INJECTABLES: BECAUSE NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!

New year, new you! If you’ve been thinking about turning over a new skincare or beauty leaf this year, we have great news…’Tis the season for specialized medical spa treatments like injectables.

Injectables are an incredibly diverse way to roll back the clock. Neurotoxins like Botox relax smooth muscles to eliminate and even prevent muscles. Fillers like Juvederm add volume and help smooth out crepe skin or fine lines. There are even products specially designed to trigger your own ability to produce collagen, a key element in maintaining the appearance of youthfulness as you age.

Sounds great, right? If you’re interested, we encourage you to use this guide to get to know the injectable process. Then, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Can’t wait to help you look and feel more confident!

WHAT ARE INJECTABLES?

Technically, an “injectable” is any medication or drug formulated to be injected directly into the body (skin, muscle or via intravenous therapy). But in the realm of cosmetics, it refers only to formulas injected directly into the skin for localized results.

They’re often used to lift, plump, smooth, sculpt, or otherwise change the appearance of skin, which can help the person having them look and feel more confident, too. Most injectables fall into one of two categories:

NEUROTOXINS

Most of which are extracted by fermenting a bacteria called clostridium botulinum type A. They work by relaxing or even paralyzing small muscle groups under the skin to reduce, or even eliminate, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that neurotoxins may even have a preventative effect, staving off signs of aging until a much later age than regular skincare routines or facials alone.

FILLERS

Which include a range of products made from substances like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or calcium hydroxyapatite. They work by taking up space underneath the surface of the derma, which plumps and sculpts skin to smooth it and add volume. This is the ideal option for people who crave those gorgeous Kylie Jenner lips! New research shows that certain fillers – primarily collagen and HA – might trigger the body to produce more of its own collagen, too. However, more studies are needed to confirm this result.

Each category of injectables is used for a specific purpose – and sometimes, they’re even used in combination. The exact dose, injection point, and frequency is really decided by the patient’s needs; there are no cookie-cutter solutions, here.

ARE INJECTABLES SAFE?

In nearly all cases, the answer is yes. The only exceptions involve patients who are allergic or immunocompromised in some way because the risk for a reaction or infection is higher. Even then, your provider may be able to help you find a path to safe treatment; often, they just need to adjust the process slightly to compensate.

You may have heard that injectable neurotoxins aren’t safe because they are extracted from the same bacteria that causes botulism, a potentially fatal systemic infection. The second part of this rumor is true, but the first is a myth. Neurotoxins are specially engineered to only affect a very small, localized area within the skin. Systemic infections as a result of injectables are extremely rare – so rare, in fact, that you have a better chance of winning the lottery in most cases.

The same is true for fillers. Side effects are extremely rare; the risk for complications is almost nonexistent. The biggest risk is improper placement or undesirable results, both of which can be ameliorated by working with an experienced, skilled injector.

Remember: cosmetic injectables aren’t new. They’ve been around for a long time, and studies have proven them to be safe enough for the average healthy person time and time again. If you want to know more, or you just want results, now is the perfect time to schedule a no-risk consultation and learn about your options. Make the call!

WHICH INJECTABLE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Because injectables are customized to the needs of every patient, we can’t answer a question like this within an article. For that, you’ll have to schedule a consultation with your local medispa. But we can tell you the most common reasons people seek out neurotoxins and fillers and how they can help.

• FOR FINE LINES AND WRINKLES: Neurotoxins are probably the best option for you – especially if you’re only starting to see them for the first time. Fine muscle movement makes wrinkles appear more obvious upon movement; injectables like Botox relax those muscles, lessening the impact. Need an example? Smile in the mirror – notice carefully where your skin wrinkles up as you move your muscles. This is where neurotoxins can help.
• FOR VOLUME LOSS, CREPE SKIN, OR SAGGING: You may need a combination of neurotoxins and fillers to smooth things out. Fillers help replace any lost volume, plumping the skin, while Botox makes the surface appear more smooth and even. Used together, they may even help you retain your results for a longer period, reducing the need for maintenance.
• FOR SCULPT OR SHAPE: Fillers are the right option for you. For example, fillers injected into incredibly small areas around the top lip may help to alleviate a gummy smile or even improve the appearance of fine lips. They can also be injected into areas around the jawline, cheeks, or forehead to balance out uneven proportions without the need for surgery.

The most important takeaway here is that not every injectable is right for every person, but there IS an injectable that will work for you. Ask your provider for more information to be sure you make the right choice.

WILL I NEED RECOVERY TIME?

Sorry, injectables don’t require any real downtime in the sense that you’ll need to take time away from work to recover. But they’re a fantastic excuse to take a little vacation and indulge in some me time if you’re so inclined.

As for the reality of recovery, most patients don’t encounter any pain or issues along the way at all. People who are especially sensitive might notice a day or two of swelling, redness, or irritation. If this is the case for you, tell your provider prior to your injection appointment – they might recommend using a topical treatment like arnica for a few days to reduce the risk.

The most important tenet of recovery from injectables is avoid touching your skin. While it might be tempting to massage, touch, poke, or pull at the area (especially if it’s irritated), it’s best to leave it alone as much as possible for the first few days. This allows the formula to settle in and go to work without seeping into neighboring tissue.

We hope 2020 is the best year you’ve ever had – a year full of successes, joy, and love. But if you’re struggling with your skin in any way, know that you don’t have to go it alone. Schedule an appointment to find a fix. It’s all about helping you get back to the business of being the amazing, confident person you already are!