The world of cosmetic procedures seems to get more complicated every day, with a huge array of options and new products exploding onto the scene. There’s a good deal of conflicting information and pseudoscience out there. Need help navigating the maze of fillers, Botox, and other injectables and figuring out what works for you? I’ve got you covered.
It’s no wonder injectables get so much attention. The other reason for all the buzz is that, for the most part, those who are using injectables are loving the results. Patient satisfaction with treatments such as Botox has been consistently high for years, in the over 80% range. If you’ve considered trying them, but haven’t taken the plunge yet, you probably have plenty of questions.
Are they safe? Is it just a short-term fix with undesirable effects in the long run? The last thing you want is a treatment that makes you look and feel younger now, only to cause your skin to age faster overall. Or to put a band-aid on an annoying issue now, only to make it worse in the long run. If you have tried them, you may be wondering if the option you’ve chosen is the best one for your skin. As a skincare professional, I’m here to get you up to speed on the ins-and-outs of injectable cosmetic procedures and answer the questions I hear most often. We’ll also take a look at the big picture as it relates to effects on your skin in the long run. Let’s get to your questions.
How Do They Work? And, What Are My Options?
Injectables are formulas injected under the skin for the purpose of altering the behavior or make-up of the underlying structures of the skin and therefore altering its appearance.
These are the four basic categories of injectables and each one works differently:
- Fillers – they plump the skin, fill in underlying cracks, and erase lines.
These use ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which has the ability to hold up to 100 times its own weight in water.
When injected under the skin through brands such as Juvederm and Restylane, they work to plump the skin and restore a more youthful look.
This substance actually fills the space between collagen and elastin fibers and in some cases also stimulates collagen production.
- Bio-stimulators – they boost collagen production which in turn reduces lines and different types of wrinkles.
This type of filler, such as the brand Sculptra Aesthetic, works to plump areas such as hollows under the eyes and cheeks or thin lips with a two-fold effect.
It fills the area while causing an immune response that increases collagen production in the area. Read more
