Beverly Hills
Cosmetic Injectables

Understanding cosmetic injectables: Benefits, types, and risks

Cosmetic injectables have become increasingly popular, providing a non-invasive and quick solution to various cosmetic concerns. From plumping up lips to smoothing out wrinkles, these injectables offer a way to achieve a youthful and refreshed appearance without surgery.

What are cosmetic injectables?

Cosmetic injectables are non-surgical procedures that involve injecting a substance into the skin to alter its appearance. These substances are often referred to as dermal fillers or neurotoxins. They work by smoothing out wrinkles, restoring volume, and improving facial symmetry.

Types of cosmetic injectables

There are two main types of cosmetic injectables: dermal fillers and neurotoxins. Dermal fillers are designed to add volume to areas of the face that have lost their fullness, such as the cheeks and lips. Neurotoxins, however, are designed to relax the muscles that cause wrinkles, such as frown lines and crow’s feet.

Botox

Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is used for various medical and cosmetic purposes, including reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles, resulting in a smoother and more youthful-looking complexion.

The treatment involves injecting small amounts of the toxin into the targeted area using a fine needle. The effects typically last for several months before gradually wearing off.

While Botox is primarily associated with cosmetic applications, it is also used to treat various medical conditions, such as muscle spasms, chronic migraines, and excessive sweating.

Xeomin

Xeomin, also known as IncobotulinumtoxinA, is a type of injectable treatment similar to Botox. It is used for both medical and cosmetic purposes. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines.

Xeomin is a purified form of Botulinum toxin A produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. However, unlike Botox, Xeomin is a “naked” form of the toxin, meaning it contains no accessory proteins. This makes it a purer form of the toxin, reducing the likelihood of an immune reaction.

The procedure involves injecting small amounts of Xeomin into the targeted area using a fine needle. The effects of Xeomin are typically seen within a few days. They can last for several months before gradually wearing off.

It is commonly used to treat various medical conditions, such as muscle spasms and migraines, and cosmetic concerns, such as frown lines and crow’s feet.

Dysport

Dysport is an injectable neurotoxin used for medical and cosmetic purposes. Like Botox and Xeomin, Dysport contains a purified form of Botulinum toxin type A, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Dysport temporarily paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a smoother, more youthful-looking complexion.

The procedure involves injecting small amounts of Dysport into the targeted area using a fine needle. Unlike Botox, Dysport has smaller protein molecules, allowing it to diffuse more widely and potentially treat more extensive areas with fewer injections. The effects of Dysport are typically seen within a few days. They can last for several months before gradually wearing off.

Dysport is commonly used to treat various cosmetic concerns such as frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet, as well as medical conditions such as muscle spasms and cervical dystonia.

Juvederm

Juvederm is a brand of dermal fillers that add volume and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines on the face. The fillers are made of a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin and helps to maintain moisture and elasticity.

Juvederm is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting the filler into the targeted area using a fine needle. The treatment is relatively quick, with most sessions lasting around 15-30 minutes, and the results are typically seen immediately.

The effects of Juvederm can last for several months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and the individual’s body’s metabolism.

Juvederm is commonly used to address cosmetic concerns such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and thinning lips.

Restylane

Restylane is a brand of dermal fillers that are used for cosmetic purposes to add volume and fullness to the skin, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance facial features. The fillers are made of a hyaluronic acid gel similar to the natural hyaluronic acid in the skin.

Restylane is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting the filler into the targeted area using a fine needle. The treatment is relatively quick, with most sessions lasting around 15-30 minutes, and the results are typically seen immediately. The effects of Restylane can last for several months to a year, depending on the type of filler used and the individual’s body’s metabolism.

Restylane is commonly used to address cosmetic concerns such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and thinning lips and enhance facial features such as cheekbones and jawline.

Revance RHA

Revance RHA is a new dermal filler designed to mimic facial tissue’s natural movement and feel. The filler is made of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (RHA) gel that is formulated to be more resistant to degradation than other types of hyaluronic acid fillers. This means that the effects of Revance RHA can last longer than traditional fillers, with some patients reporting results that last up to 15 months.

Revance RHA is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting the filler into the targeted area using a fine needle. The treatment is relatively quick, with most sessions lasting around 15-30 minutes, and the results are typically seen immediately.

Revance RHA is commonly used to address cosmetic concerns such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and wrinkles and to enhance facial features such as cheekbones and lips.

Sculptra

Sculptra is an injectable filler to restore volume and stimulate collagen production in the skin. The filler is made of poly-L-lactic acid, a biocompatible and biodegradable substance used in medical implants for decades.

Sculptra is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting the filler into the targeted area using a fine needle. Unlike other fillers, Sculptra works gradually over several months, stimulating the body’s natural collagen production and producing a more youthful and voluminous appearance.

The effects of Sculptra can last up to two years, depending on the individual’s metabolism. Sculptra is commonly used to address cosmetic concerns such as facial hollowing and sagging skin and enhance facial features such as cheekbones and jawline. It can also be used for butt lift.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a type of dermal filler that is used to restore volume and contour to the face. The filler is made of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a naturally occurring substance found in bones and teeth. It is known to stimulate collagen production in the skin.

Radiesse is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting the filler into the targeted area using a fine needle. The treatment is relatively quick, with most sessions lasting around 15-30 minutes, and the results are typically seen immediately.

The effects of Radiesse can last up to a year or more, depending on the individual’s body’s metabolism. Radiesse is commonly used to address cosmetic concerns such as wrinkles, facial folds, and volume loss in the cheeks and jawline.

Risks and side effects of cosmetic injectables

Although cosmetic injectables are generally safe, they do come with some risks and potential side effects, including:

• Swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site
• Allergic reactions
• Infection
• Asymmetry or lumps in the treated area
• Nerve damage
• Migration of the filler to other parts of the face
• Tissue necrosis

Who can get cosmetic injectables?

Cosmetic injectables are suitable for most healthy adults who want to enhance their appearance. However, they may not be ideal for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or allergies to the ingredients in the injectable.

Preparation and recovery

Preparing for cosmetic injectables involves avoiding certain medications, supplements, and activities that can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling and bruising, but these usually subside within a few days.

Cost

The cost of cosmetic injectables varies depending on the type of injectable used, the amount required, and the provider’s fees. Discussing the price with your provider before the procedure ensures you know all the associated costs.