Approximately 90% of the fine lines and wrinkles we experience with age are the result of long term exposure to sunlight, and the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, otherwise known as photoaging. It is accompanied by the natural decrease in the production of skin oils and thinning, and a loss of elasticity of the skin. These more superficial changes are usually accompanied by a loss of tissue beneath the skin, most particularly fat. As one matures the face begins to lose its youthful fullness and we find the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are two types of facial lines and wrinkles. The first, dynamic wrinkles, form when muscles contract. The second, static wrinkles, are lines or depressions that exist even when there is no muscle action or pull on the skin. Typically, Botox® treats dynamic wrinkles, whereas dermal fillers, or Juvederm™, treats static wrinkles. Depending on the type wrinkles you experience, you may be a candidate for Botox® Cosmetic alone, or Botox® Cosmetic together with Juvederm™.
About Botox® Cosmetic
Since its FDA approval in 2002, Botox® Cosmetic has become one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures. We are all searching for the “fountain of youth”, but the lure of cosmetic surgery has become dull compared to the lure of non-surgical procedures. This is because these non-surgical produce cosmetic results that can help delay the need for actual cosmetic surgery. Botox® is the choice of patients who wish to “turn back the hands of time” without immediately choosing surgery.
Botox® Cosmetic is a highly purified injectable protein. It is derived from the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. Botox® is approved as safe and effective for people 18-65, and should only be injected by a physician. By injecting very small quantities of the protein into the “dynamic wrinkles”, Botox® Injections reduce the activity of the muscles and their ability to “pull” on the overlying skin and create wrinkles and furrows.
Botox® Cosmetic treats two main problem areas. The first site is the furrows between your eyebrows, or the “worry” wrinkles that appear across your forehead. The second are the crow’s feet wrinkles at the lateral corners of your eyes.
The Botox® treatment consists of placing a number of tiny injections into the facial areas of concern to you. Within several days, the effect will begin to be noticeable. Within a week, you will experience the full effect. Typically the effect of Botox® Cosmetic lasts up to 4 months at which time it is necessary to reinject those areas of concern.
Benefits of Botox® Cosmetic
The are multiple reasons Botox® Cosmetic has achieved such popularity. Botox® is affordable, has little recovery time, and none of the risks associated with cosmetic plastic surgery.
Botox® Cosmetic is a non-invasive procedure and appeals to patients who lead busier lives. Whether involved in the business world, or taking kids to soccer practice, many patients do not have time to recover from a cosmetic procedure. Botox® Injections are administered in 20 minutes and require no recovery time. Since Botox® is non-invasive, it also requires no anesthesia. Even though the effects of Botox® Cosmetic are not permanent, the majority of patients do not mind the need to repeat Botox® Injections every 3-6 months, in order to maintain their desired appearance. Based on the non-invasive nature of Botox® treatment, its high margin of safety, it’s no down time recovery ,and it’s affordability, it is easy to understand why our patients ask for Botox® in ever increasing numbers.
About Dermal Fillers – Juvéderm™
For patients who have deeper fine lines and wrinkles, also called static wrinkles, our physicians recommend a non-surgical cosmetic treatment option called a dermal filler. Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm™ plump up and fill out wrinkles. Juvéderm™ has undergone extensive testing and has received FDA approval in the United States. Juvéderm™ is derived from the substance Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid is a proven biocompatible material. We have used Hyaluronic Acid during cataract surgery for over 25 years due to its high level of compatibility with living tissue. Thus the use of Hyaluronic Acid has proven to be quite safe. Juvéderm™ is injected into the deeper fixed wrinkles anywhere on the face. By “layering’ the injection, our physicians can achieve remarkable results in eliminating wrinkles. The effects of Juvéderm™ may last from 3 to 12 months depending on the area and the amount injected.
About Cosmetic Eyelid Plastic Surgery – Blepharoplasty or Eye lifts
Your eyes are an important aspect of your appearance, and one of the first areas to show signs of aging. For some, this can occur as early as your twenties to early thirties. If your eyes project a lack of energy due to overhanging skin and puffiness, you may appear tired or older. Conversely, if the eyes are more open and relatively free of creases and folds, you will probably seem more rested and youthful. For these reasons, many people are interested in cosmetic eyelid plastic surgery, called blepharoplasty or eye lifts. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper, lower, or both eyelids.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid Blepharoplasty involves the improvement of two characteristics of the aging upper eyelid area. The first condition that can be corrected is the excess skin of the upper eyelid, otherwise known as “hooding of the upper lid”. The second condition that can be corrected is the puffiness seen in the inner corner and middle of the eyelid as a result of herniation (pushing forward) of fat located in these areas above the eye.
You might benefit from eyelid surgery or Blepharoplasty if you have experienced any of the following:
- Your upper eyelids appear hooded
- It’s increasingly difficult to put on eye makeup
- You appear tired even though you had a good night’s sleep
- The puffiness under your eyes that never goes away
- You develop bulges in the corners of your upper eyelids
- You have trouble keeping your eyes open
- Constantly feeling as though your upper eyelids feel heavy
- Your eyes appear to have become smaller
- Your eye makeup smudges very easily
- You’ve lost the fold of your upper eyelid
- Decreased peripheral vision
- You have excess skin and crepe like wrinkles beneath your eyes
- You’ve had baggy eyes for as long as you can remember
To learn more about Cosmetic Facial Procedures at The Eye Center, click the links below:
https://www.eyecarecolorado.com/facial-cosmetic-procedures-denver/
https://www.eyecarecolorado.com/latisse-eyelash-enhancer-denver/
If you, a family member or friend, would like to schedule a consultation for a cosmetic facial procedure, such as Botox or eye lifts, please call The Eye Center at 303-777-5455.