Wrinkle treatments and how they work - Part 2
Posted on Tue, Jan 18, 2011
Last week I introduced you to several popular wrinkle fillers such as Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm. In this, part two of the wrinkle treatment series, I will continue with the remaining wrinkle fillers and also talk about wrinkle relaxers such as Botox and Dysport.
Radiesse: the collagen stimulator
Radiesse® fills in lost volume deep under the skin by working with the body to stimulate collagen production.
Unlike Restylane or Perlane, Radiesse is a collagen stimulator. It adds volume and reinforcement by helping the skin make its own collagen. Radiesse is well suited for patients who are just starting to experience the first signs of aging, typically between the ages of 35 and 45, or for patients who have relatively little volume loss or sagging. Radiesse produces outstanding results and can remove smile lines, frown lines and fill in either side of your chin (pre-jowl).
One of the best things about Radiesse is that the results are very long-lasting. Just one treatment with Radiesse can last as long as one year, sometimes even two. This is because the thin, connective tissues of the skin actually bind to the Radiesse microspheres deeper under the skin than where traditional HA or collagen fillers are injected.
Sculptra: the long-lasting collagen replacement
Sculptra® works gradually in a series of treatments to replace lost collagen over time for a very long-lasting, natural appearance. It is a biocompatible collagen replacement that produces a gradual, volume-enhancing effect. Sculptra targets the underlying cause of facial aging and works progressively over time. It is a very versatile and effective therapy, especially for sunken cheeks (facial lipoatrophy).
A full treatment, on average, will typically require three sessions over a period of a few months. The skin will then begin to work naturally with Sculptra over time for a very satisfying effect. In many cases, patients will find that a combination treatment of Sculptra with a Restylane topper will produce the outcome they desire in terms of both volume and facial rejuvenation.
Botox Cosmetic – the original wrinkle relaxer
BOTOX® is one of the most affordable and effective ways to treat the first signs of aging. Botox works by temporarily immobilizing the small muscles between the brows that are responsible for frown lines and expression lines. Results last for as long as 6 months, and sometimes longer with subsequent 
treatments. BOTOX is most often used for expression lines and the lines and wrinkles that appear when we are under stress. After a session with BOTOX, people report their appearance looks more relaxed, in-control and less agitated. Even better, in patient-satisfaction surveys, 97% of people treated with BOTOX said they were happy with their experience and their results.
Dysport – the newest wrinkle relaxer
Everybody is talking about Dysport®! Dysport uses the same active ingredient as Botox and was recently approved for use by the FDA in the U.S., despite the fact it has been in widespread use across Europe for several years.
Like Botox, Dysport works by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters from nerves, which reduces the muscular activity in the facial muscles that cause wrinkles. Some patients say Dysport is less painful than Botox and produces a better overall result. However, this has not been proven in clinical studies.
What’s important to know about Dysport is that it is a highly popular alternative to Botox, and may be worth considering, especially if you’ve struggled with Botox injections in the past.
Your face is unique…Talk to Dr. Stover about what treatment is right for you
