Ageing causes changes in the facial contour, especially hollowness of the cheeks caused by fat loss and accentuated by fat accumulation in the jowls. In addition, movement creates creases, especially between the nose and mouth. The lips shrink over time, producing lines about the mouth and loss of lip ‘pout’. Facial implants can be surgically inserted or injected to remedy many of these problems.
Collagen injectionsCollagen injections have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Collagen, which is derived from calf skin, is injected into wrinkle lines, scars and lips.Two types of collagen are used, called Zyderm and Zyplast. Zyderm is a very fine collagen and is useful for fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Zyplast, on the other hand, is a coarse, dense collagen which is more suitable for deep furrows and acne scars. It is especially useful for lip augmentation.Although collagen is a safe and effective filling substance, it only lasts for four to six months. Allergic reactions are possible so collagen must be tested twice before being injected into the face. Because collagen implantation is very simply performed, many people request collagen rather than a more appropriate procedure such as face-lifting or chemical peeling. Collagen is certainly not a substitute for some of the other cosmetic operations.To try and overcome the cost and allergic potential of calf collagen, several techniques are now available to remove a person’s own collagen and then inject it into his or her own wrinkle lines. This technique is still very new, so the long-term results are not yet known.
Silicone implantsAlthough silicone rubber is still the major material used in cheek and chin implants, liquid silicone has largely been abandoned as a filling material for facial wrinkles and contour correction. Although pure grade medical silicone was excellent and safe for facial augmentation, the recent media publicity concerning breast implants has created such adverse reaction among health officials that its use is becoming increasingly prohibited. If silicone is used, it is important that only microscopic amounts of silicone are used. If too much silicone is injected, beading can occur, and if impure silicone is used, severe reactions such as lumpiness of the skin are possible. The main advantages of silicone are that it is inexpensive and permanent.
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TIPS OFTHE BOTOX TRADE
Certain vitamins and medications, such as vitamin E and aspirin, can make you more prone to bruising at the injection site. Avoid them for approximately ten days before being treated with Botox.
It’s important to remain upright for a minimum of two hours following treatment to ensure that Botox doesn’t migrate. One of my new patients came prepared with an anti-snooze gadget created for drivers that gets tucked behind the ear. It works by emitting a loud buzzing sound whenever it senses that the head is lowering. The best part of this story is that her mother, also a patient, had given it to her!
Excessive smiling and frowning are what brought you to seek Botox in the first place. Funnily enough, you’ll have to do a lot of both immediately after the treatment to ensure that the Botox binds properly.
THE BOTOX CONSULTATION
I’ve found that while patients are all too aware of their problem areas, they’re usually at a loss as to which procedure will help to restore their looks. This confusion is quite understandable and it’s one of the reasons why the consultation is an invaluable factor in ultimately having a fulfilling experience. When I meet a patient for the first time I’m not only listening to what they’re saying, but I’m also observing their facial expressions. That, in itself, will tell me a lot. If, for example, they’re constantly pursing their lips when speaking, then I know that the lines on the upper and lower lip are due to muscular contractions, making this patient an ideal candidate for Botox. I would then explain to them how tiny drops of Botox would simply relax this area, not paralyse it. Afterwards, I might suggest that they follow up with a peel or a laser treatment. The combination of treatments will assure that the area remains smooth for even longer.
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