BOTOX®
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a simple, nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment that can temporarily smooth moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people from 18 to 65 years of age. It is the only treatment of its type approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
One 10-minute treatment—a few tiny injections—and within days there's a noticeable improvement in moderate to severe frown lines between the brows, crows-feet, which can last up to 4 months. Results may vary.
How it works
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines between the brows that form over time. When injected intramuscularly at therapeutic doses, it produces partial chemical denervation of the muscle resulting in a localized reduction in muscle activity.
Dysport
Dysport is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient abobotulinumtoxinA, which is a form of botulinum toxin type A. It is used to temporarily reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, particularly frown lines between the eyebrows, by blocking nerve signals to the muscles, resulting in muscle relaxation.
Dysport is also utilized for certain medical conditions, such as cervical dystonia and spasticity. The effects typically last for a few months and the treatment is administered via injection by a qualified healthcare professional.
How does it compare to BOTOX?
Both products work in a comparable manner, but there are subtle differences: Dysport typically has a faster onset of action and can diffuse more, making it suitable for larger treatment areas, while BOTOX is often preferred for more precise applications. The choice between the two may depend on specific treatment goals and individual response, but both are effective for reducing fine lines and achieving a smoother complexion.
JUVÉDERM®
As we age, our skin changes. Over time, the natural volume of youthful skin begins to diminish as wrinkles and folds form. But, with JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel, you don't have to just sit back and let it happen!
JUVÉDERM® is a smooth consistency gel made of hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance in your skin) that helps to add volume and hydration. JUVÉDERM provides a smooth, natural look and feel so everyone will notice, but no one will know! In fact, studies show superior results of JUVÉDERM compared to a collagen-based dermal filler.
The Procedure
Dr. Novoa will inject JUVÉDERM Injectable Gel under the skin to instantly restore your skin's volume and smooth away facial wrinkles and folds, such as your "smile lines" or "nasolabial folds" (the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth).
Microneedling
Microneedling with PRP is a cosmetic treatment that stimulates collagen production by rolling fine needles over the skin and applying platelets, which are one of the components of blood.
The addition of PRP from the blood may make microneedling more effective. The liquid in blood is plasma, while platelets are solid. Platelets help blood clot, so they are vital for healing wounds and injuries. PRP is plasma in which the concentration of platelets is higher than that of other components of the blood.
A blood sample will be taken from the patient and the blood will be spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRP from the rest of the blood.
PRP contains proteins, including growth factors and cytokines. These proteins help skin tissue repair itself.
Dr. Novoa will begin the procedure by using a microneedling tool to prick the skin, making tiny holes in the skin's surface. He will then apply PRP to these tiny holes to encourage collagen production and cell reproduction.
Benefits
People may consider having microneedling with PRP if they want to treat certain marks or blemishes on the body or face for cosmetic reasons. Practitioners may use microneedling with PRP to treat:
- acne scars
- surgical scars
- wrinkles and fine lines
- hyperpigmentation
- sun damage
- large pores
- uneven skin texture
The addition of PRP to microneedling may speed up the healing process and stimulate skin renewal, potentially producing better results than microneedling alone. In a trial of 50 people with acne scars, microneedling with distilled water led to a 45.84% improvement of acne scars. Microneedling with PRP improved acne scars by 62.20%. None of the participants reported any lasting side effects from the treatment.
According to a 2019 review of PRP microneedling for acne scars, various studies showed that the addition of PRP to microneedling:
- improved acne scarring
- provided higher patient satisfaction
- decreased the amount of downtime that people needed after the procedure
Some people may need repeat treatments to see results from microneedling with PRP. Larger scars or burns may take longer to respond to treatment. If people are receiving PRP microneedling treatment for signs of aging skin, they may wish to have repeat treatments. Micro needling with PRP can also take a few weeks to show results, as the body takes time to produce collagen. As a result, people can expect to keep seeing improvements in their skin in the weeks following their treatment.
People with acne scars may notice a gradual improvement in the skin in less than 9 months. People usually respond well to microneedling treatments and require only minimal recovery time.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, microneedling "is safe for all skin colors."
Sculptra
Sculptra is a biostimulatory dermal filler made primarily of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which helps stimulate collagen production in the skin. It is used to treat facial wrinkles and volume loss, providing a gradual and natural-looking enhancement over a series of treatment sessions.
Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra works over time, encouraging the body's collagen to rebuild itself, which can lead to longer-lasting results that can last up to two years or more.
When will I see results?
On average, you will have 2 to 3 treatment sessions over the course of a few months, spaced at least 3 to 4 weeks apart. The number of injections at each session will vary based on the treatment plan.
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC
As you age, the cheeks may flatten and the skin may begin to sag. This is caused by natural loss of volume in the cheek area, or what the experts call age-related midface volume loss. JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC adds volume beneath the skin's surface, which provides lift and contour to the cheek area.
It is also designed for deep injection for augmentation of the chin region to improve the chin profile. Adding volume to the chin area creates shape and definition for adults over 21 years of age.
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC provides natural-looking and long-lasting results that last up to 2 years with optimal treatment.
How does it work?
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC injectable gel is designed to temporarily reverse these signs of aging. It is a gel that is injected into the face area to lift the skin. It temporarily adds volume to the area and results in a smoother contour and more youthful appearance to the face. The addition of lidocaine helps to improve the comfort of the injection by reducing sensitivity to pain.