Injectables,
Treating Facial Lines
Sydney cosmetic surgeon DR ANOOP RASTOGI explains some non-surgical treatments to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face to Jodi Thiessen.
There are different types of lines and wrinkles that appear on the face; however, they are all created through a combination of ageing and environmental factors. The different types of lines can be categorised into three types: dynamic lines, static lines and ultra fine lines. Each type of line requires a different treatment , however , smoothing out these lines does not require major surgery. Dynamic Lines Dynamic lines are lines that are accentuated with facial expression. Some of the more obvious dynamic lines are the crows feet around the eyes, the angry frown lines between the eyebrows (glabella lines) and the worry lines on the forehead. Dr. Rastogi explains "The best treatment for dynamic lines is by using a wrinkle relaxing injection. This is the treatment of choice because it is very effective in improving or eliminating dynamic lines, and it actually helps prevent these lines from becoming permanent later. "Muscle relaxing injections works by preventing the nerves from signalling the muscles that lie beneath the skin, producing the wrinkles, to contract. It takes about seven days for the medication to be absorbed, at which time the lines and wrinkles disappear or smooth out considerably. The treatment is repeated about three times a year, however, with repeated treatment these may be required far less frequently . As with all cosmetic surgery there is an art to injecting the muscle relaxant. With careful placement lines and wrinkles can be eliminated, while at the same time maintaining all natural expression. Dr. Rastogi explains the implications of muscle relaxing injections on the ageing process "It is particularly important to prevent dynamic lines after the mid thirties. Prior to that time you only see lines and wrinkles with facial expressions, frowning, smiling, etc, however, after the mid thirties those lines quickly become permanent. This is due to age related changes in the character of the skin. By eliminating the dynamic lines on the forehead and a round the eyes perm anent wrinkles (static lines) can be pre vented. " Static Lines Static lines are lines that are present even when there is no expression on the face. Dynamic lines can become static lines with age. Other examples of static lines include the nasolabial folds (the cheek folds that run from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth) which are due to the gravitational effects of ageing, and smokers lines around the mouth due to pursing of the lips. Static lines, explains Dr. Rastogi, are best treated with dermal fillers. When injected the fillers work by holding moisture and gently plum ping out the lines and wrinkles. These new dermal fillers com m only last around six months, but have been known to last a year or longer. Dermal fillers come in a number of different grades and can be used to treat fine lines to very deep folds. It can also be used for lip enlargement. These injectable treatments have little or no down time and a very low risk profile. They are also nonpermanent and according to Dr. Rastogi this is a distinct advantage. "The face is a very mobile region" said Dr. Rastogi "and with age is forever changing, so using a non perm anent treatment allow s you to treat lines and wrinkles as they occur, rather than using a permanent substance whose placement may not remain optimal as the face changes." A combination of muscle relaxing injections and Dermal filler can be used to treat deep, stubborn lines that have both a dynamic and static component. The aim of treatment is to stem the science of the ageing process; the art is to do this while maintaining the character of the face, which is both individual and attractive.