What Are Injectables
and How Do They Work?
Botox
A combination of factors can cause facial lines. It’s not just about the cellular changes that may occur, or reduction of collagen, or damage caused by free radicals from the sun and the environment. Repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, or raising eyebrows cause skin to furrow and fold, gradually resulting in the formation of facial lines. BOTOX® Cosmetic works beneath the surface and temporarily reduces the underlying muscle activity that causes moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines in adults – to help them look visibly smoother.
BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines look better in adults. So you look like you, only with less noticeable facial lines. It’s a quick 10-minute treatment with minimal downtime. You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours, with results lasting up to 4 months for moderate to severe frown lines.
Dysport
Dysport temporarily treats moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows by reducing specific muscle activity.
Wrinkles are caused by repeated movements and muscle contractions.7 One injection into each of the 5 points between and above the eyebrows temporarily prevents muscle contractions that cause frown lines.
What are the side effects?
Because this product is injected into the skin, there is a possibility of bruising and swelling at the injection site. This is a temporary and normal side effect, and it will resolve over time. The application of gentle pressure and the use of ice to the affected area after treatment can reduce bruising and swelling.
Additionally, Arnica gel and tablets are helpful. If bruising occurs, it may take up to two weeks to resolve. If needed, concealer can be applied on the day of treatment.
Other possible side effects include flu like symptoms, drooping or heaviness of the eyebrow, headache, and drug interactions.
Severe side effects are rare and include allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and weakness over the body. Please call our office if you experience any of these reactions.
Who should not get the treatment?
- Those who have a history of being allergic or hypersensitive to Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin.
- Those who have an infection at the treatment area.
- Those who are pregnant or nursing.
What should I do before the treatment?
Tell your injector if you are taking any medications, have allergies or a medical condition.
We advise that you abstain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, St. John’s wart, or high doses of Vitamin E for seven days prior to your treatment. This helps to prevent unnecessary side effects of bruising and swelling. In case of these side effects, we recommend that you give yourself ample time between your appointment and that special event you are preparing for.
What can I expect during the treatment?
The injector will use a very thin needle to inject the product into your skin. There will be a temporary discomfort. If needed, we can provide ice before treatment to reduce discomfort.
What can I expect after the treatment?
We prefer that you not massage the injection sites or press them into the skin. This could increase your chances of bruising and swelling. We also recommend that you refrain from strenuous exercise, aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, and direct sun exposure on the day of your treatment. Enjoy the benefits as the product goes to work. This can take up to two weeks for the full effect. You should see the muscles begin to relax and the fine lines start to fade. If at two weeks, you notice there are a few unwanted lines remaining, please call our office for a touch up appointment. We are happy to address your concerns.
Is there any safety information I should know about?
All botulinum products have the potential to spread from the treatment area and can cause symptoms including muscle weakness, blurred vision, double vision, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking. This can occur hours to weeks after the treatment. Please go to the nearest ER if you experience any of these symptoms.
Dermal fillers:
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours.
While dermal fillers are casually known as “wrinkle fillers,” they can do much more than just smooth out wrinkles, although they are excellent at this too! Here are a few of the common issues dermal fillers can help address:
- Diminish vertical lip lines;
- Enhance & restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples;
- Improve symmetry among facial features.
- Plump & enhance the lips;
- Smooth out a chin crease;
- Smooth out lines around nose and mouth (a.k.a. marionette lines, smile lines, and parentheses);
There are many different fillers available on the market to choose from today. They each serve the same purpose but some are best for certain areas of the face. Additionally, some last longer than others. Whether you want to enhance your lips, fill in the hollow under the eyes, or volumize your cheeks, there is a filler for you. Please call our office for a consultation. Our staff will advise you on how to best address your concerns.
JUVEDERM ULTRA OR ULTRA PLUS
- Is made of a Hyaluronic acid gel;
- Is best for smile lines, lip, chin, or jawline augmentation, corners of mouth, fine lines around mouth, and acne scars;
- Results are immediate and Juvederm is FDA approved to last up to a year with one treatment.
RESTYLANE
- Is made of a Hyaluronic acid gel;
- Is best for smile lines, lip, cheek chin, and jawline augmentation, corners of mouth, marionette area, acne scars, and for under eye hollow;
- Results are immediate and may last 6 months.
PERLANE
- Is made of a Hyaluronic acid gel;
- Is best for smile lines, cheek, chin, and jawline augmentation, corners of mouth, marionette area, and acne scars;
- Results are immediate and may last 6 months.
RADIESSE
- Is made of Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel;
- Is best for smile lines, cheek, chin, and jawline augmentation, corners of mouth, marionette area and acne scars;
- Results are immediate and proven to last a year.
BELOTERO
- Is made of a Hyaluronic Acid gel
- Is best for superficial fine lines around lips, on cheeks, and smile lines
- Results are immediate and may last 6 months
SCULPTRA
- Is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid (for making dissolvable sutures);
- Is best for areas of moderate to severe volume loss like the jawline, cheeks, and temples;
- Results are gradual over time and can last beyond two years.
How does it work?
Young, plump skin is full of collagen and molecules called Hylauronic Acid (HA). As we age, multiple factors like sun damage and smoking will reduce our skin’s ability to produce these molecules. This results in the appearance of sagging, thin skin. The filler fills the area of HA loss and plumps it back up. As the filler is metabolized and broken down by your body, the skin is stimulated to make its own natural collagen.
What are the side effects?
You can experience temporary swelling, firmness, pain, bruising, or lumps in the treated area. These side effects may take a week to resolve. We recommend applying ice and taking Tylenol and/or Arnica to reduce the swelling. If bruising occurs, it may take up to two weeks to resolve. If needed, concealer can be applied on the day of treatment.
Other possible side effects include infection, itching, severe allergies, and discoloration. Please call our office if you experience any of these side effects.
Who should not get the treatment?
- Those who have a history of hypersensitivities.
- Those who have an infection at the treatment area.
- Those who are pregnant or nursing.
What should I do before the treatment?
Tell your injector if you are taking any medications, have severe allergies, or a medical condition.
We advise that you abstain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, St. John’s wart, or high doses of Vitamin E for seven days prior to your treatment. This helps to prevent unnecessary side effects of bruising and swelling. In case of these side effects, we recommend that you give yourself ample time between your appointment and that special event you are preparing for. We recommend you come in 30 minutes prior to treatment if you want numbing cream applied.
What should I do before the treatment?
We prefer that you not massage the injection sites or press the filler into the skin. Allow yourself a week before evaluating the results of the filler. You will be swollen and this is normal. Sometimes you may feel little lumps of filler under your skin which will also resolve after a week.
Please refrain from strenuous exercise, aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, and direct sun exposure.
Your age, health, smoking history, and degree of volume loss can determine how long the filler lasts. Your injector will recommend when you should return for your next treatment.
For most fillers, the effects are immediate and lasting. If after the first month you would like more filler to the treated area, please call our office for a touch up appointment. We are happy to address your concerns.
What should I do before the treatment?
The injector will use a very thin needle to inject the product into your skin. There will be temporary discomfort. If needed, we can provide ice after treatment to reduce discomfort.
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