Which Cosmetic Injectable is Right for You?

Given its status as the most often performed cosmetic medical procedure in the U.S., just about everyone knows that Botox injections can help decrease the appearance of wrinkles, lines, and other signs of aging. On the market since 1996 for cosmetic purposes, medical practitioners dispense between four- to five-million Botox and similar botulin-derived injections every year.

While Botox was the first cosmetic injectable and remains the most well-known, more than a dozen other cosmetic injectables have entered the market in recent years. A couple of them are botulin-derived compounds that work similarly to Botox by relaxing muscles underlying the aging skin. But most of the newer injectables are dermal fillers that work by filling in wrinkles and lines, adding support to sagging skin, and stimulating the growth of collagen and other natural skin-renewing compounds.

So Many Cosmetic Injectable Choices!

With so many choices, many people struggle to figure out which cosmetic injectable to choose. Not only do they have to consider the difference between muscle relaxants versus dermal fillers but must also consider varying formulations that provide the skin with different volumes, textures, density, and other skin-enhancing features.

Dr. Diane Brzezinski, D.O., has witnessed this dilemma firsthand with her Naples, Florida-area patients. Dr. B’s Internal Medicine practice offers patients several different cosmetic injectable options. The practice believes they can help enhance overall health by boosting her patients’ self-confidence. To help you decide which cosmetic injectable might work best for addressing your skincare concerns, we’ll provide you with an overview of each of these treatments offered by Dr. B:

• Botox
• Dysport®
• Restylane®
• Juvéderm®

Botox—The First and Most Popular Cosmetic Injectable

FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes in 1996, Botox is a muscle relaxant derived from botulinum toxin that works by shutting down neurotransmitter signals that cause muscles to tense. The eased tension reduces the depth and appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is most effective for reducing the appearance of frown lines, laugh lines, and crow’s feet. Results tend to become noticeable within seven days of the injection, with full results evident within two weeks. The injections cause no pain and result in limited downtime and side effects. Their age-defying effects typically last from three to four months.

Dysport® targets Frown Lines

With a botulinum neurotoxin composition similar to Botox, Dysport® has proven highly effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles between the eyebrows (“frown lines” or, technically, “glabellar lines”). Dysport® contains different trace proteins than Botox, which some believe improves its efficacy. Dysport® Injections are distinctly targeted to leave surrounding muscular areas free to move naturally, which helps limit the “frozen look” that Botox and some dermal fillers can cause. The formulation usually provides quicker noticeable results with efficacy lasting on average for four months. The choice between Dysport® and Botox is dependent to some degree on metabolism, face structure, and other factors.

Restylane® Targets Signs of Aging Around the Mouth and Nose

Restylane® was the first FDA-approved dermal filler with a hyaluronic acid composition. Hyaluronic acid is an organic sugar that the body produces to help stimulate the skin’s volume and elasticity. It also helps the skin retain moisture and maintain softness. Restylane® was initially approved in 2003 to reduce the appearance of medium depth laugh, marionette, and smile lines around the nose and mouth. The FDA has since cleared Restylane® for treatment of severe wrinkles and scars on the face, adding volume to the lips, and replacing volume loss on the back of the hands. Restylane® results vary, but treatments last for up to one year on average.

Juvéderm® Collection Adds Volume and Treats Numerous Concerns

Juvéderm® is a collection of different dermal filler formulations that address different areas of the face and the hands. The formulations, like Restylane® are based on hyaluronic acid, which helps prolong the effectiveness of each treatment and helps the skin retain moisture. Juvéderm® XC helps smooth out moderate to severe parenthesis lines and wrinkles for an overall smoother face. Juvéderm Voluma® XC helps correct age-related volume loss in the cheeks, creating lift and better contours. The formulation also has approval for adding volume to aged hands. Juvéderm® Ultra and Juvéderm® Ultra XC are considered deep injectables as they reduce and eliminate the appearance of deep wrinkles. Ultra XC is also for plumping lips and to reduce the appearance of lip wrinkling.

How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Injectable for Your Skin Concerns

The best way to determine which cosmetic injectable might best treat your skincare concerns is to consult with a professional. Dr. B can assess your facial anatomy and skin type, tone, and texture to determine which injectable should prove most effective at achieving the results you seek. To learn more about cosmetic injectables or any other aspect relating to holistic health, contact Dr. B at her Naples-based internal medicine practice today through our easy online form, or call (239) 261-9990.