Ivy Family Health Updates

 
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In this segment Dr. John Martin will be discussing the use of Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and other cosmetic fillers with his sister Dr. Kathryn Martin, and his brother Dr. Edward Martin.

Many people are confused about the difference between Botox and Restylane. They are very different cosmetic products, with very different indications.

Botox is a paralytic agent, and is used to paralyze specific muscles on the face. By paralyzing the muscles, the wrinkles in this area will soften, and often disappear with time. The areas where Botox works well are the forehead lines, the glabella folds (the vertical lines in between the brows) and the crow’s feet. The injection is done in the muscles around the wrinkles, and after about 2 to 5 days the muscles become paralyzed, and the area will appear smoother. The effect usually lasts for about 3 to 4 months, at which time the treatment is repeated.

Because Botox causes a paralysis of the muscles, it can not be used for the nasolabial folds, and is not the first treatment of choice for the creases around the mouth.

Restylane is one of many cosmetic fillers on the market right now. Other fillers include Perlane, Juvederm, Cosmoplast, Sculptra, and Radiesse. As we age there is often a loss of volume in the face due to fat atrophy. This creates a sunken appearance to the cheeks, and deeper lines and wrinkles. The fillers are placed under the skin to fill in the lines and wrinkles. These work the best on the lines around the mouth, such as the nasolabial folds, and can be used to plump up the lips. The fillers help to rejuvenate the appearance of the face by smoothing out the lines and winkles, and restoring volume to the face. Most of the fillers last for several months to up to a year, at which time the injections can be repeated.

Many patients will frequently use a combination of Botox and a filler to obtain both an upper and lower face rejuvenation.