Jean’s Prediction for 2008 Comes True!

Might I be the next Nostradamus? No, I don’t think so.



In the January 2008 Ageless Beauty Newsletter, I predicted “I’ve even had a couple of the procedures which I researched for all of us. [LOL!] I think 2008 may be the year [for me] to try one of the new wrinkle fillers!"



Well today I did it!



All the background research I needed on Injectable Wrinkle Fillers is right on my website. All that remained was to find a doctor who was right for me. I got referrals from friends and friends of friends; narrowed my choices; checked credentials and booked the appointment.



It’s a good thing I frequently remind you that I’m not a doctor and you should not take my articles as medical advice. This is a good example. After all of my research, I had my heart set on only getting a Hyaluronic Acid filler injected around my mouth and chin.



However, after a half hour consultation with my dermatologist during which time she closely observed how my face moved and where the wrinkles formed, she convinced me to go for the whole shebang.



I ended up getting Botox (which I swore to myself I would never do), Restylane (a long-lasting Hyaluronic Acid filler) and ArteFill (one of the first permanent injectable fillers). I had seen enough of her work and, after talking with her for that half hour, I trusted her professional judgment and expertise.



She explained that the Botox was especially important for me specifically because I have a very expressive face and I tense my facial muscles more than most people. I know this because my jaw frequently feels tired from all the work. ;-(



BTW, I had my procedure done in Guadalajara Mexico because it costs considerably less and I could combine a vacation with my “bodywork”. Today I feel like a new woman. I’ll let you know how I look in a few days. I’ve got one little bruise and a tiny bit of swelling right now.



Tags: injectable wrinkle fillers, injectable Hyaluronic Acid, Restylane, Artefill, Botox, medical travel

Injectable Wrinkle Filler Cautions

Aside from the risks mentioned in my previous blogs, there have been cases of practitioners knowingly or unknowingly using counterfeit injectable wrinkle fillers.



The results range from infection or paralysis to permanent disfigurement or death. Last March, a California hairdresser was arrested for injecting fake Botox into a woman, who later died.



It is estimated that 5% of dermal filler injections given in the United States use counterfeit material.



Read about some of the downsides of injectable wrinkle fillers.



Tags: fake Botox, counterfeit wrinkle fillers, injection alternatives

Permanent Wrinkle Fillers on the Horizon

The first permanent dermal filler, ArteFill, is currently awaiting FDA approval. ArteFill is made of microspheres of polymethyl-methacrylate suspended in bovine collagen.



Interestingly, the results are not quite instant for the same reason that they are permanent.



Read more about ArteFill.



Tags: permanent wrinkle fillers, ArteFill info, Silikon 1000 info

Longer-Lasting Wrinkle Fillers

Longer-lasting wrinkle fillers developed for medical use are already being used off-label to fill facial wrinkles. Radiesse or Radiance is FDA-approved for treating vocal cord defects and is awaiting FDA approval as a wrinkle filler.



Here's more about the benefits of Radiesse.



Tags: l ong-lasting wrinkle fillers, Radiesse info, Sculptra info

Instant but Short-Lived Wrinkle Fillers

Though the results are instant, the biggest problem with the first generation of wrinkle fillers is that the results don’t last long, especially relative to the price.



Here's more information about the current state of wrinkle fillers.



Tags: instant wrinkle fillers, collagen wrinkle fillers, hyaluronic acid wrinkle fillers

Injectable Wrinkle Fillers: Have Face-Lifts Gone Out of Style?

The number of face-lifts performed in the U.S. declined last year for the first time ever.



More and more people who are interested in preserving their youthful appearance are opting for preventive measures and mini-procedures before the damage is advanced.



It will be interesting to see what today’s 30-year old who faithfully takes advantage of these treatments will look like in 30 years.



Here is more about injectable wrinkle fillers.



Tags: face lifts, injectable wrinkle fillers, FDA-approved wrinkle fillers