Wrinkles
Sun and time takes its toll on the skin and is evident in wrinkles. Wrinkles give our faces character and contribute to our expression, but certain wrinkles are less desired and now even treatable.
Many patients develop wrinkles over time and have two different etiologies. Some wrinkles are due to the loss of underlying supporting structures of the skin, called soft tissue atrophy. Wrinkles are also caused by extended use of the dynamic muscles in the face, which leads to muscular hypertrophy and the formation of wrinkles. The experienced physician can distinguish between the different types of wrinkles and the underlying cause and can prescribe the appropriate treatment to obtain optimal results. As you will see, there are many options for treating unwanted wrinkles and there is no “one size fits all” approach to their treatment. Ideal treatment will lead to a natural, well-rested appearance that we want to help you achieve.
Soft Tissue Atrophy
The most common areas affected by soft tissue atrophy are the nasolabial folds (the crease that runs between the nose and the side of the mouth), the corners of the mouth (or marionette lines), the tear trough (lines under the eyes), cheeks, chin, and lips. We now have a number of cosmetic “fillers” to help treat underlying soft tissue atrophy. It requires an experienced physician to make the right choice of filler for the type of wrinkle being treated.
Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm
Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm are naturally occurring hyaluronic acids that provide excellent, natural appearing results, and last from 6-12 months. These treatments are ideal for treating wrinkles, improving scars, and to shape and augment the lips and cheeks. Topical and or local injections can be used to make the injections more comfortable. The injection of fillers is very technique dependent and is only injected by an experienced, well-trained physician at Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology. Dr. Campbell has conducted and has participated in several national clinical trials with cosmetic fillers and is able to make the most appropriate treatment for you to look your very best.
Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast
Collagen is a natural substance present in the skin and is particularly helpful for improving fine facial lines such as the vertical lines around the lips. Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast are a human-derived collagen product and do not require a skin test before injection. This is an ideal filler because it can be injected superficially to treat fine, etched lines. We often use collagen in conjunction with deeper fillers such as the hyaluronic acids to treat the remaining remnant of a wrinkle. Although this filler does not last as long as the hyaluronic acids, it is much better suited for treating these etched lines since many of the other fillers have unwanted side effects when injected superficially.
Radiesse
Radiesse is made from calcium hydroxylapatite and is a long-lasting filler. It is useful for more significant facial contouring and deep wrinkles. It may last from 12-18 months. It is useful for correcting the nasolabial folds as well as non-invasive rhinoplasty (nasal contouring).
Sculptra
Sculptra is another long-lasting treatment used to restore facial fullness of the facial folds, creases, and cheeks. Sculptra is a synthetic, injectable material, known as poly-l-lactic acid and is biocompatible and biodegradable. The results with Sculptra are seen after 3-6 treatment sessions performed every 3-4 weeks. Sculptra gradually restores volume to the areas where it was injected and has lasted up to 2 years in one clinical study.
Dynamic Lines
Botox
Botox has revolutionized the way physicians treat dynamic wrinkles and has now replaced many of the more traditional surgical approaches to facial aging. It is an extremely safe treatment, and in the right hands, produces beautiful, natural appearing results. It is also now used for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, or extensive sweating of the axilla, hands, and feet, as well as the treatment of headaches.
Botox is a trade name for a purified protein obtained from botulinum bacteria. It is used in very small doses for medical treatments. There have been no known reports of permanent side affects with Botox and no cases of botulism due to its injection. There have been several widely publicized reports of complications after botulinum toxin injection but these patients were not injected with Botox, but instead botulism derived research protein injected by unethical practitioners. These cases only reinforce further the need to have cosmetic treatments performed only by experienced physicians.
Botox is particularly useful for eliminating the unwanted lines of facial expression, such as the vertical “frown line” that is present between the eyebrows. It is also a superb treatment for the horizontal lines on the forehead, the “smile” or “crow’s feet” lines around the eyes, the vertical lines on the upper lip, as well as the down turned corners of the mouth. In treating these wrinkles a small amount of Botox is injected directly into the muscle, which decreases the muscle contraction and thus the repeated creasing of the skin that causes the lines.
A skilled physician can readily visualize these muscles and with a thorough knowledge of anatomy, makes these injections very safe. The effects from Botox are noticeable after 5 days and peak after 2 weeks. Gradually, over a period of 3-5 months, the Botox wears off and the muscles will regain their function. Treatment is repeated only as needed. Care is taken to not over treat. Some amount of facial expression is absolutely necessary for a natural, healthy appearing face. We believe that Botox injection is as much an art form as it is a science.
Dr. Campbell has been selected by the manufacturers of other Botox-like therapeutics to conduct their clinical trials, which demonstrates his ability to consistently provide aesthetically pleasing results. Treatment of wrinkles truly is an art form and a combination of Botox with soft tissue fillers is often synergistic. Our physician will develop a treatment plan that is personally derived to restore your natural, youthful appearance.