As reported in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s 2012 statistics, botulinum toxin A and hyaluronic acid have ranked in the top two performed non-surgical procedures. Botulinum toxin A and hyaluronic acid are two anti-aging substances that help treat wrinkles, fine lines, and folds. At AYA Medical Spa, our cosmetic injectors offer a variety of injectables and facial fillers to address each patient’s unique needs. With over seven options available, our licensed cosmetic injectors explain the differences among each anti-aging treatment.

Botulinum toxin A, better known for its use in cosmetic injectables such as Botox^®, is a protein and neurotoxin used to relax facial muscles on the upper third of the face. Over time, repeated facial expressions and aging cause wrinkles, crow’s feet, and lines to form on the forehead, brow, and eye area. By relaxing these muscles, patients benefit from a smoother, more youthful appearance. Our cosmetic injectors administer Botox^® through a short, 10-minute series of injections. In addition to Botox, Dysport^® is another similar cosmetic injectable that targets the same areas of the face.

While cosmetic injectables target the upper third of the face, facial fillers consist of different substances and address other facial areas such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and mouth. Juvéderm^®, a facial filler available at AYA, contains hyaluronic acid which is naturally produced in youthful skin. Juvéderm^® is FDA-approved to address wrinkles that form on the mouth, cheek, and above the upper lip. Like most facial fillers, Juvéderm^® re-plumps areas of lost volume to help fill wrinkles and provide a more even texture. Other facial fillers such as Sculptra^® Aesthetic and Radiesse^® contain other natural substances to add volume to the face.

Many people often use cosmetic injectables and facial fillers interchangeably, but it is important to note that injectables specifically address the upper facial area while fillers provide volume and can target the lower half of the face. While all of these types of injections address the signs of aging, they do not stop the aging process. Additional treatments are necessary to maintain results. Patients can also choose other facial rejuvenation treatments such as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion for optimal results.

It is essential to discuss your areas of concern and aesthetic goals with one of our cosmetic injectors to determine which treatment will meet your needs. To schedule your skin analysis, contact us today and be sure to follow AYA Medical Spa on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest for the latest updates.