Dr. Bonnie Baldwin
Injectables and Fillers
The facial aging process is usually due to at least one of three main causes: changes in bone density, loss of fat or the breakdown of collagen. Anti-aging skincare coupled with injectables can be the key to lessening the signs of aging. While some factors, like bone changes, can’t be prevented, others like fat and collagen loss can be minimized.
Cosmetic surgeons now have a better understanding of what causes facial aging, and are able to address the areas where it appears like nasolabial folds, volume loss and deep facial wrinkles using Botox, hyaluronic acid fillers and even fat.
As with cosmetic surgery, Dr. Baldwin prefers a subtle approach with all injectables. She subscribes to the belief that it is best to not over treat the aging process as this will give an unnatural result.
Botox
Many patients are surprised to learn that Botox is the most studied medication in the world. Doctors began to explore the medical uses for Botulinum Toxin type A as early as the 1950s, and Botox Cosmetic was approved for cosmetic treatment for improving facial frown lines and wrinkles in 2002. It is now a household name.
Botox temporarily, three to four months, blocks nerve receptors on the muscles, which helps prevent lines and wrinkles from forming and soften various signs of aging. Botox is used to address wrinkles in the face – usually frown lines between the eyebrows and wrinkles in the forehead and crow’s feet area.
Before treatment, it is best to stop taking Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen and Motrin for two weeks as these can cause bruising. Dr. Baldwin or her nurse will apply a topical numbing cream to make the treatment more comfortable. Dr. Baldwin asks patients to not exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
Post-procedure you can expect redness which can last for 15 minutes. Botox begins working in two to three days but the full result is not seen for five days.
Hyaluronic Acids – Juvederm, Restylane
Injectable fillers with hyaluronic acid are one of the fastest growing approaches to treating facial aging and established wrinkles. Fillers restore lost volume and can add structure. All injectable fillers carry some risk of temporary bruising.
As a naturally-occurring polysaccharide found in the human body, hyaluronic acid acts as a cushion and lubricant for our joints, nerves, hair, skin and eyes. It’s particularly important to skin appearance because about 50 percent of the body’s supply is located in the skin tissues, where the viscous, jelly-like substance helps keep it plump, soft and supple. Our ability to produce hyaluronic acid declines with age which can lead to increased dryness, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.
Popular fillers like Juvederm and Restylane work like sponges once they’re injected, swelling up with water to create a plumper, youthful look. There is also evidence that hyaluronic acid treatments stimulate your skin’s collagen production. You will enjoy your results for six to nine months before needing to return for another treatment.
Before treatment, it is best to stop taking Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen and Motrin for two weeks as these can cause bruising. Dr. Baldwin or her nurse will apply a topical numbing cream to make the treatment more comfortable. Injectable fillers also have lidocaine in them making the treatment less uncomfortable after the first injection. Dr. Baldwin asks patients to not exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
Post-procedure you can sometimes experience swelling, redness and bruising, which can last from a few hours to up to a week. You’ll be able to see the results right away, but it may take a week or so for the filler to fully settle in.
Fat Injections
Fat transfer is a filler technique that removes fat using liposuction from a selected area of the body and reinjecting it into the face, hands or other treatment sites. This procedure is typically performed under anesthesia at an accredited outpatient surgical center connected to a hospital or at a full-service hospital.
The harvested fat is gently prepared and placed in areas of volume loss in the face – such as the corner of the mouth, nasolabial folds or cheek area. There is expected bruising and swelling but the fat that is maintained after the transfer can last indefinitely. Restylane and Juvederm