A prick away from pretty

Every period in history has a look, a grooming mantra that defines the era.

Women amongst Europe's cognoscenti plucked their hairlines to make their foreheads appear higher during the 15th century.

Fashion followers sported coiffures built up over wire cages in the 18th century; trendy 'dos that were often designed to extend 3 feet in the air.

And the 21st century will go down in history books as the era of the injectable; a time when every perceived flaw, from deep wrinkles to thin lips, could be eradicated with just a prick.

But when it comes to beauty, things change quickly, so pay attention ladies. 15th century foreheads would have been laughed right out of the 18th century, and those cage-crafted bee-hive 'dos would never have survived the roaring twenties. If the needle is the beauty tool of choice in the 21st century, there are a few things you need to know.

Out: Collagen
In: Juvéderm, Restylane and Radiesse

Juvéderm is the injectable filler that everyone is talking about since its approval by the FDA in 2006. Largely comprised of Hyaluronic acid, Juvéderm has gained popularity as the go-to-filler for many dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and other Medical professionals looking to banish patients' nasolabial folds or "smiles lines." Nasolabial folds are also referred to as "marionette lines" because they resemble the lines on puppets that run vertically from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth.

Juvéderm is also widely used a lip plumper, as well as to being used to fill in hollow places on the face and diminish the appearance of sunken scars by plumping up the skin. The key ingredient in Juvéderm, Hyaluronic acid, absorbs up to 1000 times its weight in water, effectively plumping up sagging skin by adding volume and hydration under the surface. Plus, Hyaluronic acid attaches to collagen and elastin, and according to Allergan, the company that manufactures Juvéderm, the filler actually adds collagen to the skin over time.

The dubs of Juvéderm
Where to get it: Only at the hands of a medical professional.
What to expect: Temporary redness and some slight swelling or bruising at the injection site. And it's an injection so, yes, expect some discomfort. To avoid pain, ask your doctor to apply a topical anesthesia before administering the injection.
When you'll see results: Results are immediate and side effects, such as swelling and redness, typically subside in 7 days or less.
What it costs: Here's where things get fuzzy. different patients require different amounts of Juvéderm to cure what ails them. So a flat price is hard to find. That said, many doctors offer complimentary consultations after which you should be given a clear idea of cost. To find doctors recommended by the manufacturer, Allergan, log on to www.juvedermusa.com.

The competition

As women (and men) across the world aim to stop the clock, cosmetic injections from Juvéderm to Botox, have become a grooming mainstay, with lunchtime manicures being replaced with "lunchtime face-lifts." These lunchtime face-lifts usually call upon a cocktail of injectables such as Botox, to strategically relax facial muscles, and dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm and competitors Restylane and Radiesse, to fill in wrinkles and plump fine lines.

Restylane is a non-animal sourced Hyaluronic acid wrinkle filler, FDA approved for cosmetic injection into facial tissues. Administered with a fine gauge needle in a non-surgical, in-office procedure, Restylane is a widely favored wrinkle filler. For more information or to find a recommended doctor in your area, log on to www.restylane.com.

The lesser known Radiesse, approved by the FDA in 2006, is the dark horse of injectable fillers. While not as widely known as Restylane, some experts claim that Radiesse is longer lasting and more affordable than its rival fillers. For more information or to find a recommended doctor in your area, log on to www.radiesse.com.

Whatever procedure you are considering, be sure to do your research. There's a myriad of resources and referral services for those ready to go under the needle. Because being careless with your face has never been en vogue.