The Anti-Aging Advisor

Poking Your Way to Younger Looking Skin

Treating aging skin with injectibles has become a fairly common solution, but one that still requires the skills of a professional dermatologist.

Botox

This is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A, the agent in botulism food poisoning. The biological effect in food poisoning blocks nerve impulses transmitted from brain to muscle. In cosmetic applications, tiny portions of the purified toxin are injected into targeted facial muscles. The nerve blockage causes a local immobilization of muscle movement that prevents crinkling and wrinkle lines from forming when the patient frowns or squints.

Targeted areas include frown lines between the eyebrows and the bridge of the nose, crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes, forehead creases and thick bands on the neck. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and can last from three to six months.

Juvederm

Juvederm is an injectible filler used to soften deep folds and reduce wrinkles. It is largely hyaluronic acid, normally found in skin, muscles and tendons of mammals. Common uses are to remove nasolabial folds (smile lines) and to augment lips and fill in hollow places and facial scars. Within six to nine months, the hyaluronic acid is absorbed by the body and re-treatment is necessary.

Restylane

The trade name of a product similar to Juvederm is Restylane. Content and applications are the same.