Fat Transfer, Collagen and BOTOX® injections are procedures used in improvement of the facial features and relaxation of the fine facial lines and wrinkles.
As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement, such as smiling, chewing and squinting. The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow's feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.
Soft-tissue fillers, most commonly injectable collagen or fat, can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a Laser Treatment, or a re-contouring procedure, such as a Facelift.
The Consultation
Facial rejuvenation is very individualized. During your initial consultation, the Surgeon will evaluate your face - the skin, the muscles and the underlying bone - and discuss your objectives for the surgery. The Doctor will help you select a treatment option based on your goals and concerns, your anatomy and your lifestyle.
As a rule of thumb, insurance does generally not cover cosmetic procedures. If your injectable treatment is being performed to treat a scar or indentation from an injury, however, you may be reimbursed for a portion of the cost. You should check with your insurance carrier to be sure if the procedure is covered or not.
The Surgery
Treatment with Collagen can begin after a skin test determines that you are not allergic to the substance. The Collagen is injected using a fine needle inserted at several points along the edge of the treatment site. If a local anesthesia has not been used, you may feel some minor stinging or burning as the injections are administered.
A Fat Transfer procedure involves extracting fat cells from the patient's abdomen, thighs, buttocks or elsewhere and re-injecting them beneath the facial skin. Fat is most often used to fill in "sunken" cheeks or laugh lines between the nose and mouth, to correct skin depressions or indentations, to minimize forehead wrinkles and to enhance the lips.
After the Surgery
Immediately following treatment, you may notice some minor discomfort, stinging or throbbing in the injected area. Occasionally some bruising or swelling will occur, but it is usually minor. Any redness that appears in the injected site usually disappears within 24 hours.
No bandaging is needed and you are free to eat, drink, and wear makeup with sunblock protection shortly after the procedure is completed. There may be some temporary swelling and redness in the treated area(s), which should disappear within a few days.
The New Me
The duration of results from Collagen and Fat Injections varies significantly from patient to patient. The longevity depends on the patient's lifestyle and physical characteristics, as well as the part of the body treated. Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their injectable treatments, and can begin to enjoy their New Image immediately. |
