How cosmetic injectables work to erase wrinkles and fine lines

Cosmetic injectables continue to rise in popularity as a non-surgical treatment to erase wrinkles or restore youthful volume in your face. There are so many options, so what is the difference between them, and which is the best for you?

BOTOX® treats dynamic wrinkles

Injectables such as BOTOX®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeauveu treat different wrinkles than dermal fillers. These are called dynamic wrinkles, which are the wrinkles that form on the skin above a muscle that contracts from squinting, smiling or frowning. BOTOX, the most popular FDA-approved treatment for dynamic wrinkles, is an injectable neurotoxin that uses only a small amount of botulinum toxin type A. It works by blocking nerve messages and relaxing the face muscle to help erase wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. The results last for about four months. Subsequent treatment will help you maintain results. 

Dermal fillers treat static wrinkles 

While BOTOX® treats dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers treat static wrinkles. These are continuously visible wrinkles caused by the loss of fat and collagen and the loss of skin’s elasticity such as marionette lines and lip lines. 

There are a variety of dermal fillers our office can utilize to help you achieve a more youthful appearance. Juvederm® is made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that binds with water molecules under the skin to “fill” wrinkles such as smile lines or “parentheses” around the mouth and smooth them temporarily. Results can last six months to a year. Restylane® is a similar treatment that restores fullness and volume to facial wrinkles, folds, and furrows.

Radiesse® supplements your own skin’s depleted collagen to smooth out wrinkles and creases around the nose and mouth and minimize scars. Bellafill® stimulates collagen growth long term to help you maintain results for up to five years. 

West End Plastic Surgery was one of the first Washington, D.C.-area practices to offer Kybella™, the only FDA-approved injectable treatment that permanently destroys fat cells under the chin, also known as “double chin.”

BOTOX can be combined with dermal fillers to help you achieve the youthful look you desire. To learn more about BOTOX and dermal fillers, schedule a consultation by calling our office at 202-785-4187.