The Ins and Outs of Injectables

The health and beauty industry is always bursting at the seams with new products, and it can be hard for consumers to keep them straight. What’s the difference between Botox and Juvederm? If I want to make my lips full, what’s the best product? These questions and many more are ones that we receive at our office on a daily basis. We thought it would be a perfect opportunity to offer a quick FAQ on some of the injectable products we offer and what they do!

Botox: Botox is a purified protein that blocks the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscle. This effectively “paralyzes” the muscle, smoothing out the wrinkles. The result is a refreshed appearance that can take years off of your face. This is a great option for someone who is unsure about a permanent facial surgery, as it lasts roughly four months and results in only slight discomfort.

Juvederm: Juvederm uses hyaluronic acid (HLA) to correct facial wrinkles and folds. While that may sound scary, HLA is found in the body. This dermal filler improves the look and feel of your face as the HLA retains water underneath the skin’s surface, providing volume in the face. There is little to no recovery time and the results typically last for 9-12 months.

Radiesse: Radiesse is a calcium-based wrinkle filler that is injected into the skin and works with your body to stimulate your own natural collagen production. This process means that you will continue to see improved results in the months following your treatment. Like Botox and Juvederm, the side effects are minor, and there is virtually no down-time. Results can last up to a year or more.

For a full list of injectables and what they offer – check out our site. Dr. Ali is happy to help you determine which is best for you! Contact us today for a consultation!

Can You Go Out In The Sun After a Chemical Peel?

If you are unhappy with facial blemishes, wrinkles or uneven skin pigmentation, a chemical peel may be the perfect solution for improving the texture of your facial skin. When a patient undergoes a chemical peel, a chemical solution is applied to the face and works to remove the sun-damaged outer layers of the skin. Chemical peels promote the regeneration of new and healthy layers.

Every chemical peel procedure is different and depends on the patient’s unique condition and desired results. Some chemical solutions contain a much higher concentration of chemicals than others and will result in a deeper peel.

Whether you have a low concentration chemical peel or a high concentration chemical peel, it is extremely important that you avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Following a procedure of this kind, you may have some stinging, redness, and irritation. Don’t forget that your skin is in a delicate state; the outer layers have been removed and this leaves you at risk for a serious sunburn. In addition to actually burning, direct sun can often result in an undesirable pigmentation of the treated skin. You may be instructed to avoid sun tanning or intentional sun exposure for a few days or even a few months following your procedure, so that your skin has time to regenerate.

Your qualified aesthetician should always provide you with specific instruction for aftercare, regardless of what type of procedure is performed. If you are interested in having a chemical peel, only trust a skilled specialist with extensive training. To find out which type of chemical peel is right for you, contact Amae Plastic Surgery Center.

What Is A Liquid Face Lift?

A liquid face lift is a highly successful non-surgical alternative to plastic surgery. Liquid face lift procedures typically involve a series of facial filler injections into various “problem” areas of the face.

In the past decade, we have seen an explosion in the popularity of non-surgical procedures, which has resulted in several new FDA-approved products being introduced.

Facial filler products include but are not limited to: BOTOX®, XEOMIN®, Juvederm®, Restylane®, BELOTERO BALANCE ®, Dysport®, Sculptra®, and RADIESSE®. These injections, often used in conjunction with each other, provide lifting, plumping, smoothing and re-contouring.

The benefits of a liquid face lift include, but are not limited to:

  • A non-invasive rejuvenation of the face
  • Very fast, sometimes immediate results
  • Short procedure times (many procedures take only 20-30 minutes)
  • Little recovery time (many patients return to work the same day)

Patients may experience some tenderness or redness surrounding the injection sites, but side effects such as infection or allergic reaction are very rare.

While with most products, results can be seen immediately, they are not permanent like a surgical facelift. A liquid face lift will only improve the look of aging for six months to a year, depending on the product(s) used. Liquid face lifts require touch-up procedures over time to maintain the patient’s desired appearance.

Patients seeking more permanent results which will change the elements of the face may instead consider a surgical procedure such as a facelift, brow lift or eye lift.

We strongly advise anyone looking to have a liquid face lift of any kind to schedule a professional consultation with a plastic surgeon that is board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Although liquid face lifts are non-surgical procedures, patients often see the best results when selecting a skilled specialist with extensive training surrounding facial aesthetics. Every product is different, as is every patient. Only a board-certified plastic surgeon can determine which procedure and product is best for you.

If you are considering injectables, fillers or a liquid facelift, contact Amae Plastic Surgery Center today.