Medical Procedures and Prescription Skin Treatments -- Injectables

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several injectable compounds designed to improve the appearance of lines, wrinkles, folds, and scars. Injectables can plump thin or gaunt areas of the face, ease wrinkling or scarring by adding volume, or diminish the appearance of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles, preventing the recipient of the treatment from making expressions that contribute to wrinkles. The results of treatment may last anywhere from 2 months to a full year.

Injectables may be natural, synthetic, human, or animal derived. Examples of injectables include:

• collagen, human or animal derived (Autolagen®, Fascian®, CosmoDerm®, CosmoPlast®, Cymetra®, Zyderm®, Zyplast®)
• botulinum toxins (Botox®)
• hyaluronic acid (Captique®, Hylaform®, Restylane®)
• autologous fat

Some injectables carry the risk of allergic reaction. One exception is autologous fat, in which the doctor harvests fat cells from the patient's own body -- buttocks, thighs, or other area -- so there is no risk of having an allergic reaction.

Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with injectables thoroughly with their healthcare provider.