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Which Injectable Is Right for Me?

With the numerous injectable treatments available today, it can become confusing to decide on the best one for your needs and goals. Dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers (i.e., BOTOX®) can both provide rejuvenating benefits, but they function very differently. For this reason, it is essential to understand, with the help of your plastic surgeon, the concerns you are dealing with to determine which injectable is best suited for your needs.

Injectables have become increasingly popular non-invasive treatments to improve the appearance of aging skin. For patients who aren’t ready for more invasive surgery but would like to appear more youthful, the team of professionals at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg offers a range of injectables that can complement your facial plastic surgery by:

Smoothing Wrinkles Around Your Eye and Forehead Region

If your primary concern is the signs of aging in the upper portion of your face, then the wrinkle relaxer, BOTOX®, may be the best solution for you. BOTOX® works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals to the targeted muscles of the face, inhibiting them from contracting. As a result, the wrinkles and fine lines caused by repetitive facial muscle contractions become smoother, giving you a more youthful appearance.

Our doctors often recommend BOTOX® to address the following concerns:

  • Crow’s feet (fine lines at the corners of your eyes)
  • Frown lines (vertical lines between your eyes)
  • Forehead lines (glabellar lines above your eyebrows)

BOTOX® generally lasts up to four months, and follow-up sessions are usually recommended for patients wanting to enjoy the rejuvenating effects over a longer period of time. Smaller, touch-up injections can also be administered to maintain optimal results in between regular injection appointments.

Wrinkles in the Lower Portion of Your Face

Also referred to as soft tissue dermal fillers, this type of injectable is used to add volume, fill in wrinkles, and soften scars. Dermal fillers produce collagen, an essential protein that gives skin its strength and suppleness and which diminishes with age.

Dermal fillers used to treat specific cosmetic issues include:

  • Juvéderm® Voluma XC: The first and only filler FDA-approved to instantly add volume to the cheek area, this consists of hyaluronic acid in a gel form which is injected into your face to smooth away wrinkles and fine lines. Repeated treatments are repeated as needed.
  • Restylane®: A safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler used to restore volume and fullness to the skin to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the nasolabial folds and the deep creases that sometimes extend from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth.

For more extensive wrinkles, a mini facelift, mid-facelift, facelift, neck lift, or even blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be your best option.

Learn More About Injectables in Fredericksburg, VA, Today!

If you’re considering being treated with cosmetic injectables, reach out to the experts at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg with your questions, and schedule an appointment either online or by calling us at (540) 371-7730.

 

Popular Treatments In Early Spring


This is the time of year that you want to fall in love with yourself again. It’s the best time to finally get started on those beauty treatments you’ve had on your wish list for way too long. For many reasons, this is the best time of year to think about cosmetic treatments that can help you look your best all year round.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a non-surgical way to restore or improve your youthful look. These fillers can be injected to restore lost facial volume under the eyes, in the temples, and cheeks and offer some amazing benefits:

  • Immediately Visible Results
  • No Recovery or Downtime
  • Boost in Self-Confidence
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimal Risk

You could even consider a non-surgical liquid facelift to rejuvenate the overall appearance of your face, providing a boost that everyone will notice. The best part is that the results are transformative but natural – no one will suspect you’ve had “work” done.

Injectables

The passage of time can leave your face with an aged and tired appearance. However, JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC, made from hyaluronic acid, is an excellent treatment to fill in lines and wrinkles, provide additional volume to your face, and rejuvenate your look. It is a gel that gently lifts the skin on your face and restores lost volume, resulting in a smoother, more natural and youthful look.

Chemical Peels

Many skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and dull aging skin may be treated with a Chemical Peel. The process loosens and removes dead skin cells and allows healthier skin to grow back and be visible on the surface. Chemical peels can be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures and applied at different depths, from light to deep. Light peels are perfect for exfoliating and unclogging pores and for increasing new skin production. Deeper peels take longer to recover from, but they can decrease discoloration and give you a smoother skin texture. Either way, you can expect a restored glow.

At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, we offer an Obagi Radiance Peel and various Vi Peels, with each treatment being customized to your unique requirements.

Fraxel Laser

Recognized as one of the most popular skin resurfacing tools, Fraxel Laser can penetrate the thickest layer of the skin known as the dermis. It works without burning or damaging the skin. This medical laser can selectively dissolve aged and damaged cells affected by hyperpigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, or acne scarring by applying gentle heat.

