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Lines or wrinkles on the face are of 2 major varieties. 1. The dynamic wrinkles which are due to muscle overactivity, such as frown lines or forehead lines, or crows’ feet, and which disappear when one relaxes the muscles. 2. The static wrinkles, which are due to excessive or prolonged muscle activity or gravity, which do not disappear when the muscles are relaxed. A major example are the nasolabial folds, which are the deep lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. These are related to age and gravity, which pulls everything downward. Other examples are the deeper wrinkles on the forehead, deeper frown lines and deeper crows’ feet which do not disappear when the muscles relax. Think of a piece paper which has been folded upon itself several times. The lines are practically permanent if left alone. |
Static wrinkles are very well corrected with a filler, which is basically a harmless filling material which is injected into the skin under the line of the wrinkle and thus pushes up the base of the wrinkle so that it disappears. Fillers are of various types, but currently the most popular and safest are those based on hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in our bodies, and is thus considered very safe with minimal side effects. The method of preparation of hyaluronic acid will determine how long it lasts in the body before it is absorbed and disappears. For this purpose we recommend a very well known product from Allergan, which is Juvaderm (or more correctly, Juvederm).Juvaderm (or Juvederm) is an injectable cross-linked hyaluronic acid based filler that lasts up to 1 year. Juvaderm is indicated for injection into the mid or deep dermis to correct moderate or more severe wrinkles in the face and especially the nasolabial folds. This preparation can also be used to plump up thin lips and improve the appearance of sunken scars. What happens after 1 year? The filler is gradually absorbed into the body, causing no harm as it is a naturally-occurring substance in the body anyway. When Juvaderm is completely absorbed, the wrinkles reappear. It is then time for a repeat injection of Juvaderm, and these injections are very simple procedures in the hands of skilled doctors. Juvaderm injection is a lunchtime procedure, taking only a half hour or less, and the client can usually go back to work after that. Certain other brands of hyaluronic acid fillers are not as popular because they either last only up to three months, or, if repeat injections are a hassle, have some inclusions in the filler to make it last longer (up to even 3-4 years or more). However if you want something that lasts up to one year, use Juvaderm.
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