Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, not every patient needs or desires an actual surgical procedure. Young patients may only need the benefits of the small improvements obtained with fillers and Botox or Laser services. Some patients have an extraordinary fear of surgery or anesthesia. Others are too old or have health problems that exclude them from surgical procedures.
Non surgical facial rejuvenation refers to all the options available to patients that simply don’t involve surgery. The most popular procedure by far is the use of Botox for fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers or “plumpers” are substances that are injected into the skin in order to “plump” or fill a wrinkle or crease. In larger amounts these fillers are used as “volumizers”, such as when a filler is used for lip, chin or cheek augmentation.
Other procedures include Laser treatments, permanent makeup, medical grade skin care products and services, as well as chemical peels.
The basic tools of non-surgical rejuvenation are botulinum toxin and fillers. Click on the name to learn more about the product directly from the manufacturer.
Muscle Relaxers
Fillers
Botox and Dysport are used to temporarily weaken facial muscles that cause wrinkling of the skin and unwanted facial expressions. Botox is safe and effective and can be titrated to the effect an individual desires, whether its smoothness, a complete lack of movement, or a combination of both giving a natural but rejuvenated appearance. It may also be used to achieve facial symmetry when an imbalance exists.
Botox works, and it works very well. It lasts for about three to four months. It can be quite addictive because patients learn to love the results and the simplicity of treatment. At Westlake Plastic Surgery, all Botox treatments are offered by Dr. Diane Keeler-Boysen, who has administered thousands of injections for the past ten years.
Fillers are great tools to enhance a specific feature (cheeks, lips, chin), to increase the volume of a thin face, to fill in lines, to straighten a nose, to lift brows, or to maximize facial proportions to achieve a more pleasing physical experience. Fillers can be used in many other ways including minimizing scars or making a face more symmetrical. A consultation will help determine which product is best suited for a particular patient and what can be done to maximize his or her appearance.
Fillers are made of various compounds; hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly lactic acid, etc. All have a natural feel and do not require skin testing. The various fillers last from six months to two years. Different products work better for different indications. Some work better for fine lines, others for larger areas. Most fillers can be used in combination to achieve a natural look that lasts. Not injecting enough product is the most common reason for patient dissatisfaction.
