As we age, our faces naturally lose the subcutaneous fat stored just below the skin (think how baby fat conveys youth). With our facial muscles working closer to the skin surface, our smile lines and crow’s feet become more apparent.
In addition to this, the natural aging process results in bone loss in specific areas of the face, in particular the jawline and chin area, leading to a more droopy appearance. Photodamage and environmental stresses along with intrinsic aging also affect the canvas of our skin– leading to uneven pigment, prominent pore size, and fine lines. Other factors also affect our facial skin, including stress, genetics, and lifestyle.
Injectables can give you a more youthful look in a fraction of the time, with minimal downtime and at a considerably lower cost than that of a facelift. Read on to learn more about our injectable treatment options here at The Derm Institute!
Neuromodulators
Also known as neurotoxins, neuromodulators are not fillers but injectable proteins that aid in the relaxation of muscles. They are best for patients with visible wrinkles caused by dynamic muscle movement (such as frowning), smiling, or raising of the brows, resulting in wrinkles that are apparent with repetitive movement. Over time, these wrinkles can etch the skin and become apparent even when we are not making these faces. That’s why we believe in early preventative treatment with baby amounts of botox before the lines become deeper grooves.
Most neurotoxin injections last three to four months, with some enduring up to six months.
The neuromodulators highly sought after by patients at The Derm Institute include the following:
Botox, the first original cosmetic and therapeutic neuromodulator, is best suited for glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), periorbital (crow’s feet), and forehead lines. In these regions of the face, movement-related wrinkles (sometimes called “dynamic wrinkles”) can make us look tired or angry.
Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin are often also used and priced exactly the same as Botox. These are similar products made by different manufacturers with very slight differences that an expert like Dr. Annie Chiu can guide you in choosing the optimal combination.
Find out more from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu at The Derm Institute, who perfected the “art” behind combineing neuromodulators Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport, and Xeomin. Beyond treating just the upper face, full facial botox including bunny lines, lip flips, jawline tightening, smoothing a dimply chin can all be achieved with botox. The art is in these little areas to create a harmonious, natural, and not frozen appearance.
Injectable Fillers
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected below the skin’s surface to help restore volume loss, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the natural contours of the face.
There are multiple types of fillers, including hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers (the most common), calcium hydroxyapatite, and poly-L lactic acid fillers. The results from some of these can last one to two years.
Hyaluronic Acid Wrinkle Fillers
The category of wrinkle fillers most popular with dermatologists is hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural sugar molecule. Each type works differently with results that can last from several months up to two years. Patients often inquire what is the difference between these fillers. With over 20 HA fillers available in the US, expert non-surgical cosmetic dermatologists can help you refine the best product of choice, based on consistency, softness, flexibility, and duration. Think of different fillers like different paint brushes–some are meant for fine etched superficial lines, some is for broad lifting strokes.
Juvederm Fillers
Juvederm fillers are amongst the world’s most popular HA fillers and are composed of a hyaluronic acid gel which is has over 25 years of safety data.
Vycross Fillers
Voluma, Vollure, and Volbella are the latest and longest-lasting dermal fillers on the market today, producing results that can last up to two years. Although they are related to the Juvederm family of HA-based fillers, they differ. Being uniquely cross-linked, they provide a longer, smoother, and more natural appearance with reduced swelling and more immediate results.
Restylane Fillers
Restylane is a family of popular dermal fillers used to replenish volume, contour the face, eliminate fine lines, and soften wrinkles and folds. All are HA-based, which provides support and fullness for beautiful, healthy skin.
RHA (Resilient Hyaluronic Acid) fillers
RHA fillers are a newer generation of HA-based fillers that uniquely provide soft, discreet, subtle results that adapt to your own facial expressions. They have longer chain hyaluronic acids that are more flexible and integrate into your skin.
Belotero
Belotero Balance® is a dermal filler with a lower density than other HA-based fillers and designed to smooth extremely fine lines and mild superficial wrinkles. It is injected into a more superficial layer of the skin, instantly smoothing fine lines, making the skin appear more radiant, luminous, and hydrated. The undereye hollow is a common area where Dr. Chiu utilizes this filler.
Biostimulatory Wrinkle Fillers
Sculptra Aesthetic
Sculptra®, an injectable poly-L-lactic acid that works by stimulating collagen production, is one of The Derm Institute staff’s favorite treatments for global skin rejuvenation. Dr. Chiu’s highly recognized expertise with Sculptra allows the most natural and gradual improvement compared to all the other injectables as it has a biostimulatory effect to grown in your own collagen over time.
Radiesse
Radiesse® consists of calcium-based microspheres similar to the ones our bodies naturally produce. The filler stimulates natural collagen and elastic tissue production, adding volume to deeper lines in the nasolabial folds, lifting the cheeks, adding structure to the jawline, and filling in hollows as in the temples.
Get Your Next Rejuvenation Treatment atManhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, CA
Dr. Annie Chiu’s boutique dermatology and aesthetics focused expert practice offers you the most advanced age-defying rejuvenation solutions, including injectables such as Botox®, Dermal Fillers, and the newer generation of hyaluronic acid fillers known as Resilient Hyaluronic Acid (RHA) Fillers. Dr. Chiu is a leader in the field of non-invasive injectable treatment, as she conducts clinical trials with upcoming pipeline products, and is considered an industry leader in innovative techniques. Under Dr. Chiu’s care, you’ll enjoy some of the most natural results, giving you smooth contours and a natural, youthful, rested look for up to 15 months.
Call us today at (310) 939-9800 or contact us online to schedule your personalized consultation!
