Cosmetic Procedures to Improve the Look of Wrinkles!

Sometimes it takes more than a good facial and moisturizer to obtain glowing, beautiful skin. More and more women are turning to cosmetic surgery in order to get the skin that they have always dreamed of. Collagen, Botox and Lipo-Injections are all the rage and their popularity is simply sky-rocketing. Of course, before committing to any procedure, it is VERY important that you do your research in order to find a highly recommended, qualified doctor. Remember, no matter how advanced the tools and techniques are, they are only as good as the doctor that is using them! If you have found a doctor but aren't quite sure of their reputation then it is a good idea to check with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. They can provide you with valuable information that will make choosing a doctor a tad bit easier.

Since we now live in a "green world" and recycling is of the utmost importance why not recycle your own fat?! If you are like me….then right about now you are saying…."Whaaaat?" Fat injections are, in fact, an alternative to collagen injections and are done in conjunction with lipo-suction. In a nutshell, fat is sucked out of your body and then injected back into your face. Why? Well, lipo-injections are used to reduce the look of deep wrinkles by "plumping them." As previously mentioned, lipo-injections (or fat transfer) are often performed instead of collagen injections because there is less of a chance that you will be allergic to your own fat. In other words…it is the safer way to go if there is even the slightest chance that you are allergic to collagen. Lipo-injections usually take four to six weeks or until the patient is happy with the way they look…whichever comes first. You can expect to experience some swelling after each procedure and you will also have to wear bandages for a few days to help stabilize the fat that has been injected into your face. Sounds fun, yes!?

Collagen injections are the most common (and popular) way to not only plump up wrinkles but to improve the look of facial scars and grooves. Also known as SAM (superficial augmentation material) collagen (which comes from cows) is often injected into wrinkles, lips and around the lips, as well. It is also used to minimize the look of crows-feet and shallow forehead wrinkles. When injected into the lips, the lips take on a fuller often pillowy appearance (I'm sure you can think of a few celebrities that fit this description). Results are usually immediate and the procedure takes approximately thirty to forty minutes. Possible side effects include swelling, puffiness and bruising. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, some people are allergic to collagen; therefore, it is important that tests are conducted BEFORE the procedure is performed. Collagen injections are quite pricey so be sure to fatten up your bank account as you will need to have the procedure repeated every three to six months in order to keep up appearances.

Ahhhh…Botox! If you have not heard of this cosmetic procedure then you either live under a rock or simply don't watch entertainment television! Most celebrities over forty have admitted that they have received Botox injections or are seriously thinking about it. Botox, which is in fact Botulinum toxin, is one of the most popular ways to STOP current wrinkles and lines from getting worse.  The doctor simply injects Botox into the offending wrinkle and it paralyzes the procerus muscle so that you are physically unable to squint, grimace, etc. Since you can no longer…well, move…the wrinkle cannot get worse. Results are typically noticeable in just a few days and can last up to nine months. The wrinkles that you had before the Botox treatment will eventually begin to fade (which is expected considering you can't move your face in that area to reinforce them). Botox treatments are expensive and there is a VERY SLIM chance that you could, in fact, have too much Botox injected (especially if you don't do your homework and go to an inexperienced doctor!). When this happens you can lose (temporarily of course) use of other muscles in the area of the injection (hence the reason I always say to RESEARCH ANY DOCTOR that you are considering).

Advances in science and in the field of cosmetic surgery have opened up new avenues when it comes to skin care and improving the look of wrinkles. If you have wrinkles or other facial features that truly bother you and bring down your self esteem…by all means, research and explore the world of cosmetic procedures! If the thought of having your fat sucked out and needles stuck in your face makes you sick to your stomach, find comfort in the fact that WE ALL AGE and WE ALL, at one point or another, develop wrinkles. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if you are happy with who you are and how you look…then that my friend, should be all that matters!