Time was that the best hope for a younger looking face was to go under the knife of a qualified plastic surgeon. From the repair of droopy eyelids to face lifts, the surgical route could be expensive, painful and the final result was never guaranteed. If the result was not satisfactory, correcting the problem could mean another expensive surgical procedure. As with any invasive medical procedure, facial or plastic surgery can have adverse side effects and inherent risks. This is not to say that qualified medical professionals are not capable, just that certain procedures come with certain risks.



With the turn of the twenty first century came a plethora of new and exciting skin care procedures that are less invasive than traditional cosmetic and plastic surgery. Advances in laser technology have also played a big part in the movement toward enhancing ones body image. It is important to note that many of these new techniques can still be quite expensive and are not completely without risk. The intense drive to forestall the ravages of aging and stay young looking was once thought of as just for movie stars and others in the fabulously rich and famous set. Now folks of more modest means are taking advantage of this new age in skin care.

An advantage of many new skin rejuvenation techniques lies in a lack of permanence. That is it to say that the effects of procedures like injections of Botox last for only about four or five months before the procedure needs to be repeated. Botox is actually botulism toxin that has been diluted and temporarily paralyzes the muscle tissue and reduces the look of facial wrinkles. The effects wear off as the toxin breaks down in the tissue so to maintain the desired look the injections must be repeated. Studies seem to suggest that the effects of Botox become more long lasting as the muscle tissue will eventually begin to shrink or atrophy.

Other injectable types of skin wrinkle reducers include hyaluronic acid that is marketed as dermal filler used to fill in facial wrinkles. Like Botox, hyaluronic acid has a limited effectiveness, usually less than six months and it is applied through a minimally invasive injection. Unlike Botox which can take several days to work, the effects of hyaluronic acid can be seen almost immediately.

Collagen injections had become a popular way to enhance facial appearance. Collagen is commonly used to change the shape and contour of the lips as well as fill in wrinkles and other facial imperfections. With the introduction of hyaluronic acid and Botox, collagen products have become less popular. This may be due to the longer recovery period associated with injections of collagen.

Women are not the only ones seeking the injectable fountain of youth. In increasing numbers, men are having their crows feet filled and their facial wrinkles erased. One possible explanation may lie in how the employment market has changed over the last several decades. Occupations once dominated by men have increasingly been rendered gender neutral as more women have entered the work force. The result has been an increased competition for available jobs and men have found it necessary to gain an edge in the hiring process. Some experts contend that men also face more competition from younger workers.

A risk exists in the proliferation of counterfeit injectables and providers who are less than properly trained. So consumers must take the time to ensure that the skin care service or procedure they receive is being provided by a qualified professional who uses quality, FDA approved products. Any time a substance is injected into the body a risk exists for adverse reactions. If you have any doubts about adverse reactions, always consult a medical professional before having those wrinkles removed.