No Easy Choice
The world of nonsurgical wrinkle treatments can be daunting, especially when it comes to injectables. There are simply so many choices—and each of those choices has merits and qualities that set them apart from the competition. It would be easy, after all, if Botox were simply the best solution for every given situation and every other injectable was a pale imitation. But that’s not the case. Rather, choosing an injectable comes down to your personal goals and desires, the construction of your face, and the desired duration of the effect.
It might be helpful then, to break down and examine some of the more popular choices for the Michigan wrinkle treatments we offer at Accents Cosmetic Surgery.
Botox Wins the Popularity Contest
Perfect if: You just want a short term solution to a few pesky wrinkles
We can’t talk about injectables without talking about Botox, even if sometimes we’d like to. The fact of the matter is that Botox has so much cultural cache—people know what it is and what it does (even if they’re not entirely sure how it works). In terms of wrinkle treatments, Botox is pretty unique in that it targets the muscles which cause wrinkles and paralyzes them. Think about how much smoother your forehead is when you’re relaxed as opposed to the wrinkles you get when you’re angry. Botox essentially forces some wrinkles to be relaxed. And, contrary to popular belief, it is only with the most egregiously over-enthusiastic treatments that you will get the “Botox face.” At Accents Cosmetic Surgery, we make sure that you look great and that you also retain the ability to emote.
Now, Botox lasts about three to four months, so if you like your results (visible in only a few days), you’ll need to come back at regular intervals to maintain your look.
Artefill Wins the Endurance Competition
Perfect If: You need a long term solution to some deeply entrenched wrinkles
Belonging to a class of wrinkle treatments known as dermal fillers, Artefill is an injectable that rests beneath the layers of your skin in order to provide a more youthful, smoother look. Think about it like blowing up a balloon—the empty balloon is wrinkles, but the full balloon is nice and smooth. Not only does Artefill provide that filler, however, but it is also formulated to stimulate collagen growth. Collagen is that substance in your skin which gives you that youthful glow. Because of these factors, Artefill is usually administered to those really deepset wrinkles, such as your so-called “smile lines” around your mouth.
But here’s what really sets Artefill apart from the competition: it’s long term. Because Artefill is composed specially designed microspheres, the compound is not absorbed back into your body. Studies have shown that it can remain effective for up to five years after injection.
It’s worth noting that, with such a long duration, you really want to find an Artefill injector who knows what he’s doing. Dr. Berkowitz has been recognized Artefill manufacturer Suneva as a certified trainer in Artefill administration.
Juvederm is the Natural Beauty
Perfect If: You’re looking for medium term, natural looking results
Sometimes, a wrinkle treatment works best when it’s aimed at replacing something you’ve lost over the years. There’s a compound in your skin called hyaluronic acid, and even though it might sound a little aggressive, that’s actually what gives your tissue much of its shine and youthful glow. Juvederm is largely composed of hyaluronic acid and works by replenishing both that compound and volume under the wrinkles. This makes Juvederm one of the most natural-looking wrinkle treatment options.
Juvederm lasts about a year in most cases, so if you really like the results you’ll want to schedule regular maintenance when you notice your results start to wane. As with most wrinkle treatments, those results are almost immediately noticeable and you may quickly return to your day-to-day activities.
Consult for Best Results
This list of wrinkle treatments is, as they say, only the tip of the iceberg. There are more options out there, and most of those options are not mutually exclusive. Therefore, it’s important to consult with Dr. Berkowitz before settling on a path, as Dr. Berkowitz will be able to help guide you to the treatment that best fits your desired results. In any case, wrinkle treatments area wonderful procedure because they provide those results quickly and in a way that is either sustainable through more treatments or easily left behind in favor of another path.
In other words, with injectables, you have options. Contact us today if you’d like some extra help navigating those options.
