Wrinkles are a by-product of aging that occurs as your skin produces less collagen and elastin fibers that give the skin its tightened appearance. Sun damage and smoking also can accelerate this process. Science has given rise, however to treatments that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Known as fillers, these injectable treatments temporarily improve wrinkles and lines on the face.
Types
Wrinkle fillers are injected into the soft tissue of the face in order to reduce wrinkles. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several fillers for use by a physician. These include collagen, hyaluronic acid gel, calcium hydorxylapatite and poly-l-lactic acid. These fillers offer temporary results because they are eventually absorbed by the body. The FDA has approved polymethylmethacrylate beads, however, which are considered a permanent filler. Botox cosmetic is another injectable used to treat wrinkles.
Function
Wrinkle fillers, such as collagen, are injected into the wrinkle to add volume to the tissue. Instead of filling the wrinkles, however, Botox temporarily paralyzes nerves, signaling the facial muscle to contract. This makes the face appear tighter, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Time Frame
The body takes between three to four months to break down the proteins contained within Botox, according to Dr. Anne Chappas, a dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine and contributor to Good Housekeeping.
Fillers such as hyaluronic acid--sold under brand names Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane--can six months, up to 18 months for Restylane when a smaller injection is given after six months, according to Dr. Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist and founder of the Dermatologic Research Institute and contributor to Good Housekeeping. Collagen treatments last anywhere from three months for brands, such as CosmoDerm and Zyderm, and up to six months for brands, such as Evolence, according to Dr. Chapas. The length of time each lasts depends upon your body and how long the body takes to absorb the treatment.
Considerations
Determining the best wrinkle treatment for you depends upon a number of factors, including cost, desired results, length of effectiveness and skin sensitivity. Botox treatments are recommended where there are areas of muscle, such as on frown lines and crow's feet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fillers are used to treat facial creases, such as smile lines and forehead creases, according to Good Housekeeping.
Warning
Although wrinkle fillers and Botox have been FDA-approved, they still carry some risks that are important to discuss with your physician. Common side effects include redness, headache, itching, nausea and sweating, according to the Mayo Clinic. The injectable materials also can create bumps under the skin if not administered correctly or can spread to other, unintended areas of the skin. If you observe the following symptoms associated with more serious side effects, see your physician immediately: difficulty speaking, seeing or breathing; loss of bladder control; and muscle weakness.
Member Comments