Frequently Asked Questions About Collagen

CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast

What are CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast?
CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast are the first FDA approved human collagen fillers that are commercially available. They are purified from human dermal cells and manufactured in the strictest controlled environment. These natural products are for the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars, other soft-tissue contour deficiencies and even lip enhancement.

Unlike other collagen replacement products, CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast do not require a pre-treatment skin test.

By supplementing your skin’s own collagen with CosmoDerm and/or CosmoPlast collagen, we can smooth out wrinkles and most scars. We can also improve the appearance of deeper frown lines and nasal furrows. Collagen injections are a safe, effective, time-tested, non-surgical wrinkle treatment that provides immediate results.

Which areas respond best to CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast Treatments?
The ten areas most frequently treated with collagen are: frown lines between the eyes, acne scars, cheek depressions, smoker’s lines around the mouth, Marionette lines at the ends of the mouth, worry lines in the forehead, Crow’s feet at the eyes, deep smile lines, dimples, and facial scars.

How are CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast Treatments performed?
Treatments take place in our office. CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast treatments usually take less than twenty minutes. The CosmoDerm and/or CosmoPlast collagen is injected through a tiny needle under your skin, beneath the wrinkle, into your own collagen. Several injections may be required, depending on the depth and length of the wrinkle. Because it contains a small amount of lidocaine, patients experience minimal discomfort.

How many treatments will I need?
Dermal defects are typically treated in two or three treatments over a three-month period, with correction for some defects lasting up to two years. Since aging is a continuing process, treatments for age-related wrinkles will be an ongoing process. Most patients come in three to four times a year for touch-ups.

Why choose CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast Collagen Treatments?

• CosmoDerm & CosmoPlast are natural, human collagen.
• CosmoDerm & CosmoPlast are non-allergenic.
• CosmoDerm & CosmoPlast have a natural feel.
• There is no need to harvest tissue from another site on your body.
• CosmoDerm & CosmoPlast can be used alone or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels or facial surgery.

What can I expect after my CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast Collagen Treatments?
Normal activities can be resumed immediately. Discomfort is minimal. The treatment site may have a little swelling, which may last a few hours. There may be some slight bruising which can be covered with make-up. Depending on the area, treatments usually last from three to six months.

Find out if you could benefit from CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast Treatments. Please contact our office and arrange your private consultation.

For more information, visit lookingyourbest.com

Captique

What is Captique?
Captique is a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler and the newest HA filler to enter the U.S. market. It is indicated for correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds). Captique is injected just under the skin’s surface to replenish volume lost during the aging process.

For more information, visit lookingyourbest.com

Restylane  & Perlane

Want to enhance your lips or get rid of wrinkles?

Facial wrinkles and creases begin to appear as the underlying collagen and elastin fibers begin to break down and wear out. While this breakdown is part of the natural aging process, it can also result from excessive squinting, frowning and smiling. Until recently, the most frequently used material for filling facial wrinkles and frown lines was injectable collagen. However, collagen injections aren't for everyone. A very small percentage of patients are allergic to bovine collagen.

Now a natural product can help you meet your goals without fear of an allergic reaction. This synthetic, bio- degradable hyaluronic acid that forms both Restylane and Perlane(r) has been used in Europe for years.

How Do They Work?
Restylane and Perlane contain hyaluronic acid in the form of a crystal-clear gel. They are injected into the skin to lift the lip, wrinkle or fold. Once in your skin, they create volume, resulting in a healthy and vital appearance. When injected into the lip they can restore a more natural and/or sensuous look. In contrast to other biodegradable implants, Restylane and Perlane are not extracted from animals. This means no risk of allergic reaction. Therefore, they are perfectly safe to use instantly without pre-testing.

What Areas Respond Best To Treatment?
Fine lines on the upper and lower lip that are not severe enough to require laser resurfacing, smooth and fill nicely with Restylane Fine Lines. Deeper wrinkles and folds in the cheek areas (nasolabial, melolabial and drool lines at the corners of the mouth) respond well using Restylane Plain or Perlane. Lip enhancement created by Perlane lasts up to twice the longevity of standard collagen implant treatments.

Is It Safe?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body and therefore it also dissolves naturally with time and is integrated into your body's tissues. The synthetic, biodegradable hyaluronic acid known as Restylane Fine Lines, Restylane or Perlane has been used in Europe and Canada for many years. All these products have the same 20 mg/cc strength of hyaluronic acid; they just vary in gel particle size. This variability makes for tailoring of injections according to the depth of the wrinkles and desired lip enhancement.

What Are The Treatments Like?
The treatment is performed by injecting Restylane or Perlane under your skin. Since no pre-test is needed, the whole procedure takes less than 30 minutes. Pain relief is usually not needed, but many patients like the added comfort provided when we apply an anesthetic cream about an hour before the injections. Alternatively, another option for a completely pain free treatment associated with Lip enhancement is the use of an anesthetic dental block for the upper and lower lips

How Long Does It Last?
Depending on the area treated, most folds and wrinkles require 2 treatments at 4-6 weeks apart. The repeat maintenance treatment is not usually required for approximately 8 months. By experience, these products last almost twice as long as regular collagen injections. The great thing about Restylane and Perlane is that you can replenish your natural beauty whenever you feel the need. Unlike permanent implants, Restylane and Perlane always leave you a choice when the effect of the treatment has worn off. A touch-up can be performed any time you like after the previous treatment.

How Will I Look After My Treatment?
Following your injections, normal activities can be resumed immediately. Discomfort is minimal. The treatment site may have a little swelling, which may last a few hours. There may be some slight bruising which can be covered with make-up. Depending on the area treated, correction usually lasts from three to six months. If you have been wondering how to get rid of your wrinkles but aren't ready for surgery, Restylane or Perlane may be the answer.

For more information, visit www.restylane.com