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Helping the Process of Aging… There’s no Hype about it!
Helping the Process of Aging… There’s no Hype about it!
By Christopher DeBacker, MD
One of the most frequently asked questions I hear in my practice centers around Botox®, collagen and other "filler" types of injections used for cosmetic purposes. Patients are very interested in these products because of the "stir" that Hollywood has created about them. This area of cosmetic enhancement is ever-evolving and simple to perform. I often share the following information to assist patients in determining what is right for them.
"Minimally invasive" office procedures have spawned an entire industry in the cosmetic surgery realm. As I’m sure you are aware, there are a bewildering array of products on the market to treat everything from facial wrinkles to deflated lips. The key is to find a physician who is comfortable administering these products, and knowledgeable about the indications and (rare) potential side effects.
I think the simplest way to think of these treatments is to look at yourself in the mirror and study your face from top (the forehead) to bottom (the neck). Look at areas that you think need improvement (or "rejuvenation"). It’s best to do this first with a "poker face", so that you have no expressions whatsoever (no smiling, no squinting). Make a note of what bothers you. Then analyze yourself again while displaying your typical facial expression (smiling, squinting, and raising your eyebrows).
The key is to determine if you need to "plump-up" the face, by adding volume (who hasn’t seen Angelina Jolie’s lips?), or weaken muscles of the face that are causing wrinkles. Obviously your doctor is going to help you in this process during your consultation, but it’s always a good idea to think about these things before you head into the office. By educating yourself first you will be better able to make decisions that will make your treatment more satisfying. Remember, it’s your face we’re talking about!!
If the lines and wrinkles on your face worsen during facial expressions, Botox® may be of benefit. Botox® temporarily weakens muscles, and precise placement will get rid of skin wrinkles caused by facial muscle movement. The ideal areas for this treatment are the lines between the eyebrows (look like the number ’11’), the crow’s feet in the outside corners of the eyes, and the horizontal furrows across the forehead.
When the face needs volume (think of a deflated beach ball), various types of material can be added. Collagen used to be the best treatment available, and is still used on occasion. Newer materials, like Restylane®, Juvederm®, and Radiesse® have become available in recent years, and last longer than collagen. These products fill in deep folds and hollows in the face.
Which brings us to longevity, or how long do these products last? The effect from Botox® is generally around 4-5 months, and the effect with the "fillers" like Restylane® and Juvederm® is about 8-9 months. All of these products tend to be very safe when properly administered by a physician. Side effects are uncommon, but your physician should certainly discuss these with you before treatment.
Finally, while the effect of these products are outstanding in the properly selected patient, some patients may be better treated with cosmetic surgery, such as eyelid surgery, forehead surgery, or facelift surgery, or chemical peels. Your doctor should talk with you about the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Every patient is different, and treatment needs to be tailored their specific needs and goals.
Dr. DeBacker practices in the area of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery, with offices in Hayward and San Jose (510-886-3937) . He is double board-certified in his specialties. Dr. DeBacker has clinical privileges at St. Rose Hospital, Eden Medical Center, Washington Hospital and Summit Hospital.
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