As most of our loyal clients know, Evolutions Medical & Day Spa in Santa Barbara has the Biggest Week of the Year right around the corner! Injectable Week happens once a year with big savings on your favorite dermal filler or wrinkle-reducer (Botox or Dysport). This year it begins on Monday, December 2nd, and lasts until Saturday, December 7th, 2013. We are booking appointments now for Injectable Week!
For those of you who are not as familiar with dermal fillers, Sculptra, and/or the wrinkle-reducers Botox and Dysport, we will happily share with you some information about each of them. Perhaps it will help you to make a decision about getting an injectable treatment or encourage you to add a new treatment to your anti-aging arsenal.
Botox and Dysport
Botox and Dysport treatments are one of our most popular services at Evolutions, year round. This is not surprising! In 2012, there were over 6 million Botox or Dysport treatments in the US. Botox and Dysport are forms of botulinum toxin type A. They are both injected under the skin to treat overactive muscles in the forehead area. Botox and Dysport block the signals to the muscle that tell them to contract, resulting in a smooth, frown-less forehead. Botox or Dysport can take from 1 to 7 days to “set in” and start working. Both are FDA approved and are deemed safe and effective in the treatment of facial wrinkles. Dysport is a smaller molecule than Botox, so the units are different (i.e. 20 units of Botox equal 60 units of Dysport). Results are temporary and last about 3 to 4 months.
Restylane and Perlane: Dermal Fillers
Restylane and Perlane are in the same family of products. They are both dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid that are formulated to act like your body’s own naturally produced hyaluronic acid. These are injected under the skin to fill in moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Restylane can also be used to add fullness to the lips. Replacing volume lost in the face can help restore a more youthful appearance. Perlane differs from Restylane in the average size of the particles and the depth of the injection. Your Evolutions clinician will help you determine which product is best for you. Results are instantaneous and can last 6 months or more (in most cases).
Radiesse Dermal Filler
Radiesse is also a dermal filler. It differs from Restylane or Perlane in that it is comprised of calcium microspheres in gel. Radiesse is also injected under the skin to provide volume and structure in areas where volume has diminished. The bonus that Radiesse offers is that it works to stimulate your body to produce it’s own natural collagen. As the calcium gel is absorbed, your own natural collagen will remain behind, giving you volume and structure. Results are instantaneous and have been clinically proven to last one year or more.
Sculptra Aesthetic
Our newest treatment, Sculptra Aesthetic, is a bit different than hyaluronic dermal fillers or Radiesse. This new facial injectable does not give instantaneous results, instead subtle results are achieved over time. Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic material that has been used by physicians for years in dissolvable stitches. Sculptra works deep within the dermis to gradually restore the collagen foundation that is lost as we age. With a more solid foundation, fullness is steadily returned to facial wrinkles. Results can last two years or more. Most clients require a full treatment of Sculptra Aesthetic, which is an average of three injection sessions over a few months, for the best outcome. Full results are gradually seen over 3 to 6 months.
A Note About Dermal Fillers and Botox/Dysport Treatments
If you’ve never had a dermal filler or Dysport/Botox treatment, you will have to come in for a consultation with our Physician’s Assistant, Nurse Practitioner or Dr. Perkins prior to your first treatment. Call us today to book your complimentary consultation (or submit a consultation request online) and/or to make an appointment for Injectable Week (805-335-8605).