BOTOX^®

BOTOX^® injections are the fastest-growing cosmetic procedures in the industry, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In 2001, more than 1.6 million people received injections, an increase of 46 percent over the previous year.  BOTOX^® acts by temporarily paralyzing underlying musculature to smooth unwanted wrinkles and provide a more youthful appearance.

Collagen

Collagen is part of the natural support structure of the skin. After the age of 30, collagen decreases at a rate of about 1% per year. However, sun exposure over one's lifetime dramatically affects collagen and is responsible for most of the loss of elasticity and fullness of the skin which occurs with aging. Collagen replacement therapy replenishes the skin's collagen layer, smoothing lines, wrinkles and scars, and adding definition to lip borders from the inside out.

Collagen replacement therapy can offer excellent immediate results. However, like your own collagen, your body will eventually absorb this and ongoing treatment is necessary to maintain results. Treatments generally last 3-4 months, but each individual re-absorbs the collagen at varying rates, so results can be different. Injections are performed in the office and can be done on your lunch hour.

Collagen is now available without test injection for compatibility.  For more information visit inamed.com.

Alloderm

Alloderm is a prepackaged acellular human dermal matrix that provides natural volume replacement. Alloderm is purified to remove cells thereby eliminating concerns for rejection and disease transmission. Once the Alloderm graft is in place, it gradually becomes a natural part of your body, effectively replacing lost facial volume. For more information visit lifecell.com.

Sculptra™

Sculptra™ is a polymer of lactic acid that is used for extensive volume replacement of the face due to subcutaneous fat loss and dermal atrophy. Currently it is FDA approved for volume replacement in HIV-related fat atrophy, though given its characteristics, it is likely to fine an ever-growing off-label use in large scale volume replacement of the aging face. Studies show that Sculptra™ lasts 2 years.

Lip augmentation

A variety of techniques are now available for lip enhancement.  Collagen, Restylane™, and Radiesse™ injections are available as office procedures.  Fat grafting, Alloderm and Lip implantation are also available.  Dr. Slack will address your goals and provide expertise as to the relative merits of the options.

Fat Injections

Fat grafting fills facial features with a patient's own fat. The fat used for fat transfer is extracted from part of your body like the abdomen or thighs and injected into another area that requires plumping.  Since the fat is your own, a significant portion of the fat becomes permanent, and therefore it eliminates the need for constant reinjections, as with many other materials.  Fat grafting also allows a greater volume replacement at a lesser cost than other potentially permanent injectables.

Restylane™

Restylane™ is a newly FDA approved (December 2003) temporary facial filler.  It is a hyaluronic acid derivative, a substance that is produced in the human body, therefore no test injection is required.  Restylane™ lasts approximately 4-6 months, but like collagen there is variability in an individual’s absorption rate. For more information on restylane, visit restylane.com.

Radiesse™

Radiesse™ is an injectable filler that is gaining great appeal in the facial filler market.  It is currently not FDA approved as a facial filler though its off- label use is growing.  It is FDA approved for use in laryngeal augmentation.  It is a hydroxyapatite-based formulation, which is the material in bones.  It lasts 12-24 months.  For more information on Radiesse™ visit bioforminc.com.