ANTI-AGING INJECTABLES

Your skin is your largest organ. It’s also the part of your body that takes the brunt of physical exposure to toxins in the outside world. It is constantly exposed to chemicals in the products you use, pollutants in the air, and even free-radicals. Even certain makeup can be more harmful than helpful to your skin despite using products with SPF protection.

As a result of constant exposure to toxins, as well other lifestyle factors, the skin around your face is likely to show early signs of aging. These signs show up as fine lines, wrinkles, and discolorations. As you age naturally, a loss of volume combined with these other factors can also make you appear older than you are.

Cosmetic injections are becoming more and more popular when it comes to the fight against aging. Botox, Dysport, Juvederm, and Restylane are just a few common examples of injectables we use to turn back the hands of time. A skilled injector can assess your skin and use a combination of neurotoxins and dermal fillers to restore a natural, more youthful appearance.

INJECTABLES CAN BE PREVENTATIVES, TOO

While a lot of people don’t think about anti-aging injectables until they’re already showing signs of aging, younger people are turning towards them as preventatives. Neuromodulators (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin)  are a great example.

We know that using Neuromodulators has a paralyzing effect on the muscles that crinkle your skin and cause wrinkles, relaxing the lines so they’re not as visible. Using neuromodulators a little earlier in life can have the same paralyzing effect, keeping those wrinkles from forming to begin with.

Dermal fillers can have the same type of effect. A study by the University of Michigan showed that regular injections of hyaluronic acid-based fillers can help to stimulate the production of collagen. While this doesn’t mean you should start getting injections super early in life, being consciously aware of the things that bother you will help you to get a jump-start as soon as you start to see the signs.

INJECTIONS DON’T LOOK ARTIFICIAL

A major objection we hear over anti-aging injectables is that they make you “look like you’ve had work done.” That’s actually a sign that the person who had injections had an inexperienced or poorly skilled injector do the work.

A good, qualified injector can gauge how much neurotoxin or filler is needed to relax the muscles, plump the area, or fill in the lines in a way that gently washes away the visible signs of aging without altering or freezing your appearance.

In most cases, though, the way your work turns out comes down to the skill of the injector and your ability to follow post-care instructions (including not rubbing or massaging the injected area).

THE MOST POPULAR ANTI-AGING INJECTABLES

There are quite a few anti-aging injectables on the market today. Your injector will work with you to determine which injectable, or combination of injectables, is best for your skin based on your needs and goals. To help you prepare, we’ll outline the most common we use in the clinic:

• BOTOX is a neurotoxin that has been used for almost 2 decades and gives the face a softened appearance. It’s mostly used for the upper face – for the glabellar lines between your eyes, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet around the eyes.
• XEOMIN is another neurotoxin similar to Botox. It’s uses are similar to Botox but it is also more popular for use around the eyes, for the marionette lines near the nose and the mouth, and to improve the appearance of lines above the upper lip.
• DYSPORT is the newest “neuromodulator” on the market and has gained popularity because some people can see results in as little as 3 days.
• JUVEDERM is a family of products which use hyaluronic acid (a substance that is found naturally in the body), Hyaluronic acid is believed help stimulate natural collagen production. Juvederm products are used to create volume in different areas of the face. Some contain lidocaine, for a more comfortable injection session, while others do not.
• RADIESSE is a filler that is made up of calcium beads and a gel matrix for an effect similar to hyaluronic acids. As the skin absorbs the filler, your body’s natural collagen is left behind to create the desired volume. This is particularly useful when contouring the jawline or adding volume to the cheeks.
• RESTYLANE products are also made of Hylauranic acid. It will also enhance the body’s ability to induce collagen stimulation.
• SCULPTRA is great for correcting deep wrinkles in the face. It is made with poly-L-lactic acid and can also help stimulate natural collagen production. This product is great for larger areas that need a little lift.

Talk to your injector about which product, or combination of products, will get you the look you desire. Be open to your injector’s ideas, but don’t let anyone force treatments you don’t want. Err on the side of caution and you’ll be very happy with your renewed, youthful appearance!