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BOTOX® Cosmetic AND now DYSPORT® are two forms of botulinum toxin type A. These products have a long safe history when used for wrinkle reduction and cosmetic uses. These compounds are injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead, neck and mouth to smooth crow's feet, frown and worry lines, and lines on the neck. Made from a purified protein, BOTOX® and DYSPORT® injections block nerve impulses, weakening muscles to relax wrinkles and give the face a rejuvenated look. Injections usually last around 3 months. Some studies have suggested that DYSPORT® may last longer.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in the second layer of skin (the dermis) which "plumps up" the skin, joints, bones and ligaments. Injections counteract the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement by filling out sunken areas and smoothing lines for a rejuvenated look. Results may begin to fade in a few months, depending on the patient's age, genetic background, skin quality, lifestyle and body site. Because of this, and because injections cannot improve severe wrinkles or deep folds, the procedure is often combined with facial resurfacing or plastic surgery for more a satisfying and longer-lasting outcome.
 Restylane® and now Perlane® and Juvederm® are designed to smooth wrinkles, sculpt lips and shape facial contours. These fillers are clear gels composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is found throughout your body. The most common areas for treatment are the lips, the nasolabial folds (from the root of the nose to the angle of your mouth) and the cheeks. With their unique ability to bind with water, these fillers can provide lasting improvement and a smooth, natural appearance for up to 6-9 months.
Formerly known as Radience, Radiesse™ is a synthetic injectable filler that reduces wrinkles, creases and scars by augmenting the body's natural collagen supply. Composed of microspheres in a biocompatible gel, Radiesse is made from the same minerals found in our bones, so it carries no risk of allergic reaction (unlike collagen, which requires a skin test) – just one of its advantages over alternative treatments. Radiesse can be used on many areas of the body, but the most effective areas treated are the lips, nasolabial folds, laugh lines and around the mouth. Radiesse can also be used to replace lost volume in the cheeks or chin where time and natural aging has left a hollowed or sunken appearance. By filling these areas we are able to instantly rejuvenate the face in a single visit. Results are visible immediately after the injection and can last for 9-18 months, although the procedure can be repeated as often as you wish.
With all of these fillers, treatments typically take 15-20 minutes and require only local anesthetic. Side effects such as swelling or bruising are minimal and should fade within a few days.
 Sculptra™ is a new injectable product used to counteract the loss of fat beneath the skin, a condition called lipoatrophy. Sculptra is injected into the deep dermis layer of the skin to improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, indentations and wrinkles. There is no need for allergy testing, since Sculptra's main component is an
poly-L-lactic
acid that has been used for 20 years in surgical products such as dissolvable sutures. Clinical trials have shown that the benefits of Sculptra treatments last up to two years.
Filling in lines or larger areas such as the cheeks, can also be done using your bodies own fat. Fat is gently removed from areas such as the abdomen using our tumescent liposuction technique. Fat is then injected into the skin to fill the unwanted lines or cheek hollows. Typically, 3 treatments are done a few months apart to achieve lasting correction for several years. After each treatment, there may be some mild swelling or bruising that lasts less than 1 week.
Sclerotherapy is the standard treatment for varicose and spider veins. The procedure involves injecting a saline solution through a tiny needle into the vein, which then collapses and is absorbed by the body. Treatments involve one or more injections during one or more sessions, depending on the type, number and severity of the veins being treated. By the end of the treatment program, the veins are no longer visible on the skin surface. Sclerotherapy usually also relieves symptoms associated with enlarged veins and prevents further complications.
On average, one to three sessions are required, spaced four to six weeks apart. After each session, patients may have to wear bandages or support hose for a few days or weeks and are encouraged to walk or exercise to speed recovery. The procedure is outpatient. Bruising and swelling (if present) should fade within a week or two. Sclerotherapy rarely produces more severe side effects such as scarring, although it cannot prevent the recurrence of vascular lesions.
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