There are few things certain in life. One certainty is that every day we get older. Somewhere in our 30s we begin to see the telltale signs of aging and how it is making us look—and feel—older. In our society, image is very important and a more youthful image has always been shown to be preferred to an image where we look our age or older. After all, today’s 60 is supposed to be the new 50, and 50’s the new 40 …
Facial rejuvenation has long been the most desired cosmetic improvement and today there are more options than ever to refresh that aged, tired, lifeless look that you may feel your mirror is portraying. “Patients would prefer no downtime, if possible, and still receive a refreshed, natural look. Cosmetic injectables can achieve a refreshed, quick fix,” says Dr. Glenn DeBias, founder and medical director of The Institute for Laser and Aesthetic Medicine.
Dr. DeBias is internationally recognized for his tissue-tightening procedures and is one of the most experienced cosmetic injectable physicians in the country. He has performed more than 160,000 aesthetic procedures and currently has offices in Doylestown and King of Prussia.
“There are few things more gratifying than walking into an aesthetic physician’s office, having a procedure performed, and leaving feeling refreshed and rejuvenated,” says Dr. DeBias.
Botox: The Most Popular Cosmetic Injectable
According to a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedure for both men and women is Botox, which is manufactured by Allergan in Ireland. The glabellar lines, also known as the frown lines or “angry 11” lines, are the most popular area to be treated and the only area presently approved by the FDA for cosmetic use.
Botox, Dysport and Xeomin are three types of Botulinum Toxin Type A neurotoxins approved by the FDA for softening of the glabellar lines. The overwhelming patient acceptance of frown-lines usage has led to all three neurotoxins being used in other areas, such as forehead creases and crow’s feet around the eyes. Dysport is distributed in the United States by Medicis and manufactured in the United Kingdom by Ipsen, and was FDA approved for usage in the United States a few years ago. Xeomin is manufactured in Germany and distributed by Merz in this country and abroad.
“The primary effect of these neurotoxins is to offer controlled muscle relaxation up to several months,” says Dr. DeBias. “Most patients want to maintain use of their expressive muscle tone so that they still have movement, resulting in a very natural, relaxed look. Most patients don’t want to give away any telltale signs of treatment.”
In treating hundreds of patients who have these neurotoxins, Dr. DeBias finds that the majority of patients are happy with all three products, and relates that Dysport has a faster onset of action and seems to last slightly longer than Botox and Xeomin. The procedure is usually performed within minutes, and will offer significant results within days, which leads to a level of improvement that lasts for three to four months on the average.
What’s most important is to find a physician who is very experienced and knowledgeable in performing these neurotoxin injections and devotes a significant part of their practice to cosmetic injectable treatments. The more prominent cosmetic companies have status indicators that inform the prospective patient of the physicians that are doing the most injectables.
Dermal Fillers Offer a ‘Quick Fix’
At one time, a facelift was considered to be the only treatment available for wrinkles and sagging, but with that comes anesthesia, downtime and irreversible results—for better or for worse. Today, there are a variety of fillers available to “plump up” folds, deep lines, or just soften more superficial lines.
The most popular fillers in the country today are hylauronic acid products—Restylane, Perlane and Juvéderm. Another product available and used primarily due to its longevity is the calcium hydroxylapitite product named Radiesse. Also, Sculptra (polylactic acid), which technically is not a filler, does offer some collagen-building complex and anchoring for volume loss and sallow areas of the face. Dr. DeBias has had good success using Sculptra for tightening tissue and improving areas such as tear troughs and depressed checks. Restylane, Perlane and Juvéderm are by far the most popular fillers and target lower face folds and wrinkles primarily. These fillers can last from six months to 18 months.
“Dermal fillers are very popular in our practice,” says Dr. DeBias. “Patients receive an instantaneous result or quick fix from the injection.”
How to Choose a Cosmetic Injectable Provider
Because there is no “board certification” yet pertaining to cosmetic injectables, you need to ask the right questions. To find a physician who is skillful and proficient, you should ask the following questions. How long have they been doing this procedure? How many procedures does the physician do in a week, a month or a year? What is their status with the major injectable companies such as Allergan and Medicis? Does the physician train other physicians in performing cosmetic injectables?
Dr. DeBias is one of a few physicians in Pennsylvania to achieve top injector status with both Allergan and Medicis as it relates to Botox/Dysport, Juvéderm, Restylane and Perlane injectors. He is also a national speaker for Medicis and is in the top 1 percent in the country by status and experience. He has trained many physicians in performing cosmetic injectables.
Beauty that Doesn’t Break the Bank
Botox/Dysport/Xeomin and dermal fillers are reasonably priced by most patient standards. Botox/Dysport/Xeomin is delivered in units, and the injector should inform you of the number of units being delivered.
The price of the neurotoxins varies depending upon the injector. The prices of dermal fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvéderm Ultra and Radiesse may vary also. These dermal fillers are available per syringe, and most patients receive one to two syringes for complete correction.
The Institute’s price per unit is $12 for Botox, $10 for Xeomin and $5 for Dysport, while dermal fillers cost $445 per 1CC syringe, regardless of filler. To obtain the best value, find a provider who has the skill and experience to deliver optimal results at a fair price in a comfortable office setting.
“Our cosmetic practice has continued to grow despite current economic conditions, due mostly to high retention of our satisfied existing patients, as well as an influx of new patients who have had prior treatments in other practices but were not happy with their results, the price they paid or both,” says Dr. DeBias.
The Institute for Laser and Aesthetic Medicine is located at 110 Hyde Park in Doylestown and 1030 Continental Drive in King of Prussia. For office hours, to schedule an appointment or for more information, visit www.ilamed.com or call 215-230-1804.
Jeanne Criblear is a freelance writer from Buckingham.
