Over the past few years, wrinkle treatments that use injections of dermal fillers have increased in popularity because they represent an attractive option for those seeking more youthful-looking facial skin without having to resort to invasive surgery such as rhytidectomy.

There are three effective ways of treating wrinkles without surgery:

  • Temporary injectable products such as Botox and Xeomin. These products, made from botulinum toxin, induce muscle paralysis, thereby decreasing muscle contraction in the face, which is a cause of wrinkles. They are used mainly for the upper face and around the eyes. The results are final after 7 days, and to maintain them, injections are needed every 3 to 6 months.  
  • Filling agents containing hyaluronic acid, used to fill in wrinkles. As these products are very similar to the cartilage that we have in our joints, they are very safe and rarely cause allergies. The results are immediate and to maintain them, injections are needed every 6 to 24 months.
  • Permanent fat injections can be used in the cheekbone, tear trough, marionette line and lip areas. Fat harvested from the patient’s body is injected in the desired locations. Autologous fat transfer techniques have improved significantly in recent years and the retention rates are excellent: approximately 85% of the fat “takes.” Liposculpture is by far the best technique for getting lifelong results (note that 2 to 3 sessions are sometimes needed). Certified plastic surgeons are the people most suited to perform this type of intervention because specialized medical equipment and specific knowledge are needed.
  • TCA peels are made from trichloroacetic acid and help improve skin texture and smooth fine wrinkles. The results are permanent.

 

These techniques can:

  • Smooth wrinkles and conceal the signs of aging
  • Reduce the wrinkles on the forehead and between the eyebrows
  • Lift the eyebrows slightly
  • Fill in the tear troughs, the nasolabial folds and marionette lines
  • Enhance facial features
  • Increase lip size
  • Reduce the wrinkles around the mouth
  • Accentuate the cheekbones

 

As a plastic and cosmetic surgeon with a subspeciality in facial surgery, Dr. Bergeron’s unique expertise allows him to advise you on the technique or combination of techniques that will give you natural, harmonious and lasting results.

 

Intervention

  • Temporary injectable products and hyaluronic acid fillers can be injected in a matter of minutes in Dr. Bergeron’s office during your consultation.
  • For fat injections, the intervention, which takes 60 minutes, is performed under general anaesthesia and involves first removing fat from the abdomen, thighs or buttocks and then injecting it into the desired locations.
  • A peel is performed under local anaesthesia and takes 20 to 30 minutes.

 

Convalescence

 

  • For filling agents, the results are immediate, while for temporary injectable products, it takes about a week for the full effect to be seen. Swelling will occur at the injection site following botulinum toxin or hyaluronic acid injections and will last approximately 24 hours. It would be preferable to avoid planning appointments with clients after such procedures.
  • After a peel, the skin remains red for 48 hours before turning brown and peeling after 7 days. It would be preferable to return to work only after this time period is over.
  • As for fat injections, swelling will last for two weeks. There will also be some bruising. 3 or 4 weeks after the procedure, we will know how much fat survived. Patients can return to work one week after the intervention.
  • After all these interventions, it will be recommended to use an SPF 30 sunscreen.

Would you like to permanently eliminate the wrinkles that has formed on your forehead and around your eyelids? Learn more about the forehead lift technique and the eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).