Quick Facts About The Cosmetic Injectables: Botox, Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane

Many spas and plastic surgery offices offer derma fillers and cosmetic injectables to reduce the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Common injectables are Botox, Radiessee, Juvederm, and Restylane.

Each of the above mentioned fillers are explained below and tell you what you can expect from each. Keep in mind that the length of time the treatment works varies from product to product as well as the overall effect. Be sure to discuss with your doctor which product is best for reaching your goals.

Botox is a FDA approved wrinkle reducer that is best used on 'crow's feet' of the outer eye and frown lines of the forehead. The treatment is an injectable product that disables contraction of the muscles that are causing the skin to wrinkle.

The results are temporary and last for at least three months after the treatment. Doctors recommend that Botox be repeated every 4-6 months. The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes and recovery requires a reduction in swelling that usually subsides within 24 hours. Ideal candidate for Botox are people between that ages of 30 and 60 who would like to reduce 80% of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the area injected in crucial to the successful results of the treatment. Be sure to make sure that your doctor is experience and certified to give Botox injections. Don't be shy asking for credentials and even before and after photos of previous patients.

Juvederm is a gel injectable that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles up to 80%. Jurvederm was FDA approved for use in 2006 and is growing in popularity due to the more natural results that the gel injectable offers over other treatments. The treatment also last for 6-9 months before another treatment is needed to maintain results.

If a second treatment is performed within a week after the first treatment the results often last longer. There are three formulas available and you will want to discuss with you doctor which formula will achieve the results you want. The formulas include: Juvederm 18, Juvederm 24, and Juvederm 30. Each formula increases the density of the gel injected. Post treatment common side effects are redness and swelling which typically reduce by the third day after the treatment. Normal activity can be resumed immediately.

Radiessee is an injectable that fills in wrinkles around the nose and mouth and can be used to fill certain scars. The treatment can be done in less than an hour and last significantly longer than Botox injections; typically results last for two years or more. Sometimes touch ups are needed within the two-year period but are minimal.

The full results of the treatment can be seen within a week after the treatment. Swelling is usually reported to subside with in 24-36 hours after the treatment. Candidates are typically between 35-60 years of age and desire to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 80%. Again it is incredibly important to make sure that you find a reputable doctor to perform the treatment. Don't be shy to ask for credentials, experience, and photos of past patients.

Restylane injections are growing in popularity due to their longer lasting results than Botox; 6 months or more. Patients are typically between 30 and 60 years old and wish to diminish the appearance of facial wrinkles around the nose, mouth, and forehead. Restylane is also a common treatment for smiles lines and the plumping of the lips. FDA approved in 2003 this injectable will reduce wrinkles by about 80%. Swelling is common reaction after the treatment and is typically reduced three days after the treatment.

Be sure to discuss with you doctor if Restylane is the best option to reach your goals. Another injectable or procedure may serve your needs better. A qualified doctor is essential to find, don't hesitate to ask questions about their credentials and for photos of past patients. It is your responsibility to make sure you find a professional that is experience with cosmetic injectables. A qualified professional will make your experience that much better.