You've heard about them from your friends, aesthetician, or beauty magazines, but what exactly are facial injections and how do they work? More importantly, how much do they cost? Today, we learned all about Allergan's Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma facial injection products from Ruben (Allergan Representative) and Ashley (administering PA with Lopez Plastic Surgery).
Manuel Lopez, MD, FACS, and Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon is one of Allergan's Black Diamond Physicians. His practice is rated within the top 2% of the nation for facial injection procedures. This means you're receiving quality dosing from highly trained and licensed medical professionals. For your convenience, he offers injection and laser procedures within each Skin Rejuvenation location.
BOTOX® / THE RELAXER
For line and wrinkle reduction of the face, Botox works wonders from the cheekbones up to the forehead by reducing muscle contractions. Our brain sends a message through our nerves to the facial muscles. The message: furrow, smile, raise a sarcastic eyebrow, etc. Over time, these expressions begin to leave lines on our forehead and around our eyes. Botox is a protein that blocks the message and allows the muscles to relax, resulting in a smoother look and line reduction. Once injected, its fulfills its duties on the target muscle and the body eventually breaks it down naturally.
How much do I need, how long does it last, and what will it cost me?
Allergan has suggested dosing based on research and clinical trials. It includes 20 units for the glabella (between the eyebrows), 8-12 units per side for crow's feet, and the forehead units vary depending on the size of your forehead. Dosing may vary based on the strength of the muscles in these areas and it may last 3-4 months. There are many FDA approved uses of Botox aside from facial rejuvenation.
Currently (the date of this blog post), LPS offers Botox for $10/unit. When you refer a friend and receive your Botox together, a promotional rate of $8/unit is available. We also offer Botox parties.*
JUVEDERM® / THE FILLER
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our bodies. It helps lubricate our joints and keep our skin supple and hydrated. Wrinkles form as facial muscles and fat begin to change. The face loses volume and begins to develop lines at nasolabial folds and around the mouth. Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid filler that is injected deep in the skin to "fill" a wrinkle from the base. It may last for up to a year and the body breaks it down naturally. Dosing varies by the size and number of lines needing to be filled and Juvederm is sold per syringe.
If you don't like your Juvederm placement, there's an enzyme called hyaluronidase that can accelerate the breakdown of the filler - but it takes a little time. Ashley was please to say that - at her time at LPS - she has never had to use it. Dr. Lopez likes a natural look to fillers and advises his team of professionals to start conservatively and build from there. This way, people will notice you're enhancements, but not know what they are - wink, wink. And it gives you time to get accustomed to the subtle changes.
VOLUMA / THE LIFTER
Facial volume loss and gravity contributes to facial laxity, a sallow look, and jowels. As gravity pushes down on the skin, under eye "bags" or puffiness is enhanced. Voluma is injected around the zygomatic bone (or cheekbone) to restore volume and contribute to youthful looking "apples" of the cheeks. The lifting occurs from the cheekbone, resulting in an improvement of under eye puffiness and laxity of the lower face.
Some time after Voluma has taken effect, an administering physician may complete the look with Botox for the forehead and crow's feet, and Juvederm for nasolabial folds or lip enhancement.
HONEST TIPS
Facial injections address lines, wrinkles, and laxity - they DO NOT improve texture, pore size, and discolorations. Talk to your aesthetician about options to complete your look. Planning your rejuvenation procedures is the best way to save money and protect your investment.
If you're not able to see Dr. Lopez's administering PAs or Nurses in San Anotnio, Seek a qualified physician with a reputable business practice. Interview the physician and/or their administering nurse for qualifications and their philosophy behind rejuvenation BEFORE you decide to allow them to perform injections. Knowing that their credentials fall in-line with your personal goals is - as Martha Stewart would say - a good thing.
Facial fillers and Botox combinations can improve the look and contour of your face, but are not a replacement for surgery. It all depends on the results you want. Before you spend money on fillers - hoping they will firm dramatically and cost less than surgery - talk to one of Dr. Lopez's medical professionals.
At Skin Rejuvenation Clinique, we're all about a natural approach to achieving your best look ever - so is Dr. Lopez. His team of highly trained medical professionals can consult on the best combination and dosing of Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma that will help you look natural, beautiful, and achieve your immediate and long-term skin care goals - with respect to your pocketbook.
*Pricing on Botox, referral offer, and parties is current as of 9/17/15 and subject to change without notice. Please call for appointment availability and pricing.
Botox, Juvederm, and Voluma are manufactured by and trade names of Allergan pharmaceutical company. For specific questions about injection procedures for your skin, call for an appointment with an LPS medical professional at our Stone Oak or Alamo Heights location.