Cosmetic injections are among the easiest and most cost effective anti-aging cosmetic procedures in the United States with over 5 million treatments performed each year. There are three main types of injectables: Botulinum Toxin (Botox), Collagen (Human and Bovine), and Hyaluronic Acid Filler (Juvederm and Restylane), all with their own benefits and uses.
BOTULINUM TOXIN
Commercially known as BOTOX, the botulinum toxin, unlike the others is not a filler, and is the most popular cosmetic treatment in the US. Botox works by paralyzing the muscles of the face at the injection site, therefore releasing the creases from frown lines and crows feet, and can visually reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 80%. A botox procedure generally takes under 20 minutes with no anesthesia, though a numbing cream may be used. Patients can normally return to regular activity almost immediately, and results last 6 or more months.
Costs around $125-$400 per treatment area
COLLAGEN
Though initially very popular, collagen injection usage has decreased due to the approval of several other, longer lasting procedures. Collagen is the main protein found in connective tissue, and composes up to 80% of the skin on the face, and is often very effective at reducing crows feet and smile lines. The procedure is very similar to that of Botox, though some minor swelling may be apparent, usually subsiding in 48 hours, with results lasting 4 or more months.
Costs around $700 per procedure
HYALURONIC ACID FILLER
Widely known by their brand names JUVEDERM and RESTYLANE, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring carbohydrate in tissue, and is used as a wrinkle "filler" for a safe and effective wrinkle reducer. This procedure works by injecting the carbohydrate gel below the skin and effective raising creases. This carbohydrate also acts as a sponge for water, which keeps the area plump for a longer period of time than a collagen injection. This procedure is short and minimally invasive, with recovery time usually around 3 days, with minimal swelling and redness. Results can last 6-9 months.
Restylane costs around $350-$800 per syringe
Juvederm costs around $800-$1300 per syringe
OTHER TREATMENTS
New research is resulting in new, longer lasting cosmetic injection procedures including Synthetic Poly-L Lactic Acid fillers (Sculptra), which treat more severe facial imperfections including sunken eyes, chin indentations, and skin folds, with results lasting up to two years. In addition, brand new products like Artefill include a combination of ingredients, with immediate results building up over time to last up to five years.
