Good results can usually be achieved with Facial Rejuvenation

In this era of direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical company advertising and promotion, this is not so surprising. The current preoccupation with anti-aging formulas and cosmetic surgery has propelled the popularity of these two bio-chemicals. Riding on the heels of Botox for cosmetic use, hyaluronic acid, such as Restylane and Juvederm, has allowed doctors and other healthcare practitioners to administer significantly rejuvenating treatments for an affordable price and "over lunch."

What these dermal fillers are is not as commonly known as what they do. They are composed of hyaluronic acid which is a substance that is part of the extracellular matrix of the skin. It is part amino-acid and part sugar and acts as a filling/cushioning material between cells. An interesting feature of it is that it binds to water molecules and swells to a much larger volume that the actual material itself occupies. Thus it forms a gel. Naturally occurring hyaluronic acid, if injected into your skin, is quickly broken down and goes away. Restylane and Juvederm differ in that they are "cross-linked" to increase their stability. This means that a gel of some hardness is formed that can last for months at a time.

A subtle difference between these two dermal fillers is that Juvederm is composed of different size fragments of cross-linked hyaluronic acid while Restylane is said to be composed of more uniformly sized fragments. The different-sized particles may lead to increased smoothness of injection.

Both substances are injected mainly into the lips and nasolabial folds (the smile lines between the corner of the mouth and the nose). Lips can be increased in fullness, pouting, or get increased definition of the edges. Facial depressions that cause shadow-lines, such as the nasolabial folds are also good targets for these fillers. Other target areas included deep lines in the corners of the mouth and deep frown furrows.

Generally, these fillers are injected using a fine needle and syringe. Discomfort is minimized by using topical anesthetic, but dental anesthetic injections may be necessary to adequately numb the lips, which are very sensitive.

Good results can usually be achieved with 1-2 syringes. Hyaluronic acid dermal filler generally last 6-8 months, but less in the lips. Initially, the material may feel a little hard and lumpy under the skin, but this smooths out with time and massage, if needed. The most common side effect is bruising. People taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medications that thin the blood should expect to have siginificantly more bruising. Hyaluronic acid injection is not a cure-all for wrinkles. Very deep, creased wrinkles can be smoothed out so that there is no appearance of shadow in wrinkle, but the actual crease in the skin may persist. Even so, it is possible to look 5-10 years younger with a syringe or two.