Spar Treatment

As a special treat, you could visit our Medical Spa in Northern Virginia, which offers various services. Here is a sample of the treatments we have to offer:

  • Chemical Peels

Spoil Yourself for a Beautiful Look All Year Long

Your next step in planning to look your best is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia. The best way to recapture your youthful look is through an individualized, custom-tailored treatment plan. Call us today at (540) 371-7730.

Voluma XC: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Juvéderm® Voluma XC?

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is made from a modified form of hyaluronic acid which is a natural sugar that occurs within our bodies.

2. What is Juvéderm® Voluma XC indicated for?

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA™ XC is the first and only FDA-approved non-surgical option to instantly correct age-related volume loss in the cheek area. It is a gel that gently lifts the skin and restores lost volume.

3. How is Juvéderm® Voluma XC actually used in treatment?

Voluma is injected into the cheek. It provides long term volume in the cheek area and gives the appearance of a more youthful, smoother skin surface.

4. What makes Juvéderm® Voluma XC different from other dermal fillers?

Juvéderm® Voluma was specially designed to fill and lift the cheeks. It uses a new advanced technology from Allergan which is called Vycross that creates a smooth-consistency gel that flows easily into the skin and provides a smooth, natural look and feel.

5. How long does Juvéderm® Voluma last?

It can provide fullness for up to two years with optimal treatment.

6. Why use Juvéderm® Voluma XC and not a wrinkle filler?

Not every wrinkle filler is right for every wrinkle. Juverderm Voluma xc was specially designed to fill and lift the cheek area.

7. What does the XC after Juvéderm® Voluma XC mean?

XC means there is a small amount of lidocaine mixed in which helps to numb the area during the treatment process.

8. Are the injections painful?

There is minimal discomfort during the treatment process.

9. Is allergy testing needed?

No, since the product occurs naturally in the body allergy testing is not needed.

10. How young can you be treated?

Juvéderm® Voluma XC is FDA approved for adults over the age of 21.

11. Does it matter if I am 30, 40, 50 or older for treating or for the results I will see?

No, speaking practically there are not age limits for you to have a nice result with Juverderm Voluma XC. It’s actual FDA approval is for 21 years and over.

12. Can all skin types be treated?

Yes, it is good for all skin types.

13. Can men be treated?

Yes, however it is a different technique especially for cheeks because what is optimal for a man differs from a women.

14. How long does treatment take?

The actual injection only takes 15 or 20 minutes, but more time may be needed if more than one syringe is required.

15. Does Juvéderm® Voluma require any special techniques or training?

Yes, injecting Voluma requires special training and an understanding of such aesthetics as facial harmony and bone structure.

16. Can you combine Juvéderm® Voluma XC with other facial anti-aging treatments?

Yes, and in some cases it may give you a better result . For example, use of BOTOX® will reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

17. Does it matter when you combine these treatments?

At times more than one type of treatment is needed. For example Juverderm Voluma XC restores volume and lift to the cheek area. Fine lines from facial expressions respond well to BOTOX® and makes a good combination woth Juverderm Voluma XC.

18. When can I return to work and resume my social life?

Juvéderm® Voluma XC results are immediate, so generally you may return to work or social activities right after the procedure. Sometimes side effects occur –like bruising, and mild swelling may happen by the next day, so you do need to consider this in your planning. Consult with your physician and discuss your return to work with them.

19. What are the common side effects of Juvéderm® Voluma XC?

Mild tenderness, swelling, and firmness, at the injection site. These side
effects were usually moderate in severity, and do not require treatment.

20. What can be done to prevent bruising?

Avoid aspirin and aspirin like products (NSAID’s) the week prior to treatment.

21. What if I don’t like the results – can Juvéderm® Voluma XC be removed?

Yes all hyaluronic acid fillers can be ‘removed’ using a synthetic form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in our bodies called hyaluronidase.

22. How often can I be injected?

Juvéderm® Voluma is a long-lasting filler so typically you would not need to be treated again for a long time…up to two years or more. You may need a re-injection a few weeks after your initial injection if you need more volume or more lift. It is better to be conservative and touch-up if needed.

23. How much does it cost?

The price of Juvéderm® Voluma varies according to the needs of each patient. The number of syringes needed to achieve the desired results varies from one person to another. People who have had similar procedures completed in the past may have differing needs from people who are having this type of treatment for the first time. If you get VOLUMA regularly, make sure you sign up for Allergan’s Brilliant Distinctions program. By participating in this program you get points for each treatment which you can then deposit and redeem for discounts on future treatments and products from Allergan. For all of the details, please check out www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com.

