rejuvenation injectibles

Botox® Cosmetic

In recent years, Botox injections have proven to be the most popular non-surgical treatment for reducing wrinkles caused by the muscles that contract each time you laugh, smile or frown. Typically, the procedure is used to eliminate fine lines, wrinkles and deeper furrows around the eyes and forehead. Because Botox injections target and relax only the tiny muscles related to facial expressions, untreated muscles are not affected and contract normally. Within a few days after treatment, the overlying skin becomes smooth, creating a relaxed, rested appearance.

Due to the ultra-fine needle and small amount of liquid used, there’s no need for sedation or local anesthetic. Patients may resume normal activities immediately afterward. Injections take just a few minutes and last from three to six months. Side effects are few and temporary, with slight bruising being the most common. Please note that Botox will not improve sagging skin or wrinkles due to aging or sun damage, as they are not related to muscle contractions.

Dr. Chariker also treats patients with Hyperhidrosis, a disorder where the sweat glands are overactive and may affect the hands or feet. This disorder is often managed with Botox, and the procedure may be covered by your insurance.

Juvederm®

Juvederm®, from Allergan, is one of the newest injectable cosmetic fillers on the market. Safe and natural, Juvederm is used to restore volume and fullness to the skin. Usually, it is used to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles such as the nasolabial folds (flanking the nose and mouth).

Juvederm is made of non-animal-based, cross-linked hyaluronic acid, a substance found in the human body. For that reason, allergy testing is not required, so there’s no wait. Besides being convenient, results are instantaneous and enduring, lasting twice as long as traditional collagen (usually 4-6 months).

Autologous Fat Injection

In some cases, it may be preferable to use a patient’s own fat to contour and tighten facial skin or enhance the lips. Known as autologous fat injection, this is a two-step process, often done in conjunction with a liposuction procedure. First, the fat is harvested from another area of the body (usually the abdomen or thighs) and purified before it is injected. Because fat is a bit larger than other filler materials, it is almost always injected more deeply into the skin and may be used over the entire face to reduce or eliminate wrinkles, scars and lines. Also, because the fat is from the patient’s own body, there is no possibility of an allergic reaction.

However, there are some disadvantages, including possible lumping or scarring. Some temporary swelling is to be expected, although recovery time will depend on the extent of the procedure. When larger amounts of fat are injected into the face, swelling may last several days to several weeks. Further, injected fat may not last as long as some other materials. Although most patients will permanently retain some of the injected fat, usually more than half of it is absorbed within six months of the procedure.

Restylane®

Restylane can correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds by instantly adding volume and fullness back to your skin. This injectable gel has been used successfully to treat laugh lines as well as wrinkles in the corners of the mouth, the area between the nose and upper lip, and the area from the corner of the mouth to the jaw line. Restylane users have enjoyed results for up to 18 months.

Composed of a clear gel formulation of hyaluronic acid, Restylane acts like the hyaluronic acid that's already in your body. Since it's biologically compatible with your body, Restylane will break down naturally.

Perlane®

Perlane is part of the Restylane family of products. Like Restylane, Perlane can correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds by instantly adding volume and fullness back to your skin. This injectable gel has been used successfully to treat laugh lines, the corners of the mouth, the area between the nose and upper lip, and the area from the corner of the mouth to the jaw line. After just one treatment, Perlane users have enjoyed results for up to six months.

Perlane acts like the hyaluronic acid that's already in your body because it's composed of a formulation of hyaluronic acid.

What sets Perlane apart is its larger gel particles. This makes Perlane a good choice for wrinkles that require injection deeper into the skin.