There is a myriad of reasons why our faces change as we age. Two important ones are lost volume and wrinkling, and frankly, time works against us with both. But, your board-certified dermatologists at Santa Barbara Skin Care provide adults with the tools they need to attain a refreshed and youthful look. Let's look at dermal fillers and BOTOX injectables in Santa Barbara, CA. Dr. Gary Novatt, Dr. Corey Frucht and Dr. Robert Sheffield use them on qualified patients with beautiful results.

Dermal fillers

Sun exposure, heredity, tobacco usage and passage of time thins and creates lines on our skin. This is especially noticeable around the eyes, nose, forehead and lips as the fat which plumped out our faces when we were very young shifts and disappears.

What's the solution? Is a face lift the only way? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that the gentler method to smooth fine lines and wrinkles is through use of dermal fillers. Your dermatologist uses dermal fillers in his Santa Barbara practice as a natural way to refresh facial appearance.

"Natural?" you say. What can be natural about injected medications? Well, today's popular dermal fillers are derived from substances either already present in our bodies or highly compatible with them. So the body accepts them readily, and the fillers do their jobs exceptionally well. Fillers actually add volume to aging skin.

If you're a candidate for dermal fillers, the doctors at Santa Barbara Skin Care may treat you with:

• Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) This long-lasting, viscous filler works well around the eyes, lips and backs of the hands--areas which lose their volume and elasticity.
• Juvederm (hyaluronic acid) This very popular product works very well on fine lines on many areas of the face and neck.
• Bellafill (polymethyl-methacrylate) Lasting up to an amazing 10 years, Bellafill specifically smoothes smile lines and acne scars.
• Sculptra (poly-l-lactic acid) Given in a series of injections, this popular choice actually stimulates the body's own elastic collagen. Sculptra increases volume and tightens sagging skin.

Your skin doctor will assist you in determining which filler is right for you.

BOTOX

This FDA-approved injectable stops the movement of facial muscles which cause wrinkles and fine lines. Specifically, it targets the dynamic lines, formed from smiling and frowning, around the mouth, under the lower lip, between the eyebrows and around the eyes (crow's feet). While results last just three to four months, this derivative of the botulinum toxin gives patients time to learn how to frown less. So your face actually wrinkles more slowly over time.

What treatment is right for you?

Why not contact Santa Barbara Skin Care to find out more about dermal fillers and BOTOX? Dr. Novatt, Dr. Frucht or Dr. Sheffield love helping patients make the best decisions for their skin health and personal appearance. Call today, won't you: (805) 569-1164.