Xeomin joins Botox Cosmetic and Dysport as options for those looking to relax facial lines and wrinkles. Xeomin is very similar to Botox Cosmetic in that it provides temporary relaxation of facial muscles. Small amounts in select locations has proven to be safe and effective. The most common location that treatments are performed is for glabellar frown lines(between the eyebrows), but Xeomin can also be used on the forehead, crows feet, lip lines and elsewhere. Treatments are performed in the office with minimal downtime. Results lasts 3-4 months.

Xeomin’s main difference is that it does not contain some of the accessory proteins that Botox Cosmetic does. There are theoretic benefits and downsides to this, but we really feel there is minimal if any clinical significance. As with all products, we do feel response is individual, and some patients may do better with Xeomin, while others may continue to find that Botox Cosmetic is a better choice.

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We have now being using Belotero for several weeks and are seeing good results. Belotero is very similar to other hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane. Belotero claims to have a unique advantage due to its patented cross-linking technology used in its formulation. This is reported to help create a thinner product which fills more uniformly and allows it to be used more superficially.

Our initial use of the product has shown it to be very smooth in filling. I have noticed that it can be used superficially with a natural result and no skin discoloration or Tyndall effect (bluish discoloration seen with other products when injected too close to the skin). What remains to be seen is whether Belotero lasts on average 10 months as reported in the clinical trials. If so, it will offer us another great option for smoothing out wrinkles and folds and providing lip enhancement. Read about other injectable fillers provided by Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery.

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Question:
I am in Indianapolis and interested in getting a long lasting injectable filler….

Answer:
The options for injectable fillers continue to grow, and our standard hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero) can be expected to last up to a year. For those looking for a longer lasting option, Artefill can be a great choice.

Artefill is the only FDA approved long lasting (possibly permanent) filler in the US. The US has benefited from two decades of experience with this product in Europe; the US version is the third generation. Artefill provides long term correction of treated areas. Although it cannot be used in some of the locations more traditional fillers do (the lips are contraindicated) it is a great option for the nasolabial folds, and in select patients the marionette lines. Treatment does require a skin test as the product contains collagen. Dr. Hamilton also recommends patients try a temporary filler first to make sure you like the desired look; Artefill is not reversible and probably will not go away.

Our practice has been using Artefill for several years now with consistently excellent results. For those looking for long term correction with filler-Artefill is a great option.

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Question:
I know that Juvederm is made of hyaluronic acid. What is its purpose in the natural world, and how does that relate to cosmetic treatments?

Answer:
Hyaluronic Acid is a carbohydrate, more specifically a sugar. Its function in the body is, amongst other things, to bind water and to lubricate movable parts of the body, such as joints and muscles. Its consistency and tissue-friendliness allows it to be beneficial in skin-care products as an excellent moisturizer. Because HA is one of the most hydrophilic (water-loving) molecules in nature with numerous benefits for the human body it can be described as "nature’s moisturizer".

Although Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can be found naturally in most every cell in the body, it is found in the greatest concentrations in the skin tissue.  Young, healthy-looking skin contains an abundance of a natural hyaluronic acid (HA). But as you age, sunlight and other factors can reduce the amount of HA in your skin. The lack of HA causes your skin to lose structure and volume. It creates unwanted facial wrinkles and folds, like those parentheses lines around your nose and mouth. More important than just filling folds or lines on the face, fillers can be used to restore volume. They create balance and harmony of the facial features as well as to bring out youthful contours.

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Question:
What is the difference between Botox and injectable fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm? What is the best option for minimizing lines in my forehead and neck?

Answer:
Botox is a muscle relaxant. In general it works best on the upper half of the face and typically last for 3-4 months. Botox is a great option for softening lines in the forehead. Injectable fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm work by “filling in” lines and wrinkles. It in general does better on the lower half of the face and typically last 9-12 months. The neck area is generally not ideal for either, although the vertical bands the run up the neck can be treated with Botox. Both Botox and injectable fillers can be done in the office with minimal downtime; both have greatly expanded are options for treating early facial aging in the office.

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