BOTOX®, Restylane and Radiesse

Ideal Candidates

BOTOX®, Restylane and Radiesse can be used on almost any patient, as they are injectable treatments that help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Any one of these, or a combination of them, may be used to reduce the signs of aging, and may also be used to sculpt the face slightly, or treat scars.

BOTOX® is used to relax the muscles of animation in the face, so that the wrinkles that develop from smiling and frowning or the like are reduced, by eliminating your muscle's ability to make those wrinkles. It is a purified botulism toxin that does not cause a systemic reaction, it's purely localized. BOTOX® is best used for finer lines, particularly those around the eyes and forehead, or around the mouth. BOTOX® itself is a very thin substance, and the needle used is very small, smaller than that used for local anesthesia, so you will experience very little discomfort. BOTOX® essentially relaxes the muscles below the skin, smoothing away the tension that causes wrinkles. We use a topical numbing cream for those patients who request it.

Unlike BOTOX®, Restylane fills in creases caused by wrinkles. The two are often used together, as BOTOX® relaxes the wrinkle and Restylane fills in the crease. Restylane is also frequently used as lip filler. The same size needle is used, but unlike BOTOX®, Restylane may cause more discomfort. Fortunately, this disappears almost immediately.

Radiesse is a thicker filler than Restylane, and so is used in deep tissues, for example to fill out cheekbones, in combination with other products to decrease wrinkles, or fill in scars. It is injected deeper into the skin, so you do experience more discomfort. Because of this, a local anesthetic is generally used when injecting Radiesse. We use it mostly for facial augmentation of the midface, on top of the bone, and it is not palpable (you won't feel it).

How It's Done

The treatment will generally take around fifteen minutes to half an hour, but may take up to an hour if you are receiving a combination treatment. The therapy is injected through a tiny needle at the site of the wrinkle, and results appear immediately.

Most injections do not require any anesthetic. A topical numbing cream can be applied for those worried about discomfort. If Radiesse is being injected to fill out cheekbones, a local anesthetic, like that used by dentists, will be administered.

In our practice, BOTOX®, Restylane, and Radiesse injections are always performed under a physician's guidance, and most oftentimes, by the physician himself. We feel it's important to consult the physician prior to undergoing any treatment so that the best available treatment for you is determined.

Recovery

After receiving BOTOX® injections, you should not lay down for four hours to allow the injection to settle. Results are not immediate; they occur within 48-72 hours. However, you should not experience any swelling. You may notice a slight redness around the injection site for the first two hours. BOTOX® injections are generally repeated every four months. You will know it's time when your wrinkles begin to return. We recommend you make the appointment for the next injection when you have each treatment.

If you have had Restylane injections, you should avoid exercising for 24 hours to ensure proper absorption. As opposed to BOTOX®, Restylane's results are immediate, though there may be some redness for the first few hours. If the injection site is uncomfortable, apply a cold compress. Restylane injections are generally repeated every six months.

Radiesse is the most long-lasting of the injections used. It is generally repeated every 18 months, much less often than BOTOX® or Restylane. Though it's more uncomfortable than the other options, the fact that you'll need fewer repetitions is appealing to many patients. Like Restylane and BOTOX®, some redness will be present for the first few hours. With Radiesse, you may also experience slight swelling around the injection site. A cold compress will help reduce swelling and any discomfort.

Whatever methods are used, injectables are very effective in reducing lines and wrinkles and adding volume to your face. Your physician will review your skin's condition to determine the best treatment for your needs.