Botox-Filler

As people age, they tend to develop facial wrinkles. Some of these wrinkles are relatively minor and are known by such amusing names as "crow's-feet" and "laugh-lines." But some lines may become major crevices with age such as the "nasolabial folds" that run from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. This is one of the first signs of aging. A great deal of research is being done to develop ways to treat facial wrinkles by either preventing them in the first place or by filling them in with some sort of biologic or synthetic materials.

Botulinum ToxinA(BTx-A)
Botox or Dysport is a safe and effective way of temporarily weakening the muscles that cause wrinkling of the skin. It has the effects of taking years of age and strain from your face.This treatment is simple,quick and safe. You can resume your normal activities immediately after an injection. Many people have their treatments in their lunch-time, for example, and return to work straight afterwards.

What is the botulinum toxin typeA(BTx-A)?
Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium makes several different types of protein which are called type A to type F. These varying proteins cause muscles to relax at different levels.

How does it work?
After botulinum toxin injections, it will temporarily weaken the muscles that cause wrinkling of the skin and your skin around the treated area will look smooth and less wrinkled; but do not worry, the rest of your face will not be affected. Botulinum toxin allows the untreated areas of your face to move as normal and you will still be able to laugh, smile and frown, but with less wrinkling of the skin in the areas treated. Botulinum toxin can be used to treat all wrinkles which are the result of normal facial movement. It is not suitable for permanent wrinkles caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Botulinum toxin does not remove wrinkles indefinitely; it is usually necessary to have a treatment every 3 - 4 months to maintain and improve upon the original results.

What areas can be treated?
The upper third of the face is where the best treatment results are obtained, commonly for reduction in the appearance of crow's feet around the eyes, and frown lines and wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyebrows. Botulinum toxin can also be used to reposition or lift the eyebrows by a few millimetres. This is sometimes called a "chemical brow lift". It can lessen so-called "bunny lines" (lines along the top of the nose caused when some people smile.) A dimply chin caused by the underlying muscle that occurs in some people can also be softened as can "necklace lines" or horizontal lines around the neck. "Platysmal bands" - bands of muscle that stand out from the neck and make the neck look stringy in appearance can also be softened with botulinum toxin.

Recovery time
The whole treatment should usually take no longer than 10 - 15 minutes and you can normally drive immediately and go about your usual activities.

Possible risks and complications
Most patients find that Botox injections cause little discomfort. Many compare the feeling to a little insect bite! A small amount of temporary bleeding or mild swelling may occur at the injection site. In some cases more extensive bruising may occur, especially around the eyes, but this can usually be covered up with make-up, and is only temporary. When botulinum toxin is injected into the forehead area, there is a very slight possibility that it may cause weakness of the muscle holding up the eyelid causing a "partial ptosis" or drooping of the upper eyelid. Sometimes, the eyebrow position may alter so that the edges of the eyebrows become elevated. Some women like this effect, but it is generally unwanted in men. It is easily corrected with a small amount of botulinum toxin injected above the raised area of the eyebrow to help change its position. All patients should remember that because the results of botulinum toxin are not permanent, any unwanted effects will disappear usually within a 3 month period. Botulinum toxin

Dermal Filler

"The instant solution for lines, wrinkles, lip enhancement and facial contouring"
Injectable fillers are generally considered "soft tissue augmentation materials". There are many categories which include temporary absorbable methods and permanent products which are very difficult to remove. Injectable fillers can be a quick, effective and inexpensive solution, especially for wrinkles, frown lines, laugh line and lip enhancement.

 Temporary Filler: Hyaluronic acid (Restylane,Hylaform)

What is Hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide and is one of very few substances that is identical in all species and tissue types.It plays an important role giving volume to skin ,shape to the eyes and elasticity to the joints.

How does Hyaluronic acid (HA)  work?
HA is a gel that is injected just beneath the skin surface to replace the collagen and hyaluronan support layers, which have deteriorated. It instantly supports your skin, smoothing wrinkles, most types of scars, corrects skin contour deficiencies and improves facial lines typically found between the eyes, and around the mouth area.

 How often would I require treatment?
Everyone's skin is different. That is why the timing of any additional treatment varies from person to person. Because HA is a naturally based, biological material it will eventually break down and be absorbed by your body and that is why you will need ongoing treatments to maintain the look you want. If you choose not to continue with your treatment any remaining HA is simply absorbed by your body over time and your skin gradually returns to its natural contours.

 Are there any reactions to treatments?
There may be some local treatment responses and these are perfectly normal. They can include temporary discomfort, discolouration or mild to moderate redness and swelling. Typically these responses are temporary and, if they do occur, will usually go away within a couple of days.

 Semipermanent Filler: Outline

 What is Outline?
Outline is a new and innovative filler product from France. It is a synthetic absorbable Polyacrylamide gel, not derived from animals or bacteria. Outline is a long-lasting filler. Whilst most other fillers only last for up to six months, the effects of Outline can last for up to one, two or even five years depending on the type used and the area treated.

 How does Outline work?
Outline works with the skin; it does not just fill it up. Because of its gentle positive charge, it attracts negatively-charged pro-collagen molecules right into the middle of the filler injection, just like a magnet. Once housed and protected by the Outline, the pro-collagen molecules assemble into much-needed collagen and form part of your tissues. Once the positive charge has become equally by the negative charge, the attraction stops. It is self-limiting and predictable process. Outline replaces lost tissue and provides the framework for new collagen assembly.

Why is Outline long lasting filler?
Whereas most polyacrylamides are insoluble and do not break down, Outline has been made in such a way that it is broken down very slowly by tissue enzymes into smaller fragments of polyacrylamide and then removed completely from the body. This technology is the subject of a patent and allows Outline to be used in all levels of the skin to achieve long-lasting, natural looking results.