Injectable treatments are a quick and relatively easy way to address a host of concerns and create a refreshed appearance. There are a variety of options in injectable formulations, designed to do everything from smoothing away wrinkles to restoring youthful volume. Dr. Stephen Small offers a number of these options at Ocean Plastic Surgery, where he can customize your treatment to your unique concerns and desired outcome. Before you book your first treatment, it is important to understand the difference between the two basic categories of injectable procedures – neuromodulators and soft tissue fillers.

Muscle Activity and Botox Cosmetic

Botox is an injectable treatment that has been used for medical purposes for many years. Highly touted as an effective, non-surgical treatment for challenging conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and muscle spasms, the formula has now proven its worth in the aesthetic industry as well. Botox can be used to smooth away a variety of facial wrinkles, with results that last up to four months for some patients.

Botox is a neuromodulator, which means it works by relaxing facial muscles that lead to the formation of wrinkles. It is primarily used to reduce the appearance of horizontal creases across the forehead and vertical lines between the eyebrows, known as frown lines. It is also an effective treatment for the fine lines that frequently appear in the outer corners of the eyes, known as crow’s feet.

Volume Loss and Soft Tissue Fillers

Facial muscles are not the only culprits in the formation of telltale fine lines and wrinkles. Volume loss is another issue, which occurs when levels of collagen and elastin decrease in the skin. This leads to skin laxity, facial hollowing and the formation of creases around the nose, mouth and jawline. Soft tissue fillers provide support to the underlying skin structure, restoring volume and smoothing away wrinkles from the inside out.

Fillers are formulated with natural substances like hyaluronic acid that work with the skin’s own processes to turn back the clock on the complexion. Treatments can be used to restore volume to areas like the cheeks and jawline, while minimizing the appearance of creases between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds), and creases that run from the mouth to the jawline (marionette lines). Results are apparent right away and can last for many months or even years, depending on the specific formulation used.

Dr. Stephen Small will help you determine which injectable treatment will meet your needs best. In some cases, a combination of formulations may be used to produce the best possible results. Injections are performed on an outpatient basis and you can return to your daily schedule as soon as the procedure is over. To learn more, contact Ocean Plastic Surgery at (732) 255-7155.