|
Description |
Procedure |
Safety |
Duration |
| Botulinum
Toxin Type A |
Botulinum
Toxin Type A is a toxin that blocks neuromuscular transmission when injected in tiny
amounts into specific muscles to treat and improve lines and wrinkles associated with
facial expression.
Manufactured under the names of Botox® and Dysport® |
Botulinum toxin
is injected in minute quantities. It blocks the nerve impulses to the facial muscles
responsible for contraction, thereby relaxing the muscles and smoothing facial lines. It
is most effective on frown lines and crow’s feet around the eyes. Accurate dosing and
precise positioning are critical in order to freeze the right muscles just enough. The treatment takes about 30 minutes and the effect of a treatment can be
seen within 1 - 2 weeks. |
The long-term
risks of botulinum toxin are unknown. Redness may occur, as well as bruising, numbness,
swelling and headaches. If overdosed or the injection is performed incorrectly, the
patient can be left with an immobile face or droopy eyelids until the effect of the
injection wears off. |
The result lasts
for about four months. |
| Collagen
treatment |
Collagen is
derived from the hides of cows specially bred for the purpose. Collagen can also be
derived from pig skin. Because collagen is an animal product, a collagen test skin implant
is administered to determine whether the patient is allergic to the implant, four weeks
prior to the treatment. Collagen is
manufactured under many names, two of which are Zyderm and Zyplast. |
Collagen can
be injected under the skin to fill lines and wrinkles. It is also used for lip
enhancement.
The treatment takes less than an hour. |
Redness and
swelling may occur. Allergic reactions are possible in 3–4% of patients. |
The effect
normally lasts for three to four months. |
| Stabilized
Non-Animal Hyaluronic acid gel (NASHA) |
Hyaluronic
acid is a substance that exists naturally in the body. Its most important function is to
carry and bind water. Non-animal, stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) does not contain
animal protein and does not require a skin test prior to treatment.
NASHA is a unique form of hyaluronic acid, manufactured under
the name of RESTYLANE. |
RESTYLANE is
designed for different purposes and effects, from reducing wrinkles and folds to enhancing
facial contours and sculpting lips. The treatment often takes less than half an hour. |
Injection-related
adverse reactions such as swelling, redness and tenderness might occur. Other adverse
reactions are very rare. |
The result is
immediate and can last from 6 - 12 months, depending on the patient and the area that is
being treated.
Wrinkle treatment tends to last from 6 - 12 months and lip
enhancement for around 6 months. |
| Other
Hyaluronic acid products |
In addition to
RESTYLANE, a range of hyaluronic acid treatments is available. Some of these products are
derived from cockscombs bred especially for this purpose.
Hyaluronic acid is manufactured under the names of Hylaform,
Juvederm, Rofilan and AcHyal. |
Hyaluronic acid
is used to treat lips, wrinkles and facial lines. The treatment takes less than an hour to
perform. |
Swelling, redness
and tenderness may occur at the site of injection. |
The duration
varies depending on the type of product, the condition of the patient and the area being
treated. |
| Permanent/semi-permanent
skin implants |
Permanent and
semi-permanent skin implants contain a range of different synthetic ingredients to make
the product last longer.
Permanent and semi-permanent skin implants are manufactured
under the names of Artecoll, Dermalive, NewFill, Evolution, Outline and Amazingel. |
These products
are used to fill lines and wrinkles and to augment lips by injection. Some of the products
require at least two treatment sessions. |
For some of the
products, very little or no safety data at all are available. Immediate reactions include
redness and swelling at the injection site. Longer-term reactions are also known to occur
over time. They include permanent redness, inflammation, lumpiness, skin discoloration or
granulomas. |
The duration
differs between the products. Some claim to last for ever, while others offer a sustained
improvement for up to twelve months. |
| Fat
injections / liposculpture |
Fat injections or
liposculpture are performed using the patient’s own fat cells (autologous fat) taken
from unwanted fat deposits. There are many variables in this treatment, including the way
the fat is extracted, whether frozen or fresh fat is used, the area that is injected, the
amount of fat that is used and how deeply the fat is injected. |
The fat is
injected under the skin to treat hollow cheeks, to enhance lips or cheeks or to treat deep
folds. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and can take from less than one
hour to several hours. |
Some lumpiness
can occur, in addition to injection-related reactions. If the patient puts on weight, the
injected area can become enlarged, which may not be desirable. |
The reported
duration varies from a few months to several |
