of any chemicals. It also appears to last longer than all the injectables.

To determine which injectable is right for you or to learn more about how you can attain a more youthful facial appearance, please call my Scottsdale practice at (480) 890-0600 or fill out our online contact form today. I am certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and have over 25 years of experience performing cosmetic surgery and cosmetic treatments.