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Options for Smoothing Facial Wrinkles

By Christine Harrell
Aug 10, 2009
Cosmetic surgeons have a number of treatment options to erase lines and wrinkles in our faces. Two common techniques are the use of dermal fillers and the injection of Botox. Philadelphia residents looking for wrinkle treatments will find the better therapy depends on the type of wrinkles.

Filling In the Space

We know that our bodies change as we age. Some of these changes are obvious while others are subtler. Our bodies constantly replace tissues and as those replacement mechanisms break down we can experience problems. In the case of wrinkles, the layer under the skin starts to thin as the body's ability to grow new dermal tissue slows down. As this layer thins out, the skin sags and forms visible wrinkles.

Cosmetic surgeons can inject materials called dermal fillers under our skin to full up these gaps. Brands such as Juvederm, Radiesse and Restylane provide safe, low impact treatment for wrinkles. Results are immediate and last several months. Changes are subtle and people often won't realize you've had a cosmetic procedure, instead thinking you are simply better rested.

Relaxing the Muscles

A different reason for wrinkles has to do with our muscles. Over time, the small muscles in our face become tighter. They reach a point where they remain flexed slightly, leaving permanent wrinkles particularly between our eyebrows.

Botox was originally developed for therapeutic reasons. The chemical was discovered to relax muscles in spasm and Botox is used today to treat conditions ranging from crossed eyes, a condition called strabismus, to more serious problems such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease. Cosmetic surgeons use it to relax the facial muscles and erase the frown lines they create.

Some people are concerned about the safety of Botox, having heard it is made of botulism toxin. Although Botox is derived from the bacteria, it is no more like botulism than an injection of penicillin is like eating moldy bread.

Which Treatment Is Right For You?

Although the average person might think that wrinkles are all the same, a plastic surgeon in Philadelphia knows that different types of wrinkles benefit from different treatments. The best therapy will depend on the cause of the change in your appearance.

After an examination of the patient, the doctor will determine the cause of the wrinkles and determine the right treatment. Wrinkles between the eyebrows are generally caused by tight muscles so would benefit from Botox. Lines around the mouth, such as the nasolabial folds that run from our noses to the corners of our mouths, are typically caused by thinning tissues so would benefit from Botox. Some patients have both problems so would benefit from a combined therapy involving both Botox and fillers.

Regardless of the treatment sought out by residents of Philadelphia, Botox and dermal fillers are both safe and effective treatments for facial wrinkles.
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