::cosmetic alternatives
Lip augmentation creates fuller, plumper lips and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips may be injected with fillers or with fat transferred from another site in the patient’s body. Both fillers and fat are absorbed and repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results. The most common way to enhance a patient’s lips is with hyluronic acid fillers (eg. Juvéderm, Restylane). These fillers are biosynthetic complex sugars that are naturally occurring in one’s body already so there is very little risk of allergic reaction. They usually last six to nine months in most patients before re-injection is necessary. The treatment can be done on the same day of the consultation. Either topical anesthetic cream or a dental block can be done so almost no discomfort occurs during or after the procedure. There are several options for injections that produce different results such
as just the outer edge of the lip can be enhanced, the lips plumped, or lines around the mouth can be filled. Usually the treatment only takes 10 to 15 minutes. Patients can resume all their normal activities immediately with no downtime. The lips may be mildly swollen or bruised for a few days, but it is usually minor in nature. Further options for lip augmentation include the following: Autologen, which consists of using a patient’s own skin to make an injectable implant. Dermalogen involves donor tissue used to make a Human Tissue Matrix (HTM) implant. Fascia is an injectable implant made from dense white connective tissue. And Radiance is a calcium hydroxylapatite used to make an injectable implant. Laser rejuvenation also can be used for lip augmentation. The laser tightens naturally occurring collagen and elastic tissue within the mouth.
Botox is a brand name of a toxin produced by a bacterium. There are other brand names for this toxin, such as Dysport and Xeomin, but the most widely used is Botox. Scientists discovered a way to use it to human advantage. Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled weakening of the muscles. Botox then blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscle. The injected muscle can no longer contract, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. It is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye) and frown lines. Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox.
they are paralyzed. Although every cosmetic procedure has inherent risks, choosing to have your injectables performed by a qualified plastic surgeon dramatically reduces the risk factor. If you have any concerns you should discuss your questions and concerns with your doctor by scheduling a private consultation.
The effects of Botox usually last four to six months. As the muscle movements slowly return, the wrinkles caused by this will also return, so re-treatment is necessary. However, the lines and wrinkles appear less noticeable with time because the muscles become weaker while
Dr. Dean DeRoberts owns and operates his private practice at DeRoberts Plastic Surgery, 4900 Broad Road inside the Physicians Building South 2G in Syracuse. More information on available services can be found at www.drderoberts.com.
Botox treatments take only about five minutes and can be done on the same day as your complimentary consultation. The only common side effect is possible minor bruising at the injection site, so aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided for a couple of days before the treatment.
syracuseWomanMag.com :: may 2012
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