Cosmetic Facial Injections
Performed by Dr. Elliott in Atlanta GA
Many Atlanta plastic surgery patients have the goal of restoring a more youthful appearance to their face, but for some, their aging has not yet progressed far enough for a facelift to be necessary. In these situations, there are a number of minimally-invasive nonsurgical treatments that can produce the desired rejuvenated results. One such option is the use of cosmetic facial injections.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott offers three primary types of facial rejuvenation injections:
Fat Injections
As patients age, they naturally lose fat in their face, which can contribute to a more hollow, aged appearance. One way to restore youthful volume while also diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles is by transferring the patient’s own fat to the hollowed areas of the face. Unwanted fat is first removed from an area like the abdomen or thighs. The fat is then purified and subsequently injected into specific points in the face to give the patient a more natural and revitalized appearance.
Dermal Fillers
Facial dermal fillers, like Juvéderm® and Restylane®, serve the same purpose as fat injections, but are made from medical compounds rather than from the patient’s own tissue. Because there is no need to remove fat from another part of the body, the use of facial fillers involves precise injections into targeted areas of the face. Some of the most common treatment areas include the naso-labial folds (“parentheses” wrinkles around the mouth), cheeks, lip area, and marionette lines that extend downward from the mouth. There is no “downtime” or recovery period necessary with facial fillers, although in the hours following their procedure, some patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or redness in the treated area.
Botox® Cosmetic
Botox® is effective in treating facial lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions over time, but it uses a different approach than fat injections and facial fillers. While the other types of facial injections address wrinkles by adding subcutaneous fat and restoring volume that makes them less apparent, Botox® treats wrinkles by relaxing the muscles that are contracting to cause the wrinkles. When injected into the correct muscles in the forehead, the area between the eyebrows, and the area to the outside of the eyes (“crow’s feet”), Botox® relaxes the wrinkle-producing muscles to achieve a smoother appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I expect the results of my facial injections to last?
Each type of cosmetic facial injection lasts for a different length of time. The results of Botox® generally last for 4-6 months, and dermal fillers can be effective for anywhere between 6 months and 2 years depending on the type used. The results of fat injections, however, can typically last longer, because only the natural aging process of continuing to lose facial volume will diminish the results.
Can cosmetic facial injections be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
Facial injections can be easily combined with other plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures. Fat transfer in particular has proven particularly effective when combined with a facelift, especially for patients who have a thinner face. Cosmetic facial injections are also frequently included as part of a comprehensive step-by-step rejuvenation plan with procedures like laser skin resurfacing. However, some procedures require resting time in between in order to achieve the safest and most desirable results, so it is important to follow the precise plan that you and Dr. Elliott have agreed upon.
How long does a facial injection procedure take?
The length of a cosmetic facial injection treatment varies considerably from patient to patient, depending on the type of injections used and the number of injections required. Many dermal filler treatments are brief enough to take place during the patient’s lunch hour, whereas a fat transfer procedure requires more time due to the removal and purification of excess fat.
What can I do after my procedure to maximize my results?
Because cosmetic facial injections vary so considerably from patient to patient, during your consultation, you and Dr. Franklyn Elliott will determine the best treatment to achieve your desired results, as well as the recovery involved.
