Sure, you’ve heard about nonsurgical cosmetic treatments like “BOTOX® brow,” “liquid facelifts” and even “liquid nose jobs,” but have you ever wondered if these options could work for you? In many instances, an injectable anti-aging treatment can offer an excellent solution to pesky problems like lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin without the downtime and recovery necessary after a surgical procedure.
These are just some of the ways that injectables like BOTOX and fillers can offer anti-aging solutions without surgery.
Smooth Away Lines and Wrinkles
If lines and wrinkles are your primary cosmetic concern, properly placed fillers and/or BOTOX injections could be a suitable solution. While there are many types of dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are among the most popular. HAfillers work by adding extra volume in targeted areas, essentially plumping up and filling in the indents that form lines and wrinkles. In the same vein, fillers can also be used to add volume to your cheeks and lips.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on the brand and how quickly your body metabolizes the product.
BOTOX is most commonly used to temporarily smooth wrinkles in your forehead and brow areas, working by relaxing the underlying muscle contractions in your face that cause dynamic wrinkles to form. When administered by a skilled and trained professional, BOTOX results can look very effortless and natural.
Lift a Drooping Brow
In addition to treating unwanted lines and wrinkles, BOTOX can be an effective treatment for a drooping brow. When placed properly, BOTOX can help to temporarily lift a drooping brow by relaxing the muscles that pull it downward.
In some more prominent cases, however, including those that interfere with your vision, a surgical brow lift might be a more effective long-term solution.
Give Your Skin a Lift
Because of their ability to plump the skin, fillers can work as a so-called liquid facelift to temporarily reduce the appearance of sagging skin, creases and wrinkles without the need for surgery. Many people who may be considering a facelift try a liquid facelift first.
As with all nonsurgical alternatives to surgery, a liquid facelift isn’t always the best option. If you are bothered by the appearance of prominent sagging skin and creases, a surgical facelift might be the best option for you.
Change the Shape of Your Nose
A liquid nose job, which uses injectables rather than surgery, can make slight changes to the shape of your nose, such as smoothing the appearance of a dorsal hump or addressing asymmetries. Some people choose to get a liquid nose job before committing to a surgical rhinoplasty to get a better idea of what their surgical results might look like.
If you are looking for more dramatic and long-lasting results, however, a surgical nose job may be a more suitable solution for you. In instances where a medical condition such as a deviated septum or breathing problems needs to be addressed, a surgical procedure will be the better option over injectables.
Waleed Ezzat, M.D., F.A.C.S. is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He operates under the philosophy that natural beauty is the best kind of beauty. Dr. Ezzat addresses each aesthetic or reconstructive challenge by considering the whole facial anatomy rather than focusing on one isolated area. This comprehensive approach maintains a goal of fully functional and natural-looking results that fit perfectly within each individual’s unique genetic makeup.
