Did you know you could fill in your laugh lines with a few simple injections? Fillers and injectables have become the most popular way to diminish wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth. More than 7.7 million botulinum toxin type A injections and approximately 2.7 million soft tissue fillers were performed in 2019 alone, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. They’re the top two cosmetic minimally invasive treatments requested.
Smile lines, also known as laugh lines, develop predominantly around the mouth or eyes, and are visible when smiling. Typically caused by age, smile lines can also be products of elasticity and collagen loss, dehydrated skin, smoking, sun damage, and genetics. These creases can be temporarily smoothed by two major types of injectables.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are used to plump areas that lack smoothness and volume utilizing substances such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite (a mineral-like compound), polyalkylimide (transparent gel), polylactic acid, and polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres.
The types of dermal fillers available to eliminate laugh lines include:
Juvéderm
This filler utilizes hyaluronic acid, which is found in some tissues and fluids in the body. The results last six to nine months as it is naturally absorbed into the body gradually over time. However, some patients have reported seeing results for up to one year.
Juvéderm Voluma
Juvéderm Voluma also contains hyaluronic acid, but the results can last up to two years with a single injection.
Radiesse
Radiesse contains calcium hydroxyapatite, which provides volume and stimulates collagen production. This injectable filler can last up to 15 months. This type of filler can easily be broken down with hyaluronidase if the client is unhappy with the result.
Restylane
Another form of hyaluronic acid filler, Restylane hydrates while adding fullness to the skin, and has been known to last anywhere from six months to one year.
Sculptra
A polylactic acid injectable, Sculptra replaces lost collagen deep below the outer layer of skin, providing proven results for up to two years.
Botulinum Toxins-Based Injectables
These injectables are made with purified botulinum toxin, a form of bacteria that can be harmful in large amounts, but safely used to diminish wrinkles in smaller portions. The bacteria blocks nerve signals to the muscles causing the crease. The muscle becomes paralyzed, softening the wrinkles and fine lines near the area of injection.
Botulinum toxin-based injectables come in multiple brands:
Botox
This type of injection contains botulinum toxin A, plus additives. Patients see results within one week to one month, and they can last for approximately six months.
Dysport
Dysport is similar to Botox in that it contains botulinum toxin A and additives, however, the results only last three to four months.
Xeomin
Unlike Botox and Dysport, Xeomin only contains botulinum toxin A, meaning it’s a pure-form injectable. Because there are no additives, the body is less likely to become resistant to it, and it doesn’t need to be refrigerated. Results can last approximately four months.
The fillers discussed in this blog are only a few of many available.
If you’re interested in eliminating your smile lines, schedule a consultation at Dr. Anthony Buglino’s Woodbury office. He will help you decide which type of filler is best for you by evaluating the area, asking medical history questions, and more. In some cases, injectables are combined to achieve desired results, so he may recommend a dermal filler and botulinum toxin-based injectable. For more information, call (516) 864-0700.
