When patients are dissatisfied with their appearance due to premature signs of aging, the most common complaint is the appearance of wrinkles or deep creases on the face. At his plastic surgery practice, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments to revitalize a patient’s facial features and bring back a more youthful appearance. Although cosmetic surgery is always an option, many patients with fine lines, wrinkles, or even deep creases can be adequately treated with cosmetic injections. For our Manhattan patients, injectables are a non-invasive method for lifting and smoothing the skin to eliminate almost any degree of lines, creases, or facial folds. For these patients, the question will become, “Which type of injectable is right for me?” Dr. Greenberg can help patients explore the differences between BOTOX®Cosmetic and dermal fillers to determine the most appropriate treatment for their situation.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
As one of the most popular cosmetic injections, BOTOX® Cosmetic has helped many patients eliminate signs of wrinkles on the face, particularly those around the eyes and forehead. Unlike dermal fillers which plump and fill the area beneath the skin, BOTOX® Cosmetic directly targets the muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. Using a series of small injections, Dr. Greenberg injects BOTOX® Cosmetic into the muscles that are causing the wrinkles and creases. BOTOX® Cosmetic minimizes the movement of these muscles so that they relax and give the skin a smoother and softer appearance. A typical BOTOX® treatment lasts about 10 minutes and results in minimal discomfort. Most describe the injections as feeling like a small pinprick. The results of treatment will become gradually apparent, with most patients noticing a drastic difference within a few days of treatment. While treatment will need to be repeated, patients can expect the results of BOTOX® Cosmetic to last for around four months.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are cosmetic injections that eliminate lines, creases, and wrinkles by filling out the area beneath the skin. While these injections do not target the muscles as BOTOX® Cosmetic does, they can effectively smooth the skin and can also be used to plump and sculpt certain facial features. While there are many dermal fillers to consider, most are comprised of materials that are naturally found in the body. This makes many dermal fillers a safe option for patients who may have allergies. The average dermal filler treatment ranges from 15 to 30 minutes and offers patients results that last anywhere from six months to a year. Dermal fillers offer effective treatment for deep lines and wrinkles such as frown lines and the “marionette lines” that may appear between the nose and mouth. Dermal fillers can also plump a patient’s lips or cheeks, to restore volume to these areas.
Which Is Right for Me?
Based on the area of the face that is being treated, the degree of wrinkles or creases that are present, and the desired outcome, Dr. Greenberg can give his professional opinion on whether a patient will be better suited to BOTOX® treatment or dermal fillers. However, in most cases, it will simply come down to personal preference and which injection the patient feels comfortable with and how often they wish to repeat treatment. Both BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers are safe and non-invasive treatments that can effectively refresh a patient’s appearance.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’d like to learn more about how BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal fillers can help you address facial imperfections, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg at your earliest convenience. Dr. Greenberg can answer any questions you may have and provide further details on these effective cosmetic procedures. We look forward to hearing from you!