Injectables 

Cosmetology and dermatology have made great strides in improving overall appearance. This can positively impact your smile and facial aesthetics, boosting your confidence and self-esteem. Injectables are a trending cosmetic procedure since they offer compelling benefits for improved aesthetics. These minimally invasive cosmetic treatments do not involve incisions, cuts, bleeding, sutures, or hospitalization. 

Let's delve into injectables to determine how they can benefit you in the long run. 

What Are Injectables?

Injectables are solutions specially formulated to treat certain skin-related issues, such as wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and excess facial fat. They are directly injected into the concerned areas. 

What Are the Types of Injectables Offered?

Depending on your cosmetic goals, skin type, and age, your dermatologist may recommend different injectables. These include the following:

Botox 

• Botox is one of the popular brands of botulinum toxin injections.
• Botox is a neurotoxin that causes temporary muscle paralysis. The toxin targets the nervous system, disrupting the nerve signal process responsible for stimulating muscle contraction.
• Botox injections prevent the release of acetylcholine (a chemical messenger that attaches to the receptor on the muscle cells and causes the cells to shorten or contract), which stops the muscle from contracting. Therefore, toxin helps the muscles become less stiff. 

Cosmetic Uses 

• Wrinkles
• Fine lines 
• Sagging skin 
• Crow's feet 

Medical Uses 

• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Dystonia (excessive muscle contractions)
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Eyelid twitching 
• Chronic migraines
• Overactive bladder 
• Blepharospasm (eyelid spasms)
• Back and neck pain
• Jaw pain
• TMJ pain 
• Nerve pain
• Neuropathy
• Pelvic pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Joint pain

Procedure 

• Depending on the purpose for using Botox injections, your doctor may administer local anesthesia (especially if used to treat an overactive bladder) 
• The area to be treated is disinfected using an antiseptic solution.
• Your doctor will use fine needles to inject the Botox in small amounts.
• The procedure may take a few minutes, depending on the treated area.

Dermal Fillers

• Dermal fillers are a type of injectables that are noninvasive, simple, and effective cosmetic enhancement procedures. 
• The special solutions injected into your skin are known to boost collagen production, thereby restoring the lost volume.
• Dermal fillers can successfully treat wrinkles and fine lines by plumping up the skin. Since it is a safe treatment, it is common, and many people choose dermal fillers to meet their skin-related needs and expectations. 

Types of Dermal Fillers 

• Hyaluronic acid
• Calcium hydroxylapatite 
• Poly Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
• Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)
• Human fat

Uses 

• Add volume to dull, sagging skin.
• Enhance the symmetry of your facial features.
• Plump up lips and cheeks
• Smooth wrinkles and creases on your face 
• Fade away laugh lines.
• Sculpt or contour the jaw and chin
• Treat acne scarring 
• Rejuvenate aging hands
• Add volume to the hollowness under the eyes. 

Procedure

• The area to be treated will be cleaned using an antiseptic solution.
• Your doctor may give you local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. 
• Your doctor will inject small amounts of fillers under your skin using a thin needle. 
• You may only feel a mild pinch or sting when the doctor injects the solution. 
• Your doctor may inject several fillers in different areas. 
• The whole process can take a few minutes or up to an hour.

Dysport 

• Dysport, or AbobotulinumtoxinA, is a popular injection used for wrinkle treatment apart from several therapeutic uses. 
• This noninvasive procedure temporarily reduces muscle movement in the targeted areas to soften frown lines (glabellar lines), which are vertical lines that appear on the forehead between the eyebrows.
• Dysport has been used since 2009 after the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved it for medical and aesthetic purposes. However, it is important to note that this medicine is often used to treat frown lines in individuals under 60 years of age. 

Uses

• Wrinkles
• Fine lines 
• Frown lines 

Procedure

• The targeted area will be cleaned with a disinfectant.
• Your doctor will mark five different areas near your forehead and eyebrows.
• You will be given local anesthesia to numb the targeted areas to ease pain and discomfort. 
• The Dysport will be injected directly near the marked sites.
• During the procedure, you are expected to feel mild pressure and a tiny needle prick.
• The procedure may last around a few minutes. 
• If you do not notice any side effects, you can leave the clinic immediately after the procedure. 
• Your doctor will provide all the follow-up instructions. 

What to Expect After Getting Injectables?

Your doctor may advise the following post-injection instructions to prevent any serious complications:

• Use ice packs on the treated area to manage minor side effects like swelling or bruising. 
• Avoid rubbing the injection site
• Avoid excessive sun exposure for the initial few days
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors
• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least a day or two
• Avoid makeup for at least 4 to 8 hours 

What Are the Benefits Of Injectables?

Injectables are gaining traction in the field of cosmetology and dermatology due to the following benefits:

• It does not require any cuts or incisions
• It does not cause bleeding 
• There are no stitches required
• There is no hospitalization required
• You can resume your routine life immediately
• You will not feel any pain or discomfort since it is performed under local anesthesia 
• Minimal and easy aftercare instructions are to be followed
• There are minimal to no side effects 
• Recovery is quick 

Summary

Having radiant, flawless skin is something everyone desires to achieve. Aging is inevitable and cannot be reversed. Fine lines, sagging skin, excess facial fat, and wrinkles are part of life as your skin ages. However, with the evolution of science and technology, several modern solutions do not make you go under the knife. Injectables are the alternate solutions to glowing, flawless skin. If you are suffering from signs of aging, consult your dermatologist or cosmetologist to determine the type of injectable required to meet your skin care needs.