Even before the economic down turn more and more female consumers and some men started turning to facial contouring or “Liquid Facelifts” to ease the signs of aging. With so many products on the market today, it is becoming increasingly easier to hold off undergoing facial plastic surgery.

Now, with our pocket books stretched a little more than last year or the year before- we can still look rested and youthful through different dermal fillers and Botox. The key is going to the right doctor or doctors who have experience with the different fillers and know how to inject, where to inject and how much to inject.
Recently , I have seen some very scary faces; women who have either had too much filler or exaggerated facial implants. They look freakish or too puffy. It is so important to do your research and know who your injector is. In my experience, not all doctors are the best injectors. Not all dermatologists or plastic surgeons are good injectors. Trained aesthetic nurses are often the best injectors of Botox and dermal fillers. Some manufacturers i.e. Bioform use an aesthetic RN as their trainer for Radiesse. Yet on the other hand, if you are debating on certain types of fillers that are longer lasting, you may decide to visit a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. The same is true for lip augmentation. There are some derms and plastic surgeons that have an excellent reputation for sculpting the lips. And if you are looking for a liquid facelift, with the combination of several fillers and Botox do your research. You may have to go to more than office- but the results will be worth the trips.
Sound confusing… ??? Well, it can be.

Here is a list of fillers and what they do, as well as how you can use them together.

1. Radiesse and Sculptra are great for the cheek and nasolabial area ( the lines that run from the side of your nose down your cheek area).

Radiesse is more of a semi-permanent filler and will last 1 year or more. Sculptra helps to grow your own collagen and you will not see the results for a few months. Sculptra may last up to 2 years or more. Radiesse and Sculptra are more contouring filler products.

As we age our cheeks loose collagen and sometimes look flattened. Both fillers will plump them up. I think less is more and caution against too much at first. You can always go back for more. Try 1 syringe first of Radiesse, then if you need more go back for more. Scupltra tends to be more expensive because you need more and it is recommended that you come back for several treatments. Radiesse has also been used for non-surgical nose and chin augmentation.
Radiesse costs around $600-$650 per syringe and Sculptra may cost around $1100 for the inital treatment.

I would caution against using Radiesse under the eyes to fill in the eye hollow. (Restylane is better). There will be little bruising, if you have a good injector. Both Radiesse and Sculptra are a little tricker to inject than other dermal fillers. I would definitely do my due diligence before booking your appointment. Ask how long the doctor or nurse has been using them, and why they prefer one over the other.Oh and don’t get spoked by all the wierd stories you read online. Just do your homework. Also realize that anytime you inject any filler, you could have a reaction. If you are planning a special event have the fillers injected at least 3 weeks before. http://www.radiesse.com, http://www.sculptra.com

2. Juvederm, Resytlane, and Restylane Lift are injectables with hyaluronic acid and are also dermal fillers. They are fillers for deep wrinkles in the nasiolabel folds, the corners of the mouth, and lips. Juvederm comes in different thicknesses to be used for deeper lines if needed. Perlane is a thicker version of Restylane and used for the same purpose. The difference is more subjective and some doctors prefer one over another. The consistencies are different and they also feel different once injected. Juvederm hurts less than Perlane, Perlane may last longer than Juvederm. Juvederm can also be used under the eye area to fill in that hollow look which comes with aging. This area is thin and takes a skilled injector. If you use it for the cheek area- it won’t last long. Personally, I think that hyaluronic acids are not as good for this area. You need quite a bit and it does not last long. Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane last anywhere from 4- 6 month or more. Some people “eat” it up quicker, their bodies absorb it faster. Syringes of these dermal fillers range from $325.00 – $625.00 per syringe.  Allergan and Medicus sometimes run coupon specials. Check their websites http://www.juvederm.com http://www.RestylaneUSA.com

All of the above fillers are FDA approved- however, physicians are using them in different areas of the face as off-label. This means that the FDA has only approved them for a certain area of use on the face. NOT TO WORRY!! This is done all the time – hence the Liquid Facelift.

4. Botox– We should all know by now the many uses of Botox. Best for the frown lines and crows feet. It can also be injected into the bunny lines on the bridge of your nose, which prevents that squishy look. It works great above lips- to soften the vertical lines that are formed when you purse your lips. It can also be injected in the chin area to help the down turning of your mouth and sad expression. Again, as in all injectables go to a reputable injector, otherwise you could have a funny look or droopy eyes which happens occasionally. I recently heard that a woman had to have an eye lift because she got droopy eyes from Botox. Droopy eyes corrects itself. I think this woman just wanted an eye-lift and to keep it on the QT. 🙂 Botox last about 3 months or more. Dysport, which I have blogged about before, it is not available yet. It should available by July 09. The verdict is still out on whether Dysport will be better than Botox- cost less, and last longer. Stay tuned…

Using the above combos could give you a liquid face-lift. Cost less than surgery- yet is high maintenance Botox for the frown lines between your eyebrows / forehead, maybe a little for your crows feet and if you have vertical lip lines a pinch there too. Don’t worry you will NOT drool!!  Juvederm, Evolence or Restylane for the nasolabial folds and marionette lines ( sides of the mouth) and your lips. Lips are best with Juvederm. Never Radiesse. Radiesse or Scupltra for the cheek area. That should do it to refresh your looks. Costs vary and touch ups usually are necessary.