As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and years of movement, including smiling and squinting. Injectable fillers can help fill in lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. In 2003, 2.8 million people underwent Botox injections. This popular denervating agent prevents certain muscles in the face from contracting, thereby impeding the ability to make expressions that generate wrinkles. In addition to Botox, fillers such as Hylaform, Restylane, and even your own fat are viable options.  

When injected beneath the skin, fillers can plump up creased and sunken areas of the face. They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks. Injectable fillers may be used alone or in conjunction with a resurfacing procedure, such as a laser treatment, or a recontouring procedure, such as a facelift.

Can you combine injectables?
Combining Botox with Restylane is very popular in the frown-line area between the eyes. Data tends to support its use when the lines are well established over a long period of time and the skin remains indented, even when the muscles aren't moving. These lines are called static wrinkles and are ideal for fillers such as Restylane. This combination in the right patient can last up to seven months, as opposed to three or four for Botox alone. If, as is usually the case in younger patients, frown lines appear only when the muscles are active (dynamic wrinkles), then Botox alone is sufficient.

Course of treatment and pricing should be determined by you and your plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Here are some injectable options to discuss with your doctor: