The Rise of Botox

With popular celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jenny McCarthy, and Kelly Rippa admitting to the occasional injection, “Botox” is officially no longer a dirty word.

Just like anti-aging creams and serums, Botox and Restylane injections are frequently being used to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet, laugh lines and sagging skin on the face. If you have facial imperfections that make you insecure or uncomfortable, you’ve probably already considered non-surgical ways to enhance your appearance. However, have you considered that different cosmetic procedures are used to address different imperfections?

Botox^® is pretty much a household name by now, but there are other wrinkle-correcting procedures like Restylane. Restylane is an FDA-approved injectable gel used in cosmetic procedures.

So which one do you use?

The real question comes down to what you are looking to correct.

For minor wrinkles: Our doctors recommend Botox Cosmetics for the correction of facial features like crow’s feet, worry lines, and laugh lines. Botox is injected into the muscle of your problem area and temporarily stops muscle movement. Since it’s temporary, Botox injections should be administered every 3- 6 months.

For major wrinkles/sagging: Restylane should be used when you are looking to correct severe facial wrinkles and folds, like the lines from your nose to the corner of your mouth. Restylane can also be used for lip augmentation. Instead of being injected into the muscle like Botox, Restylane is instead injected just beneath the skin’s surface. There, it attracts water molecules to help maintain volume and diminish major wrinkles and folds. Restylane lasts for up to 6 months before another injection is needed.

Are you ready to make a decision?

Depending on what you are looking to change about your appearance, you should know what treatment is right for you. If you’re still confused or are looking for a more comprehensive answer, your maxillofacial surgeon will have all the answers for you. Sometimes a combination of the two cosmetic treatments works best for patients.

If you’re looking to dramatically enhance your appearance without surgery, an in-office consultation with our doctors here at Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can provide you with the best options for you based on your objectives, health, and age. Contact us at one of our offices to schedule yours: Hackensack: 201.343.8297; Westwood: 201.664.5656; or Ridgewood: 201.444.4137.