Injectable treatments have become some of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States over the last decade. That’s not surprising! Most people want a quick fix to problems like wrinkles and volume loss and want to avoid a surgical procedure if at all possible. Injectables like Botox are now a go-to for busy people who still expect great results.
Botox isn’t the only household name now when it comes to injectable treatments, though. Dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and others are expanding the injectables market and helping people to look and feel their best. But now that there’s so much demand for injectable treatments that don’t require incisions or downtime, the market has started to get crowded.
If you’re interested in injectables, all those choices might be overwhelming. It can be tough to pick the right injectable treatment when there are just so many options. Here are some things to consider when choosing the treatment that’s right for you.
Think About Your Goals: What Do You Want to Fix?
This is the most obvious way to narrow down your choices. What is it that you’re looking to correct?
Do you have wrinkles between your brows and crow’s feet at the corners of your eyes? If so, dynamic wrinkles are your problem and you might want to consider Botox.
Are your wrinkles showing up at the corners of your nose and mouth instead? Do you notice areas that have lost volume over the years? If so, dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, or Radiesse might be your best bet. Dermal fillers are also ideal for increasing lip volume in a way that feels soft and natural.
Before you can choose the right injectable for your needs, you need to have some clear goals and areas of concern. You should be prepared to discuss your goals during your consultation so you can get some personalized recommendations for injectables that might help you reach those goals.
Your Timeline
Just about everyone wants instant gratification, but not all injectable treatments work like that. Neuromodulators like Botox can take up to two weeks to work since they affect the underlying facial nerves and muscles, not the skin itself.
In general, it’s a good idea to think about your treatments well in advance of any big event. But if you’ve got a wedding coming up quickly, then something that works immediately, such as a dermal filler, might be best.
Some fillers provide immediate results and continue to improve over time. Radiesse gives the skin instant volume, for example, but then continues to stimulate collagen production for enhanced results over time.
Consider Ingredients
Injectables are made from different ingredients, depending on their intended purpose. Your aesthetician or plastic surgeon can help you decide which ingredients are best for you. It’s important to disclose any allergies during your consultation to help prevent any reactions.
Botox is made from botulinum toxin, while the majority of dermal fillers are made from hyaluronic acid molecules of different sizes. Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It attracts moisture and creates natural-looking volume that helps to lift and rejuvenate the skin.
Other dermal fillers are made from substances like calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)or poly-l-lactic acid. The ingredients in different fillers will affect the appearance of the skin, the longevity of the results, and whether or not the body will generate new collagen for naturally youthful skin.
How Long Will It Last?
One of the only downsides to injectable treatments is that their effects don’t last forever. Patients who choose non-invasive treatments over surgery must be realistic and understand that they will need re-treatment from time to time in order to maintain their results. However, some injectables last much longer than others.
Botox and other neuromodulators are typically on the shorter end of the spectrum, with results lasting about 3-4 months before wrinkles begin to reemerge. Basic hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, usually last 4-6 months.
More specialized hyaluronic acids, like those formulated for the lips (such as Juvederm Volbella), can last for about 6-12 months. Thicker gels, like Juvederm Voluma XC for cheek injections, last for up to two years. Radiesse can last for 2 years or more since it stimulates the body’s natural collagen production.
While it shouldn’t be the only factor you look at when choosing your injectable treatment, the longevity of the results does matter, and it’s something to consider.
Will You Need a Combination Treatment?
For some patients, one injectable treatment alone isn’t enough to reach their aesthetic goals. If you’ve got dynamic wrinkles and volume loss, or other age-related concerns that can’t be addressed by just one treatment, you might need to consider combining different injectables to get the results you want.
Ask Your Provider for Guidance
You might feel overwhelmed before your consultation, but remember that you don’t have to make this decision alone. Your injectables expert will guide you through the process and recommend the best products for you, based on their knowledge of injectables, facial anatomy, and your individual goals.
If you’re ready to get a treatment plan that’s tailored exactly to your needs, then give us a call at Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, TX. Our expert staff will help you understand your options and make the decision that’s right for you. Call (281) 810-9083 today to schedule your appointment.