There are 76 million active baby boomers out there and many of us are being asked why we look tired (don’t you just hate that question?) when we feel so-o-o good. As a group we spend billions of dollars each year on cosmetics. Let’s face it, topical products have their limitations. Fortunately many nonsurgical treatments exist and we can always opt for surgery “when the time is right”. The mainstays of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation are botulinum products and injectable fillers.

Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport are FDA-approved for the temporary reduction of wrinkles between the eyebrows. Frequent furrowing of the brow can make these lines more permanent. Through tiny injections, they can relax the facial muscles responsible for these lines, softening an otherwise more aggressive facial appearance. Your face can continue to look natural, when treated properly. The effects are noticeable after 3 to 7 days. Effects usually increase over the next 1 to 2 weeks. Subsequent treatments done every 3 to 4 months help maintain your more relaxed appearance. The botulinum products are often used to treat other areas having “off label” wrinkles associated with facial movement (i.e. crow’s feet) and for many other uses such as upper lip lines, down turned corners of the mouth, and dimpling of the chin.

Some of us baby boomers have also discovered that the injectable facial fillers can offer “beauty” that is more than skin deep. Fillers are substances injected into various areas of the face to reduce facial folds, imbedded wrinkles, depressed acne scars, and to plump and define lips. Wow! A perkier face (and attitude) in less than an hour!

Today, there are many filler options available and more under study. Hyaluronic acids (i.e. Restylane, Perlane, and Juvaderm) are naturally occurring substances and reportedly last 6-12 months. A single “touch-up” has been shown to extend results to 18 months from the original treatment. Other products are facial “volumizers” to replenish some of the volume lost over time that can be associated with facial descent. Sculptra Aesthetic is an example of a volumizer. It stimulates the growth of your own collagen, providing gradual effects and longer lasting results.

The botulinum products and injectable fillers are administered in the physician’s office, often at the same time as the initial consultation. Either procedure can usually be done in 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many areas are to be treated. There is usually minimal downtime with either procedure, although bruising, redness, and swelling, as well as visible needle marks can occur. These usually can be masked by makeup if present.

Complications, some serious but rare, can occur with either treatment, these should be discussed at your evaluation.

With today’s active population, nonsurgical facial rejuvenation is ever-increasing in popularity as we seek to maintain a youthful appearance with minimal downtime. Dysport and Botox® Cosmetic can reduce active wrinkles while fillers plump up lines and folds present at rest. Volumizers restore some of the lost fullness your face may have previously had. They are often used in conjunction with each other and complement each other well for a more youthful and rested appearance.

By Dr. Sharon Napier, Aesthetic Surgical Arts