Give it a shot: Injectables can fill out wrinkles and scars and sculpt your face to perfection, experts say.

Do you want your face to be a masterpiece?

“What paints and clay are to an artist, ‘injectables’ are to a cosmetic dermatologist,” says Dr. Susan Van Dyke of Van Dyke Laser & Skin in Scottsdale.

The term “injectable” refers to any substance that can be introduced into the skin through a needle, Van Dyke says. Injectables can be broken down into three main groups: fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Radiesse), volumizers (Sculptra) and relaxers (Botox and Dysport).

Here is how Van Dyke defines them:

Fillers: “Plump up the lips, fill out wrinkles and scars, and can do amazing things by sculpting faces to perfection.”

Volumizers: “Improve overall facial volume that is lost as we age, filling in hollow temples and cheeks to re-establish a more youthful proportion.”

Relaxers: “Smooth wrinkles from movements such as squinting and frowning. Relaxers can also create uplift in the brow and lower face, which can get dragged down by age and gravity.”

Dr. Lee P. Laris of Phoenix Skin Scottsdale says the ideal patient who will benefit from injectables is someone who still has good elasticity in their skin, without a lot of excess skin around their jowls. If there is too much skin, the injectables can help soften the area, but will not get rid of the excess skin, so Laris recommends a mini facelift or a skin tightening system (Thermage, Ultherapy) before injecting the fillers to help tighten the surrounding area.

“As we age, we lose structure and often time one’s own fat is the best filler we have because it is long-lasting — 7-10 years — and natural.” Laris says.

He recommends that patients do their research before receiving an injectable.

“Many times I can suggest areas to inject that patients never knew could be done that makes a dramatic difference in the final result, and other times I may explain that filler is the wrong choice for them altogether,” Laris says. “They should go to a licensed doctor or provider that has been trained in the art of injecting.”

Even though most injectables can be done in less than 20 minutes, doctors say to make sure you spend some time doing research before walking into their office.

“My advice would be to ask questions, and make sure you are getting the best injectable and the best procedure for you,” Laris says. “Every patient is different and we all age differently. Someone with deep smile lines may need skin tightening before fillers to achieve optimal results, others may need several syringes around the mouth and under eyes to look their best. A younger patient may only require filler in their lips or acne scars. No one is the same and before you invest time and money into a procedure, I always recommend speaking with the provider so you know the expectations and risks of the procedures.”


injectables


For more information about injectables, visit:

Phoenix Skin Scottsdale
(480) 473-9111
phxskin.com

Van Dyke Laser & Skin
(480) 948-5045
vandykelaser.com

Scottsdale Living Magazine Winter 2013