How do injectables work?
Though grouped together as injectable procedures, the products use a variety of treatment strategies to approach different facial conditions. Depending on the product, injectables can treat:
- Submental fullness (fat stores under the chin)
- Active wrinkles, caused by muscles used for facial expressions
- Passive wrinkles, due to loss of skin elasticity and support tissue
- Lost facial fullness, resulting from natural deterioration of collagen
BOTOX is a formulary made by a small amount of bacterium Clostridium botulinum, that works by interrupting the nerve signals that travel between the brain and the facial muscles. These signals cause muscles to contract and tighten, as a result of facial expressions. As the muscles contract, they tug on the skin and form lines (also called dynamic wrinkles). Over time, these lines can become very deep and noticeable. By interrupting these nerve signals, muscles become relaxed and deep lines and creases become far less noticeable.
Dysport® is a similar product that uses a slightly different formulation, producing the same expression from relaxed muscles. Both Botox Cosmetic and Dysport can be injected during a short office visit, with no downtime afterward. Effects of treatments can last up to six months.
Restylane is a type of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance found naturally in your body. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, leaving your skin smoother and more elastic. Because Restylane works with hyaluronic acid already found in your body, many patients start seeing results right away, with continued improvement over the days following treatment.
How are passive wrinkles treated?
There are a wide range of products known as dermal fillers that use synthetic versions of natural substances found in your body. Contained in injectable gels with a variety of properties, dermal fillers can treat passive wrinkles by filling in voids in deep skin tissue, smoothing its outer appearance. Other formulations disperse around the injection site, making them perfect for adding volume to cheeks and lips.
What happens during a treatment?
Prior to injection, a careful evaluation of the facial anatomy will determine the best needle placement for optimal results. Most treatments use several carefully placed injections to ensure the BOTOX, Dysport, Restylane, or other dermal filler is spread consistently throughout the treatment area. The needles used are very fine, and most patients experience little to no discomfort. A mild numbing cream or an ice pack may be applied to the skin prior to treatment to reduce any discomfort that may occur.
Once the injections are complete, there may be some minor bruising that can be covered with makeup. Injectable treatments are performed right in the office in about 10 minutes and there’s no minimal time, so patients can return to most of their regular activities immediately afterward.
When can I expect results?
Initial results usually are visible within a few days to a week, and results last up to 4-6 months. With touch-up treatments, results can persist indefinitely, and some patients find repeated injections soften the lines and creases, enabling them to wait a little longer between treatments.
If you’re interested in learning more about the injectables Perri Skin Care has to offer, call the office today or schedule your appointment directly online.
