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Since the beginning of time people have been concerned about their appearance, particularly with regard to facial wrinkles causing pre-mature aging of the face. These concerns typically revolve around the anatomic changes associated with reduced skin hydration, texture change, solar damage, tissue laxity and longstanding muscular contraction. Some of these changes are pre-determined by your genetic background while others may be related to lifestyle choices, trauma or simply the passage of time. In any case, the Holy Grail of a youthful appearance remains smooth, soft and supple skin. In addition to traditional skin care, Botulinum toxin (Botox), Juviderm, and Restylane are powerful weapons in the battle against facial wrinkles.

When facial muscles contract, the overlying skin may respond with a wrinkle that is perpendicular to the direction of muscle contraction. This action is responsible for the characteristic features of "crows feet", forehead furrows, prominent naso-labial folds, marionette lines, and perioral fissures. Botox is a neuromuscular toxin that causes temporary weakness of muscle. While Botox may be a "weapon of mass destruction" for military purposes, it is a "weapon of dynamic wrinkle reduction" in a much safer dilute form. Botox has been safely used and FDA approved for treating muscle overactivity for decades.

Restylane and Juviderm are clear gels composed of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the skin. The skin naturally maintains its hydration and turgor based, in part, upon the concentration of hyaluronic acid that is replaced several times per day. In the decades between 50-70, the concentration of hyaluronic acid naturally produced in the skin decreases substantially. The loss of natural skin hydration corresponds directly with the formation of characteristic "static" wrinkles seen in the aging face. Restylane and Juviderm are used as skin "fillers" to soften or eliminate undesirable facial wrinkles. Restylane has been used worldwide since 1996 to treat facial wrinkles and was recently FDA approved in the U.S.A. for this purpose.

The introduction of Botox, Juviderm, and Restylane have created a "feeding frenzy" among providers to deal with facial aesthetic issues. While almost anybody with an opposable thumb is capable of injecting these materials, there is NO substitute for a fundamental knowledge of facial anatomy with an aesthetic sense and medical background to appreciate the limits of these techniques. An aesthetic surgeon whose practice is geared toward facial restoration is most likely to help you achieve your goals in an efficient and cost effective manner.

For more specific information regarding Botox and Restylane, please click on the procedure menu above or the links below.

Click here for information from the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Click here for the official Botox site