Facial Injectables

There are a variety of facial injectables available to patients interested in reducing naturally occurring wrinkles and lines related to aging, including crow’s feet, forehead wrinkles, and lines around the glabella area between the eyebrows. Many of these injectables are made from organic or naturally occurring chemicals already present in the body. At DeLuca Plastic Surgery in Albany, NY, Dr. Tauber and Dr. DeLuca are pleased to offer our patients numerous non-surgical procedures that extend youthful looks and create the appearance of slowed aging.

Types of Facial Injectables

Botox

Botox is, by far, one of the most common and popular forms of facial injectables. Its uses are varied, but it is the safest and most effective treatment option for smoothing out wrinkle-prone areas of the face, like crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles and furrows. Botox treatments are delivered in units to target facial muscles responsible for creating wrinkles. Most Botox treatments take about 15 minutes to administer.

Juvederm

Juvederm is an injectable approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006. Juvederm in used primarily to soften “smile lines” and “marionette lines” near the nose and mouth, as well as to add plumpness or volume to the lips.
These injections work by increasing the amount of hyaluronic acid on your face, which naturally decreases as your body ages. This chemical acts as your body’s natural moisturizer, which keeps your skin looking young and healthy. Juvederm is often combined with other cosmetic skin procedures, such as Botox, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and even facelifts. Results from Juvederm can typically be seen almost instantly, and last anywhere from six to 12 months.

Radiesse

Radiesse is another facial injectable used to add volume and definition to the face. Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxyapatite and is used to target wrinkles and folds which begin to appear as skin ages. The injection material stimulates natural collagen production, replenishes lost volume in the skin, and can last for a year or more for many patients.

Kybella

Kybella helps reduce the appearance of fullness in a patient’s neck. The main ingredient in this injectable is deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring element in the body. During a Kybella treatment, the doctor will first numb the targeted area of the neck. The ingredients in Kybella will break down fat in the neck over several weeks. Patients may experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness during this time. This treatment is ideal for men and women seeking an alternative to liposuction.

Voluma

Over time, cheeks may begin to flatten, and the skin around the cheeks may begin to sag. Voluma by Juvederm is designed to counter this natural process by adding volume and fullness to a patient’s cheeks. Like Sculptra, it is one of the few injectables that lasts up to two years. Side effects can include tenderness, swelling, bruising, or itchiness at the injection site, but these symptoms typically last for only two weeks. For those patients looking to add a youthful plumpness to their cheeks, Voluma is a quick, long-lasting solution.

Volbella

Also from Juvederm, Volbella is an FDA-approved facial injectable used to add subtle volume to the lips, while also smoothing fine lines around the mouth. Patients have reported results lasting as long as one year after treatment. The smaller hyaluronic acid particle size in Volbella means patients don’t have to worry about over-plump lips. The doctor will first use lidocaine on the lips to numb the area before using the injectable. Patients report mild temporary swelling or tenderness at the injection site.

Restylane

Restylane is a facial injectable used to reduce fine lines around the mouth or cheeks. Like Volbella, Restylane uses a hyaluronic acid gel. It can help with smile lines, lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin (marionette lines), as well as creases at the corner of the mouth. Restylane is a safe enhancement for patients over 21 years of age.

Restylane Silk

Restylane Silk uses the same clear gel solution as Restylane, but it’s made with smaller particles that are best suited to aesthetically enhance a patient’s lips. The unique particles in the gel make this is an ideal treatment for reducing lines and smoothing the texture of lips. This option from Restylane stands out due to the smaller particles found in the gel solution, which can provide patients with precise treatment for vertical lines on the lips. Patients have reported visible results in the first two weeks after the injection. It is recommended for men and women over 21.

Process and Maintenance

Facial injectables are typically delivered via a very thin needle, which is targeted to a muscle or area in the face. The type of injectable used depends primarily on the patient, their medical history, and the type of outcome they are hoping to achieve. The main ingredients in the injectable also determine how long the material will remain active. For example, the effects of Botox injections can last three months, while those of Sculptra injections can last up to two years. Patients interested in facial injectables should speak with Dr. DeLuca or Dr. Tauber about how to best maintain their face following the procedure.

Candidates For Facial Injectables

Most candidates for injection procedures are interested in slowing the effects of the natural aging process or adding volume to their cheeks or lips. An ideal candidate has skin that retains some of its youthful flexibility. Injectables are not meant to alleviate wrinkles and lines permanently but can help to reduce their prominence significantly.
Contact DeLuca Plastic Surgery for a free consultation if you are interested in learning more about injectables for wrinkles, injectable rhinoplasty and about how facial injectables can help you maintain your youthful appearance.