Wrinkle fillers like Juvederm are exploding in popularity right now among those seeking significant anti-aging results without the need for downtime required by surgical procedures. Although fillers do not offer results as dramatic as the facelift, no incisions are required and the time required for healing is extremely minimal to nonexistent.

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a type of wrinkle filler containing both hyaluronic acid and lidocaine. The material itself is enclosed within a flowing gel that is delivered through a series of injections to immediately plump and volumize skin affected by the aging process.

Is Juvederm the same thing is Botox?

Not at all. Botox relaxes facial muscles to prevent the formation of some kinds of wrinkles, while Juvederm helps to “fill in” wrinkles by increasing facial skin volume. Both products also contain active ingredients that are very different from each other. Juvederm contains hyaluronic acid. Botox contains a safe botulinum toxin produced in a laboratory.

Lidocaine is also included in Juvederm to ensure patient comfort throughout the convenient treatment.

How does Juvederm work?

Hyaluronic acid, the active ingredient in Juvederm, is a special substance that attracts and binds water molecules within soft tissues like the skin. Its age-related breakdown leads to skin that becomes more dry and susceptible to the formation of lines and wrinkles that give away your age.

Juvederm works by replacing much of the hyaluronic acid that you have lost because of the aging process. Patients are gratified by the way that this filler begins to immediately draw moisture into their skin, leading to a noticeable hydrating and plumping effect that helps to banish wrinkles.

How long will my results last?

The answer depends on a number of variables. One consideration is the type of product that you are treated with. Juvederm is actually an entire family of products that are used on different parts of the face and lips. Generally, you can expect results lasting up to a year or more. At that time, you will need touch-ups to maintain your results.

How can I learn if Juvederm is right for me?

If you are bothered by wrinkles that make you appear older than your actual age, or if you simply wish to hang onto already youthful skin a bit longer, we invite you to contact Dr. Meger today to take your skin to the next level with Juvederm.

The world has slowly been accepting cosmetic treatments as safe procedures owing to the growing success rates. Botox is undeniably one of the most popular cosmetic treatments performed across the globe. Unfortunately, misconceptions surround the treatment. Botox targets aging spots to bring out a more youthful appearance. Here are four myths about Botox in Scottsdale that we aim to debunk in this piece.

Misconception 1: Botox is toxic

Botox is derived from a toxin although administered in diluted concentrations. The treatment has been approved by the FDA for years now to treat a wide range of conditions. Is it safe? Yes, it would take an overdose of more than a hundred times the standard dosage certified for cosmetic use, for Botox to be toxic. Be sure to have the treatment administered by a qualified practitioner for added safety.

Misconception 2: Botox injections are painful

Botox is administered through injections. Are you already cringing? Botox treatments utilize very tiny needles in which most patients describe the experience as manageable. Your doctor may use a topical anesthetic to offer comfort and make the procedure more containable if your skin is too sensitive. Nonetheless, most patients go through the entire Botox injection process without feeling any pain.

Misconception 3: Wrinkles become worse after you stop Botox treatment

This is perhaps one of the most significant concerns among people looking to have Botox treatments. Botox wears over time and needs replacement every three to six months. If you decide to stop treatments, Botox will fade off, and your fine lines and wrinkles will return. However, they won’t be worse; rather, they appear as they did prior to the Botox treatment.

Misconception 4: Results are immediate with Botox treatment

You will not see immediate results after the treatment. Botox works by acting on the muscles at the injection site to contract. The contraction of muscles reduces the wrinkles and fine lines, improving one’s facial appearance. The treatment requires about three to five days to exhibit visible results. You may continue to see changes up to the tenth day after treatment. In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional injections for more desirable results.

Botox could be the ultimate anti-aging solution you have been looking for. We have successfully debunked four misunderstood concepts about Botox with the hope that you will change your mind about the treatment. Visit us at our Scottsdale, AZ clinic to talk about your options on anti-aging solutions.

You spend a lifetime smiling and as great as it feels, the fine lines and wrinkles etched around your eyes are no laughing matter. The delicate skin around your eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging. Fortunately, there are ways to erase these character lines.  Below are Dr. Meger’s top four ways to treat crow’s feet.

1. Botox

When it comes to combating dynamic wrinkles, Botox in Phoenix is the gold standard. Botox, a neuromodulator, works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, specifically crow’s feet. Botox softens existing wrinkles and also helps to prevent new one from forming. On average, results last between three to four months. Periodic touch-ups are recommended to maintain long-lasting results.

2. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers also work well to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers plump up the areas of volume loss, giving you a refreshed, younger appearance. Both safe and long-lasting, dermal fillers can be strategically placed around your eyes and into the cheek area. The new fillers of today contain lidocaine, which minimize discomfort when injected.

3. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

In some cases, cosmetic surgery may be an option. Dr. Meger can perform both upper and lower blepharoplasties, which corrects hooding of the upper eyelids and sagging of the lower lids. When combined with dermal fillers, the results are dramatic, yet not noticeable to the naked eye. No one will know you had anything done but you and Dr. Meger.

4. Skin Care

In addition to the above-mentioned treatments, skin care is a must. Always apply sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy outside. Also, preventing fine lines and wrinkles start with a proper skin care regimen. Use products rich in hyaluronic acid and retinol around your eyes. Finally, don’t forget to wear sunglasses when it is sunny out to minimize squinting.

As with any cosmetic procedure, an in-office consultation is the first step. If you’re not sure which treatment is best and would like to know more, contact our Arizona office today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Meger will address your concerns and recommend ways to reach your aesthetic goals.

For some individuals throughout the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas in Arizona who do not want to undergo surgical procedures to improve their appearance, G. Robert Meger Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers 7 injectable procedures. These procedures have proven effective at addressing such issues that contribute to an aged appearance, including wrinkles, thinning lips and skin, deep lines and creases, and facial skin folds. Among their many benefits are seeing immediate results without any need for extended downtime or an interruption in normal daily activities often required after surgical procedures.

Botox is an FDA-approved wrinkle relaxer and a highly effective way to reduce signs of aging and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and the forehead. It is a natural substance injected into facial muscles to create a more youthful appearance.

Juvederm is often selected as the best solution for patients suffering from a lack of facial volume in their skin or lips or who are experiencing lines and wrinkles that make them appear older than they are. Its hyaluronic acid base adds volume, softness and moisture to the face.

Kybella is a nonsurgical alternative to liposuctioning excess neck fat or what is commonly referred to as a double chin. Results may not be as dramatic as a surgical neck lift but Kybella has proven highly effective at contouring and slimming the chin and neck areas.

Patients needing to replace lost moisture and volume in facial skin can opt for Restylane, a unique injection formula containing hyaluronic acid that helps to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also a good solution for adding lip volume and smoothing out the skin in general.

Poly-L-lactic-acid (PLLA), or Sculptra, helps replace collagen in the face that is gradually lost due to aging. It’s an excellent solution for smile lines, those unattractive nasiolabial wrinkles and folds that develop around the lips and mouth area.

When thinning skin causes cheeks to sink in or deflate, Dr. Meger can inject VolumaXC to improve facial volume and create a more youthful appearance. When inserted directly into the cheek muscles, VolumaXC produces long-lasting contours and fullness.

To find out which of these injectable procedures in Phoenix AZ might be the right nonsurgical solution for your particular needs, schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Robert Meger by calling 602-957-6000 or request a consultation online.

Over time, the skin loses elasticity and a youthful appearance. Sun exposure, facial movements, and gravity all produce signs of aging. Some people are bothered by these changes and want to fix them. If you’re one of them, you have options. Dermal fillers, which are designed to last anywhere from several months to over a year, are a top choice. They require minimal downtime, have few adverse side effects, and can significantly improve your appearance. If you want to get rid of wrinkles, restore volume, or get an overall more radiant appearance, dermal fillers can help.

1. Types of Dermal Fillers

There are several varieties of dermal fillers on the market. Here are some of the most popular types and their uses.

2. Eliminating Wrinkles

If you’re familiar with one product for eliminating wrinkles, it’s probably Botox. Botox is a wrinkle relaxer that minimizes the appearance of creases, folds, and lines in the face. It is a temporary wrinkle reducer, which means that successive injections are recommended to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. Juvederm is also used to reduce wrinkles. There are several dermal fillers in the Juvederm family, including Juvederm Ultra XC, which is designed exclusively to enhance lips.

3. Restoring Volume

Along with filling in wrinkles and reducing laugh lines or frown lines, Juvederm can be used to restore volume to areas of the face that have lost volume, including the cheeks. Another filler is Restylane. Restylane is produced from hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that is naturally produced in the body. Restylane hydrates skin and is a good choice for moderate to severe wrinkles, as it can eliminate creases and fine lines that are harder to reach using other types of injectables. As with Juvederm, there are several products in the Restylane family. Sculptra is another choice for restoring youthful volume. Unlike other fillers, which produce immediate results, Sculptra builds gradually over time.

4. What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Dermal fillers in Phoenix AZ are generally performed on an outpatient basis. It only takes 15-20 minutes for most injections, which has earned them the nickname of “lunchtime fillers.” Since fillers have no downtime, some people go back to work or their regular activities after getting facial injectables. However, you may be advised to refrain from strenuous exercise or excessive sun exposure for the first 24 hours after getting injectables. Sometimes, you might notice minor bruising, redness, or swelling near the site of the injections. These short-lived symptoms are not dangerous, but they can cause discomfort.

There are many different injectables on the market. Dr. Meger can help you decide which one is best for you, depending on your end goals and areas of concern. Call today to learn more about our services and schedule a consultation.