Nip-tuck trends that will be hot this year

Nip-tuck trends that will be hot this year

Cosmetic filler injections will continue to get better and cheaper. There are two types of cosmetic injectables: neurotoxins and fillers. Neurotoxins, like Botox, weaken muscles that cause wrinkles, such as crow’s feet. Fillers, like Restylane, literally ‘fill-in’ deeper wrinkles of the face or plump the lips. Ten years ago, collagen was the only filler available. Unfortunately, it lasted only 2 to 4 months and was extremely expensive. Today’s fillers are cheaper, have greater longevity, and come in many different types. Juvederm Voluma is one of the new fillers poised to gain FDA approval in 2012. This treatment adds fullness to the face and can even enhance a weak chin.

More and more Botox competitors will hit the market, but real Botox will remain the juggernaut. Botox is the most popular plastic surgery procedure of all time, with over 5 million treatments performed last year. Up until a few months ago, Dysport™ was the only true Botox alternative available. Although a great product, it hasn't caught on as much as some plastic surgeons expected. 2011 brought the FDA approval of Xeomin®, another Botox competitor, although its advantages to Botox remain under debate. The next big neurotoxin staged to hit the market, PureTox®, may be available in 2012.