How is Sculptra different than Juvederm?

Today's facial fillers offer an effective alternative for men and women who want to reduce or erase some of the signs of aging, including wrinkles and lost volume. With the right treatment regimen and a skilled injector, patients can enjoy many of the same benefits of a traditional facelift – but without the cost, incisions or downtime that go hand-in-hand with surgical procedures. Still, not every filler is created equal, and it's important for patients to understand the differences between products so they can learn why one treatment may be a better option than another for their needs.

Sculptra® vs. Juvederm®

Today, Sculptra® and Juvederm® are two of the most popular facial fillers, and while they can both produce great results, there are some important differences between them:

• The first and most critical difference is what they're made of. Juvederm® is composed of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring substance that helps skin retain moisture so it looks and feels plumper. Sculptra® uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a gel derived from natural products that works to promote the development of collagen, one of the most important building blocks of skin. Collagen forms a supportive scaffolding for skin that helps it maintain resiliency and firmness.
• The next difference is how they're used. While both products can be used to treat different areas of the face, Juvederm® is primarily used to fill in wrinkles and “plump up” lips that appear too thin. Sculptra® can also be used to address wrinkles, but it's often used to restore volume in the cheek area, creating a more youthful profile while gently lifting sagging tissues of the lower face.
• Finally, while Juvederm® results are immediately apparent, they last anywhere from six to nine months before a re-treatment is necessary. The effects of Sculptra® can take longer to appear as collagen is rebuilt, but the final results can last two years or even longer.

Ready to learn more?

Halo Laser and Aesthetic Medicine offers an array of filler options so both men and women can enjoy all the benefits of a “liquid facelift.” To learn more, call 847-915-4248 today.

Dysport vs Botox

         

BOTOX® and Dysport® can both be effective in treating dynamic wrinkles - so which one is better? Here's what you should know:

Both BOTOX® and Dysport® have the same underlying mechanism: both prevent wrinkles from forming by blocking the nerve signals that cause facial muscles to contract when we make expressions like smiling or frowning. And both are injected in the same manner and the same areas. The primary difference between these two agents lies in their structures. Both BOTOX® and Dysport® rely in special carrier proteins to enable them to access and affect the muscle tissues, but BOTOX® uses slightly more proteins compared to Dysport®. This means two things:

• BOTOX® molecules are slightly larger than Dysport®, and some studies indicate Dysport® may be more effective in treating smaller areas or subtler types of wrinkles thanks to its smaller molecular structure.
• Dysport® may be slightly more likely to “spread out” once injected, which can be a good thing in some treatments but not in others.

Confusing? Yes. But we can help. At Halo Laser and Aesthetic Medicine, our practitioners are skilled in both BOTOX® and Dysport® cosmetic dermatology treatments, carefully evaluating the underlying structure of the skin, the facial anatomy and the patient's own expectations to ensure the best choice. If you have wrinkles and lines you'd like to get rid of, call Halo Laser and Aesthetic Medicine at 847-915-4248 and schedule an evaluation to learn about all the medical spa treatments that can help you look great.

What is the botox cost range?

BOTOX® is by far the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the U.S. today, with about 6.8 million treatments performed in 2015. Both men and women love BOTOX® for its results as well as the fact that it's an injectable, which means there's no need for incisions or anesthesia to get great results and it can be performed right in the doctor's office. Another reason to love BOTOX® is its cost, which has remained relatively constant for the past few years.

What does BOTOX® cost?

BOTOX® injection treatments usually are charged either by the unit or by the area being treated, like the crow's feet or forehead area. Typically, most BOTOX® procedures range in cost from about $400 to $1,000, with higher costs associated with more extensive treatment areas.

In recent years, some salons and spas have begun offering BOTOX® injections as a way to capitalize on the treatment's popularity. Indeed, many sites regularly tout “BOTOX® specials” of $200 or less per treatment area. That may sound tempting, but most “cut-rate” treatments use far fewer units per area, which means the results won't be as good or as long-lasting.

Experience counts.

The other key factor is experience and skill. When it comes to any type of cosmetic procedure, including BOTOX®, you want someone with in-depth cosmetic dermatology experience to ensure the best results. Halo Laser and Aesthetic Medicine is a leading provider of BOTOX® injections and other medical spa treatments. To learn more, schedule a consultation today.