In recent years, several excellent wrinkle reducing options have been created as an alternative to full surgical face lifts. The most popular and least invasive include injectables like Restylane, Botox, and Juvederm.

Restylane

Restylane is very effective in plumping and sculpting lips, reducing facial wrinkles and improving the overall fullness of the facial tissue. It has been on the market since December 2003 when it was approved by the United States <a href=”http://www.fda.gov/” rel=”nofollow”>Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and it offers some of the longest lasting results among injectables on the market today.

It is a substance composed of non-animal based hyaluronic acid in a clear liquid gel form. It is administered by applying local anesthesia, and then injecting Restylane into the lips, mouth, nose, or other skin tissue. Some people do experience some discomfort during needle insertion.

This treatment option is usually best suited for those between 35 and 60 years old and has a great success rate for improving deep wrinkles and fine lines. Restylane is injected under the skin and the substance helps to plump up the underlying tissue producing a face with more volume in the lips, and cheeks, and wherever it inserted.

The results can be readily apparent after a week, but there may be some swelling for a day or two after the procedure. Most patients will be extra sensitive to sunlight and UV exposure so they will be cautioned to stay out of the sun. While the results are stunning, they are not permanent and future treatments will be needed to maintain the desired effect.

Botox

Botox is the brand name for the botulinum toxin, it has now become the number one cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S. and it is very effective in softening the look of crow’s feet, frown lines, and lines between the eyebrows. Botox is injected beneath the facial skin and it paralyzes the muscles in the face that cause the deep wrinkles. The injection sites are marked carefully as the placement of the toxin is very critical to the success of the treatment.

After all the Botox is administered, which takes about 20 minutes or less, the patient is free to go home, back to work, or anywhere she like because there is no down time or recovery period. The results may take a week to be fully visible, but the will be dramatic although temporary. Botox results last about three to four months and treatments must be repeated about that often to retain the less-wrinkled look.

Juvederm

Juvederm is another popular filler injectable that can reduce facial wrinkles, especially the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth. It was approved by the FDA in June 2006 and is a gel implant made up of hyaluronic acid like Restylane. Juvederm also adds volume to your face where time and aging have caused it to sink or sag.

This filler is available in three formulas, each specifically designed to target a particular area of the face. One targets fine lines like crow’s feet, another reduced forehead wrinkles and another is good for the nasolabial folds as well as the lips and cheek shapes. Juvederm effects can last for six to nine months, but additional treatments will be necessary at that point to continue to reduce wrinkles and maintain facial volume.