Restylane and Juvederm

Restylane and Juvederm are natural cosmetic dermal fillers that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.  Areas commonly treated with Restylane or Juvederm include most lines and wrinkles of the facial region.

It may be used to enhance the effects of Botox for patients with very deep lines not completely responsive to that Botox.  If the lines are significantly deep or great in number, we may recommend other forms of correction such as Laser Skin Resurfacing.

This dermal filler is made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin.  The hyaluronic acid is a substance which binds and attracts water.  This is the reason that it lasts longer than most other dermal fillers.

Restylane and Juvederm require no pre-testing, but you should take a few precautions before being treated.  Avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen and similar medications, high doses of Vitamin E or garlic supplements prior to treatment, because these may increase bruising at the injection site.  Also, if you have previously suffered form facial cold sores, we may prescribe anti-viral medication prior to treatment. The most commonly noted side effects are temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.  These effects typically resolve within two to three days.

Restylane and Juvederm last twice as long as collagen, so treatments are typically scheduled twice a year.  Evidence shows that having a touch-up treatment before the product is fully dissipated will enhance the lasting effect.

How is Restylane or Juvederm different from Botox and Collagen?

Restylane and Juvederm are natural, cosmetic fillers.  In contrast, Botox is a protein that relaxes and blocks the movement of the underlying muscles.  Many patients have been very pleased after receiving treatments from both products.  Restylane and Juvederm are proven to deliver a longer-lasting effect than traditional collagen, with better precision of correction as they contain no fillers or additives, the effect of which must be guessed at during administration.  With Restylane or Juvederm, “what you see is what you get” so Dr. Morris is able to be as precise as possible.

Do the injections hurt?

Restylane or Juvederm is injected directly into the skin in tiny amounts by an ultra fine needle, which helps to minimize discomfort as much as possible.  Dr. Morris utilizes a topical anesthetic to further help reduce the discomfort of the injection.  Patients report minimal to moderate discomfort, depending on their inherent pain tolerances.  The number of patients we have repeating their treatments attests to the fact that whatever discomfort may be involved, it is worthwhile to achieve the excellent results afforded by Restylane and Juvederm.

Hylaform

Hylaform is also hyaluronic acid, but is derived from an animal source (avian).  Otherwise it is used in the same manner as Restylane or Juvederm.  Advise your doctor if you have bird or poultry allergies.

Deeper Lines and Wrinkles – Surgical Options

For generalized facial lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, CO2 laser skin resurfacing is an excellent option.  The most aggressive of the facial skin improvement procedures discussed so far, it also produces the most dramatic results.