Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Myths

Injections are becoming an ever more popular option. Between 2012 and 2013 the number of procedures involving an injectable filler increased by 13 percent, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The figures for Botulinum containing injectables like Botox and Dysport show an increase of 3 percent over the same period.

While injectables are becoming more popular and the number of options available also increase, a number of myths about them continue to persist. These myths stem from a lack of information or from a general misrepresentation of them in the media and society. If you’re considering any type of injection, it’s a good idea to know what’s a myth and what’s a fact before deciding to go forward with your procedure.

Injectable Treatments Are Alike

No two surgery procedures are the same. There are always subtle differences within the same procedure, based on what a patient wants and needs. The same is true of injectables. No two products are alike. Ingredients vary. As does what they are designed to do.

Generally injections do one of two things.

1. They keep the nerves from sending signals to the muscles, which is what injections such as Botox and Dysport do.
2. Or they fill in areas, smoothing wrinkles or creating volume, which is what injections such as Juvederm and Radiesse do.

Beyond functional differences, injections also vary in terms of:

• How long they last.
• Where they are used on the face
• When they provide results. While some results are instantly visible, results from certain products, such as Sculptra, appear over the course of several months.

Injectables Can Fully Replace Surgical Options

In some cases, injectables are seen as a less expensive, quicker, and easier alternative to surgery. There’s even a treatment method using injections that’s known as a liquid facelift.

While injections can be an appropriate alternative to surgery for certain patients, and might be a better option for some, they don’t completely remove the need for facial plastic surgery in many cases. For example, an injection won’t make loose skin tighter, but a facelift will.

Injectables also don’t have the longevity of most surgical procedures. At best, an injection will provide results for up to two years. Surgeries can provide results for a decade or even longer.

Injectables Are so Simple Anyone Can Do It

The belief that anyone can administer injections, whether that person is a board certified facial plastic surgeon or not, can be particularly dangerous. You always want to find a someone who has the training and medical knowledge to safely administer the procedure for several reasons.

• First, you want the assurance that the injectable you’re receiving is in fact the right one. There have been numerous cases of unsuspecting patients seeing non-professionals for an injection, only to find that they were being injected with the wrong and possibly also unsafe materials.
• You want the assurance that the person performing the injection knows the proper place to put it. And that he or she has performed the procedure enough to know the correct amount to inject. A misplaced Botox injection can lead to drooping or to results that aren’t what you want.

Skin Care Products Can Replace Injectable Options

Some topical skin care products, such as moisturizers, often contain the same or similar ingredients as those found in fillers. For example, you might see hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in lotions or serums.

While using that lotion won’t hurt your skin, and will most likely help it, it won’t produce the same result as a direct injection of hyaluronic acid into a problem area. The same is true of topical products that claim to contain the same ingredients as Botox or Dypsort. They aren’t FDA approved and just won’t provide the same results.

They Will Dramatically Change Your Appearance

One big concern many patients have about injectables is that the treatment will cause a dramatic change to their appearance. While some changes like a more youthful and less tired look are hoped for, few people want to leave the surgeon’s office looking unnatural or like they have had something done.

The good news is that when performed by a skilled doctor or aesthetician patients will enjoy a subtle, natural change in appearance. You may look more refreshed and youthful, but people shouldn’t be able to look at you and know it’s from a cosmetic procedure. In the case of some injections, such as Sculptra and Botox, the results appear over time making the resutling changes even more subtle to outside eyes.

When you’re considering any type of injection, knowing the following is always beneficial:

• As much as you can about what to expect from the procedure.
• How long it will last.
• Why it’s different from other options.

Contact MirrorMirror and Book a Free Consultation

If you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation, or if you have a question about dermal fillers, please contact a patient coordinator at our office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 281-810-9083. You can also reach us by email.

Every treatment is monitored by Dr. Paul Vitenas. He has practiced in the Houston area since 1990. He has been named one of Houston’s Top Doctors and America’s Top Plastic Surgeons. He’s also been awarded Houston’s Most Compassionate Doctor and a Top Doctor for Women.

The office of Mirror Mirror is conveniently located in the heart of Houston. If you are not a local, we can schedule an online consultation. We can also assist with travel and financing arrangements. We think you will see the reflection of something great at MirrorMirror Beauty Boutique.