As you age, you may find yourself staring at a face you don’t recognize in the mirror. Forehead wrinkles, thin lips, and crow’s feet make you look older than you feel. Friends and family constantly ask if you are angry because frown lines are permanently etched in your face.
Perhaps those problems aren’t so severe that you need plastic surgery. A minimally invasive option like Botox, Juvederm, or Restylane may be just what you are looking for.
What is Botox?
Botox is the brand name of a medication that improves the look of wrinkles. It works by paralyzing the small muscles under the wrinkles so they don’t correct. This smooths the skin on the surface and takes years off of your appearance.
Botox can be used to smooth crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. For people that have distinct neck bands (the kind that makes you look like you’re straining to pick up a heavyweight), Botox can be a good choice.
Botox is also used to help people who show a lot of gum tissue when they smile. This is known as a “gummy smile” and can cause self-consciousness. Botox injections relax the muscle that lifts the upper lip too high.
Though not permanent, Botox lasts for 3-4 months and is injected in a simple outpatient procedure. It can also be combined with dermal fillers so that multiple issues can be addressed during the same visit.
What are dermal fillers?
Both Juvederm and Restylane are dermal fillers. These particular dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body and has been noted to be quite safe.
When people age, that fat under the skin is lost and the skin begins to stretch. This makes smile lines and crow’s feet more visible. Lips can become thin and have a poor border.
Also, scarring from acne, burns, and other wounds can leave indentations and dents.
Dermal fillers are helpful in plumping up lips and redefining the border, improving the look of scars, and diminishing the appearance of deep smile lines and crow’s feet. They can fill in worry lines on the forehead.
Juvederm vs. Restylane
While Juvederm and Restylane are both dermal fillers, each one has unique properties. Juvederm is a smoother product while Restylane is a thicker, moldable product.
Juvederm tends to be better for fine lines and wrinkles in tight facial areas. The results are instant and last about one year.
Restylane is preferred for adding volume to sunken places, like the lips and frown lines. The plastic surgeon has more control to mold and shape the product so that it looks natural. The results take a few days to take full effect and last about 10 months.
Choosing between Botox, Juvederm, and Restylane depends on the severity of your wrinkles, frown lines, and other imperfections. You may choose just one or multiple products.
Your plastic surgeon will assist you in determining which products will help you the most. Don’t wait to look younger and refreshed – schedule your appointment today!