Do You Have Questions about Injectables?

If you think that cosmetic enhancement always means cuts, stitches, and a painful recovery, you haven’t tried injectables. Whether you opt for a dermal filler like Restylane® or a “freezer” like BOTOX®, these treatments can rejuvenate and revitalize, transforming your look without the need for missed work or a long recovery period. If you look in the mirror and want a little pick me up, but aren’t ready to go under the knife, come on in and give injectables a try.

If you haven’t tried injectables for yourself yet, you probably have questions. Keep reading for answers to some of our top questions about injectable treatments.

What Is the Difference Between a Filler and a Freezer?

There are two primary types of injectables: dermal fillers and freezers. Although both treatments are injected into the face, they rejuvenate in dramatically different ways. Fillers, like Restylane® or Perlane®, restore lost volume, fill in wrinkles, and lift sagging skin. Freezers, like BOTOX®, work by temporarily stopping muscle impulses that pull skin and cause wrinkling. Find out which treatments will help you meet your beauty goals by talking with one of our board certified plastic surgeons.

Are Injectable Treatments Painful?

Many patients worry that injectable treatments will be painful. There may be some discomfort, but topical anesthetics can be used to numb the treatment area if you’re concerned about pain. Talk with us about your concerns and we can help you find solutions.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The results from dermal fillers and freezers are temporary, but rather long lasting. BOTOX® results are visible just a few days after treatment and can last for up to 6 months. Restylane® injections can last up to one year depending on the area injected. We also offer fat injections using your own fat which can last from a few months to indefinitely depending on the situation.

Are Injectables Safe?

Safety is a primary concern here at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. The injectable treatments we offer have been used on millions of patients around the world and are FDA approved. BOTOX® is considered one of the safest, minimally invasive cosmetic treatments available and Restylane® is the world’s most used and most studied cosmetic filler.

Am I a Good Candidate for Injectables?

While injectable treatments are an ideal choice for many of our patients, we cannot give specific recommendations about what might be best for you without visiting with you in person. You may be a good candidate for dermal fillers if you have acne scars, wrinkles that you would like to diminish, hollow cheeks, thin lips, or dark under eye circles. BOTOX® is commonly used to treat lines between the brows and other facial wrinkles caused by overactive muscles. Talk with us about your specific needs and desires and we can help you find the right cosmetic treatment.

Restore Facial Volume with Voluma

Get cheeky with Juvéderm®’s Voluma. Here at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, our patients love this one of a kind filler. Add volume to your cheek area, providing a subtle, yet beautiful lift to your face. With long lasting results from just one treatment, Voluma is ready to rejuvenate and revitalize your look.

What is Voluma?

Receiving its FDA approval just last year, Voluma is a revolutionary dermal filler that adds volume to the cheeks. This filler is the first and only filler FDA approved for this purpose. One of the first signs of aging is volume loss in the cheeks.  With Voluma you can turn back the clock and revitalize your look.

Like many other fillers Voluma is comprised of hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar found in the human body. Voluma is unique however in its ability to last much longer than other fillers. When used in the cheeks, Voluma is clinically proven to  restore lost volume for up to 2 years, almost twice as long as other long lasting fillers. Voluma is also unique in how it is used. As the name implies most fillers simply fill in wrinkles and folds. Voluma adds volume allowing our skilled injectors to sculpt a more youthful appearance.

With Voluma the results are visible immediately. It also contains a numbing anesthetic for a more comfortable injection experience.

Voluma- You Don’t Have to Use it Alone

Although Voluma is a revolutionary new addition to the filler market, it doesn’t mean that other injectables don’t play an important role. Each of the many injectables available offer different options for men and women seeking to improve their look. For example BOTOX® reduces the movement of facial muscles, improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyes. Restylane®, a dermal filler, can fill in various wrinkles and folds. We often use a combination approach to give you the best possible outcome and to help you achieve your beauty goals.

Talk with us today about the treatment plan that will work best for you.

Recovery from Voluma- What to Expect

Voluma injections are performed in our offices. It’s a relatively quick procedure; some people even come in on a long lunch and head right back to work afterwards. The most common side effects are temporary tenderness, swelling, and discoloration at the injection site.  Most patients are able to get right back to work as soon as their injections are completed.

Have you tried Voluma? Come in and see if this revolutionary new treatment is right for you.