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Botox® by Allergan
Made by Allergan, BOTOX® is widely used as a cosmetic enhancement to temporarily reduce wrinkles and fine lines in the face, banish neck bands, and clear away crow's feet. BOTOX® was approved by the FDA for non-cosmetic use in 1989 and approved for cosmetic use in 2002. For over 11 years it has been used to treat over 1 million patients worldwide. The earliest form of BOTOX® was used in the 1960's as an investigational drug for treating crossed eyes, a condition caused by uncontrollable muscle spasms behind the eye. The brand name BOTOX® is short for botulinum toxin A. Botulinum toxin A is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which causes the form of food poisoning we know as botulism. In some severe cases, the food poisoning version of botulism can be fatal if the individual is paralyzed by the botulism toxins. These toxins bind to nerve endings and prevent muscles from contracting by blocking release of acetylcholine, which causes muscle contractions, from the nerve. This is basically how Botox® works, but within much smaller and safer parameters. Non-cosmetic Botox® is often used to cease involuntary muscle spasms. When BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into facial lines, those muscles are paralyzed, making the wrinkles invisible. Results last for three to eight months and are visible a short while (usually just a few hours) after the BOTOX® is injected into the affected area. Some of the possible side effects of BOTOX® injections include difficulty swallowing, headache, neck pain, nausea, bruising at injection area, or upper respiratory infection. Juvederm™
Why does Juvederm™ last longer? Because it's the only dermal filler currently available with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid and a special formulation process. This process creates a smooth gel that flows easily into the skin, creating smooth, natural looks. Other currently approved hyaluronic acid dermal fillers use a gel particle suspension formulation, which can be visibly seen, as opposed to the smoother formulation used in Juvederm™. The smooth consistency of Juvederm™ dermal filler also may help to minimize the discomfort that can sometimes occur during the injection procedure. Frequently Asked Questions about Juvederm™ Before & After photos of Juvederm™ patients ArteFill- NEW!
ArteFill is a unique combination of homogeneous precision-filtered microspheres suspended in a solution of purified collagen gel and 0.3% lidocaine to alleviate discomfort during injection. ArteFill is designed to correct facial wrinkles, the creases around the mouth known as the nasolabial folds. ArteFill is comprised of a combination of precision-filtered microspheres and purified bovine collagen. All of the microspheres have a defined size of 30 to 50 microns in diameter and have a smooth, round surface. The microspheres make up 20% of the formula and the collagen is the other 80%. Aesthetic results are visible immediately after injection. The microspheres cannot be attacked by scavenger cells (macrophages) or degraded by enzymes. Thus, the microspheres will remain intact beneath the creases, providing a permanent support structure to support the wrinkle and to prevent further wrinkling. As with all products using bovine collagen, a skin sensitivity test must be performed prior to use. Restylane
There are many injectable cosmetic fillers on the market today, but none nearly as innovative and effective as Restylane. Restylane is an FDA-approved cosmetic filler made in Sweden and designed to eliminate wrinkles and folds in the skin of the face and the lips. Introduced in 1996, Restylane is still manufactured in Sweden by pharmaceutical company Q-Med and widely used there as well as other European countries, South America , and the United States . Figures from the manufacturer estimate that over a million people have successfully been treated with Restylane. The active ingredient in Restylane is derived from hyaluronic acid, which is a natural sugar found in the skin. Its function in the skin is to maintain volume and pliability. The unique property of this acid is its ability to bind with water molecules up to 1000 times its original size, making it an excellent choice for a filler. Because it can bind with water, it is extremely safe when eliminated with regular body waste over time. There are three versions of this product: original Restylane, which is intended for wrinkle correction and lip enhancements; Restylane Fine Lines, for correcting thin superficial lines, around the mouth, forehead and smile; and Perlane, for shaping facial contours, such as cheeks and chin, correcting deep folds, and for volume augmentation of the lips. Restylane is injected into the fine lines of the face or the lips with a very small syringe and results are instantaneous and pain-free. Patients have been much more satisfied with Restylane than collagen because it can last up to 60% longer. Clinical trials showed results from Restylane injections to be effective for up to 6 months for lips and 12 months for facial grooves. |
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