by Moshe Ephrat, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Botox:
Trust your AFP surgeon with relaxing and softening the lines of your face using botulinum toxin. This is a chemical that is used in very small quantities to temporarily weaken the muscles around the eye and forehead. A tiny needle is used with minimal discomfort. Typically, there is no anesthesia needed and the procedure is completed in minutes. You are then able to return to your normal daily activities. Botulinum toxin is commercially available as Botox Cosmetic, Xeomin and Dysport. Your AFP surgeon will determine which product is best for you.
Fillers:
As we age, we lose volume within our faces. This, in turn adds to the appearance of aging. Today, we have a variety of facial dermal fillers to help correct this. Some of these include Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane, Perlane and Sculptra. All are safe and effective products that can be used in combination or by themselves to add volume, reduce facial lines and give an overall refreshed and youthful appearance.
Juvederm, Perlane and Restylane are a few of the hyaluronic acids that are commonly used for lip enhancement, correction of nasolabial folds (smile lines) and adding facial volume. Radiesse is a thicker dermal filler, made of calcium hydroxylapatite, that may last as long as one year. Sculptra, poly-L-lactic acid, is an injectable that stimulates your body’s own collagen to grow, resulting in a gradual and natural looking improvement. Often, this involves three treatment sessions over a few months that can give long lasting effects over two years.