Facial wrinkles and lines can be reduced with cosmetic injections into the skin. Types of injectable substances used are:
botulinum toxin type A
Botulinum toxin type A is given by intramuscular (IM) injection to weaken muscles in the face and lessen the lines associated with facial expression. The toxin relaxes the underlying muscles and allows the skin to flatten out.
Dermatologists use botulinum toxin type A to treat medical conditions including excessive sweating.
Botulinum toxin type A is injected into certain muscles of the face to soften facial lines, including:
● frown lines between the eyebrows
● lines across the bridge of the nose
● forehead lines
● ‘crow’s feet’ wrinkles extending from the outside corners of the eyes
● lines on the throat (‘turkey neck’).
A very fine needle is used to inject the botulinum toxin type A into selected facial muscles. Discomfort is minimal and brief. Most people describe it as an ant-bite sting lasting a few seconds. The wrinkle-smoothing effects of the injection may last for up to 3-6 months.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are piped by injection along wrinkles and lines to plump the skin. Examples of dermal fillers include bovine (cow) collagen and the person’s own body fat.
A very fine needle is used to ‘fill’ the wrinkle, line or skin depression with a product. The wrinkle-smoothing effects of most dermal fillers are temporary and regular treatments are needed to maintain the effect.
Different types of dermal fillers include:
● Hyaluronic acid : suitable for thin surface lines, such as those that occur around the mouth and across the forehead. The effects last for about one year
● Polylactic acid : suitable for skin depressions and deep lines. The polylactic acid prompts the treated skin to produce collagen
● Fat injections : fat tissue is taken from other areas of the body using a thin needle. The fat is sterilized and injected into the facial line or wrinkle. Effects can be long lasting. Touch-up injections may be needed in some cases.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a technique that uses injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to rejuvenate and tighten skin, as well as remove excess fat.
Today, mesotherapy is used to:
● remove fat in areas like the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, legs, arms, and face
● reduce cellulite
● fade wrinkles and lines
● tighten loose skin
● recontour the body
● lighten pigmented skin
● treat alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss
The technique uses very fine needles to deliver a series of injections into the middle layer (mesoderm) of skin. The idea behind mesotherapy is that it corrects underlying issues like poor circulation and inflammation that cause skin damage.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
Platelet-rich plasma consists of 2 elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal.
To create platelet-rich plasma, clinicians take a blood sample from the patient and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
The mechanism behind PRP injections is not completely understood. Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, decreasing pain and even encouraging hair growth.
Carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy is used to treat cellulite, dark under-eye circles, and stretch marks. People who undergo the procedure find an improvement in:
● circulation
● skin elasticity
● fine lines and wrinkles
● And It also aids with collagen repair and the destruction of fatty deposits.
● Additionally, it can help reduce under-eye circles by increasing blood flow to the eyelid.
● Dermatologists have also used the therapy to treat alopecia caused by poor blood circulation.
Carboxytherapy can be used on the:
● face
● eyelids
● neck
● stomach
● arms
● legs
● buttocks