Want to Zap Those Wrinkles?

Are you considering erasing those wrinkles? Heard a lot about Botox and other fillers? Well, when considering such treatment, it's important to keep in mind that not all syringes are created equal. Just because fillers are all injected into the skin doesn't mean they'll have the same effect on lines. With dozens of therapy options floating around out there, sometimes it's difficult to keep track of who's who in the wrinkle-fighting domain. Here's everything you need to know about three of today's most popular treatments-Botox, Restylane and Radiesse-before deciding which--if any-- procedure is best for you.

Botox

Average Cost: $125 to $400 per treatment area

By far the most widely-known wrinkle filler injection, Botox is a brand of OnabotulinumtoxinA, a compound that inhibits muscle movement by blocking the release of acetylcholine at the injection site. It is generally prescribed to adults between the ages of 35 and 65 for the smoothing of wrinkles located on the forehead or between the eyebrows. Because different brands of OnabotulinumtoxinA cannot be mixed-and-matched, patients must stick to the Botox brand (or any other similar brand that they initially use) when receiving follow-up treatments.

During your first visit, your doctor will pinpoint the key injection sites for your desired treatment area. The fluid, which consists of a powdery substance, is inserted not only in the target wrinkles, but also in the muscles that are associated with those wrinkles. Anesthesia is usually not given during the procedure, which lasts up to 20 minutes. Botox typically improves wrinkles by 80 percent within one week, and the results last for approximately four months. Follow-up treatments are recommended every four to five months.

Botox injections may bring about minor side effects such as pain or bruising of the injection site, headache, nausea, teary eyes, flu-like symptoms, muscle weakness or temporary drooping of the eyelids. In rare severe cases, it can cause vision change, swelling of the eyelids and extremities, chest pain, or dizziness.

Read more about Botox, Restylane and Radiesse at ThirdAge.com