Beauty Doc Blog

Plastic surgery isn’t the only option for those who seek to recapture some of their former youth. Soft-tissue filler treatments continue to gain popularity, with nearly 3 million patients seeking treatment in 2006. Some research groups estimate the number of patients will more than double by 2011 as more of us attempt to defy gravity and the signs of aging.

Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) injections spaced several times a year can calm a furrowed brow, ease laugh lines, and make crow’s feet a mere memory. Expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars for each procedure. Botox is recommended for patients younger than 65.

Injections of collagen, a naturally occurring protein, are often slightly overdone as a bit of the saline in the injection is absorbed within a few days. Minor stinging may be felt during administration if local anesthesia hasn’t been used. (Click here to read a past post that talks about Collagen in detail)

Another option is an autologous fat transplant, a procedure in which fat cells are extracted from the patient’s own body and then reinjected. Common sites to harvest fat cells are thighs, abdomen or buttocks. A local anesthetic is administered and the fat is withdrawn using a syringe and cannula.

The industry anticipates two new options will enter the non-invasive cosmetic enhancements market in 2007. The possibility of lower prices for these newer treatments may bring a sigh of relief for those unable to invest as much in their appearance but still desire results.

Already available in Europe, Reloxin is a muscle relaxer that may compete with Botox. It’s anticipated to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2007 and is already marketed in Europe as Dysport. Some physicians prefer this option for patients with less defined wrinkles, reserving Botox for those with deeper wrinkles.

Juvederm, approved by the FDA in 2006, is made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration. Injected as a smooth gel, Juvederm treatments last up to six months or longer.

For both of these treatments, you can expect to invest anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on which treatment you and your doctor deem appropriate and how often you plan to undergo treatments.

Injectable fillers are often administered without a hospital stay. In fact, most patients are treated in the doctor’s office.

Following treatment, the average patient will notice that the skin appears to be smoother and firmer. Patients are usually able to resume normal activity soon after treatment, although you may need to take it easy for a day or so, if a larger area is treated. Expect swelling and puffiness to subside without complications.

Since the body metabolizes the injected material, patients shouldn’t expect permanent results. Many factors play a role in the length of time the results will last, including age, lifestyle, the site injected, quality of the patient’s skin and genetic background.

Though rare, risks of using injectable fillers include infection, abscesses, open sores, peeling, and scarring. A qualified plastic surgeon or practitioner will always discuss the side effects and risk with you. If they do not, make certain that you ask. Most health insurance policies won’t cover the cost of such cosmetic procedures unless necessary to repair an injury. Be sure to double-check with your own individual carrier.

If you would like to see before and after photos of actual patients who have undergone injectable filler treatment, click here to visit Grossman Plastic Surgery.