BOTOX:
Are there any risks?
Mild bruising or swelling may occur at the site of the injection. The treatment may also cause a brief headache. In rare cases, the injections may cause the eyebrow or upper eyelid to droop, but this condition is temporary and corrects itself without treatment within 2 to 3 weeks.

What is the recovery period like?
You’ll probably be able to return to work or home immediately after the procedure. However, care must be taken to keep the head upright and avoid massaging the treated area, so that the Botox affects only the desired areas.
 
What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
Most people are very pleased with the results. For long-term results, the procedure will most likely need to be repeated.

How long do the results last?
Although results vary, the results of an individual treatment last for about 4 to 6 months. With each new treatment, the results tend to last longer.

Collagen :: Alloderm :: Other Injectables

What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
Most patients who have had an injectable procedure are pleased with the results. The treatments can, in many cases, significantly reduce facial wrinkling and sagging skin. However, most injection treatments have a relatively short life span. Autologen, fat and collagen are quickly absorbed by the body, and most of the filler from these injections disappears within a year. Other injectable materials are associated with more frequent side effects. Be sure to discuss all of the various options with your doctor, who will help you to decide which is the best option for you.

Alloderm - A portion of the sheet alloderm may remain permanently, or it may eventually be completely absorbed. In any case, it lasts longer than most injectables, including collagen. There is not enough long-term information on Cymetra to know if a portion of it will last permanently, but early reports suggest that it probably will not.
Botox - The effects of Botox wear off in 3-5 months, but patients are often extremely satisfied with the results it produces. They may require only 2 treatments per year with almost no swelling at the time of injection. Except for the fact that a healthy muscle is plump and contracts, Botox is an excellent way to achieve a youthful, smooth face. Its popularity is due to its effectiveness.

Collagen -Standard collagen will be completely reabsorbed within a few months. Autologen lasts somewhat longer. Some lucky patients may have collagen last 5-6 months, but most will find that 3-4 months is typical. Occasionally, it lasts only 2-3 months. While they like the results, some people are frustrated by the need for frequent injections.

Fat - A portion of the injected fat will remain in place permanently, but a second procedure may be needed to completely correct sagging or wrinkling. Fat is perhaps the only injectable material available for recreating a youthful look in those patients requiring large volumes for a fuller, more youthful-looking facial structure.

Silicone - Silicone remains permanently. However, it can cause scarring hardening and lumpiness in the face years after the procedure is performed. Correction may require surgery to cut out the areas of silicone and scars, leaving the face permanently scarred. While a small percentage of patients have had an excellent result, it is risky; many others have had significant problems.
 
Alternatives:
Recently, a new method of fat injection has gained popularity. This procedure is called lipostructure. Like fat injections, this treatment calls for a removal of fat from the patient’s own body. However, lipostructure is significantly different from traditional fat injections because it attempts to keep these fat cells alive. The idea behind lipostructure is that by keeping the fat cells alive, they will not be reabsorbed into the body, and the results will last longer.

This procedure is quite new, is more extensive, and requires very specific training on the part of the physician. Consult your doctor to see if lipostructure is an option for you.

Risks:
One of the greatest risks associated with injectable procedures is the risk of infection. However, under most circumstances, properly trained doctors can minimize the chance of such complications. Depending on the filler material that you and your doctor choose, there may also be a risk of an allergic reaction or rejection of the material by your body. It is always a good idea to discuss the different options and risks with your doctor before you decide on a particular injectable material.