There are dozens of cosmetic injectables that are in use in the United States and throughout the world. Some injectables are used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while others are approved for use as wrinkle reduction treatments and to augment the lips. Some of the most popular injectables include Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Restylane, Radiesse, Perlane, Sculptra, and Juvederm. However, plastic surgeons and dermatologists prefer to use specific injectables on certain areas of the face. Some of the injectables that are on the market may be better at smoothing the lines that develop along the forehead and some injectables work better on the lines that develop along the sides of the mouth. This article reviews the injectables and dermal fillers that are ideal for each area of the face.
Forehead Lines
Forehead lines include furrows that develop between the eyebrows and the horizontal lines that run across the forehead. Both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport injections can be used on forehead wrinkles. Botox Cosmetic and Dysport contain botulinum toxin, a protein that paralyzes the muscles in which it is injected. Although botulinum toxin can be harmful, when injected in small amounts it can treat various conditions, including wrinkles. When the muscles that cause wrinkles are paralyzed, the skin around it relaxes, thus minimizing the appearance of facial lines. Botox Cosmetic and Dysport are FDA approved for use on forehead wrinkles. Patients that undergo treatment will find that their skin appears smoother within just a few days. The results of these injectables last for three to six months.
Crow’s Feet
Doctors also prefer use of Botox Cosmetic and Dysport when treating crow’s feet. The skin that surrounds the eye is much thinner than the skin on the lower areas of the face and use of dermal fillers does not work as well in this area. Because overactive muscles cause crow’s feet, it is better to use Botox Cosmetic and Dysport injections to relax these facial muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. If the patient has deep wrinkles around the eyes, the patient can consider going in for an additional filler treatment in the days following the Botox Cosmetic and Dysport injections. However, those with deep wrinkles surrounding the eyes may be better candidates for eyelift surgery to reduce wrinkling.
Nasolabial / Marionette Lines
Laugh, also known as nasolabial or marionette, lines are common on men and women that have reached their 30s, 40s, and 50s. These vertical lines run down the side of the mouth. Some patients have laugh lines on either side of the nose, some have them running down the side of the mouth to the chin, and other patients have both forms of laugh lines. Patients that are interested in undergoing treatment to reduce the appearance of these creases can undergo dermal filler injections with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Radiesse contain hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that bonds to the skin and “fills in” areas affected by wrinkles. The results of dermal filler injections are immediate and last for about three months (if Restylane or another dermal filler is injected) or about two years (if Radiesse is injected).