What Are Injectables in Beauty?

Many of the most common signs of aging, such as facial lines and wrinkles, are primarily due to loss of skin volume. As the skin thins with age, lines and wrinkles appear near the nose, mouth, and cheeks.

Injectable dermal fillers can fill in lost volume to reduce wrinkles, smooth fine lines and give the face a younger appearance.

For more information about injectables in beauty, please continue reading.

Overview of Injectable Dermal Fillers

Injectables are gel-like products that your doctor or surgeon injects under the skin to replace lost volume and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. About one million people undergo injectable treatments every year.

One of the biggest benefits of injectables is reducing significant signs of aging without surgery and recovery time.

Some of the things that injectables can do for your face are:

• Reduce deep lines around the mouth and nose
• Boost lost volume in the temples and cheeks
• Reduce lip lines
• Increase lip volume
• Reduce chin creases
• Enhance the overall symmetry of facial features

Types Of Injectable Dermal Fillers

There are many kinds of injectables that plastic surgeons use for facial procedures. Your doctor will go over the types and determine which will be best for your needs and goals:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

HA occurs naturally in the skin and helps keep it hydrated and plump, but production falls as we age. These fillers are gel-like and soft, with results lasting from six to 12 months. After that, the body absorbs the gel.

HA fillers also contain lidocaine to reduce pain during and after your session.

Some of the most common HA fillers for restoring volume and filling lines and wrinkles are Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero.

Fat Grafting

Patients who don't want artificial injectables can opt for fat grafting that uses your body's fat.

The surgeon removes fat from other parts of the body with liposuction then injects it into parts of the face that need more volume. It works well in the lower eyelids, cheeks, and temples.

This is the only injectable procedure that requires surgery, so be sure to choose a qualified professional for the work.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

PMMA is a synthetic injectable that has been used for decades in many medical procedures. PMMA contains tiny balls that remain under the skin to support it and add volume. PMMA also contains collagen, which helps the skin to increase volume and fullness.

The most common PMMA filler is Belafill.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

CaHA is a naturally-occurring substance that our bones make. When used in injectable fillers, the calcium particles are suspended in a clear, smooth gel. The filler is usually thicker than other types and may last longer – up to a year.

CaHA also may stimulate collagen production in the skin and is especially effective for your deep lines and wrinkles.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

Poly-L-lactic acid is synthetic but is safe for internal use. As a result, it has been popular for years in many medical devices.

This product smooths lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. The body naturally absorbs the filler after a few days. This acid works well to fill in deeper wrinkles and may last up to two years.

Injectable Filler Tips

Some tips for best results from your procedure:

Before

Plan ahead: While there is little to no recovery from injectable treatments, you could have bruises that last from seven to 10 days. That's why it's smart to plan your injectable treatment about a month before any big event where you need to look your best.

Also, you should not take blood thinners and supplements that thin that blood. Some products to avoid include aspirin, ibuprofen, ginseng, and fish oil. Don't take them for a few days before and after the injectable treatment.

After

You should not engage in strenuous exercise for a few hours after the procedure. Drinking a lot of water will help the body recover more quickly, and don't drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.

It's also important not to expose the skin to excessive sunlight for 24 hours, and heat also should be avoided. This means don't take hot baths or participate in hot yoga.

Which Injectable Do You Need?

There are many injectables to choose from, so it's hard to know which is best, but your doctor will help you.

Each injectable is made with a specific texture, injection depth, and density. These varying factors mean what may work well with one injectable may not work as well with another:

• CaHA: Effective for moderate and severe creases, including marionette lines, frown lines, and nasolabial folds. Also can boost fullness in the cheeks and help restore facial fullness in patients taking certain HIV medications.
• HA: Works for acne scars, crow's feet, cheek depressions, frown lines, facial scars, worry lines, vertical mouth lines, and deep smile lines.
• Poly-L-lactic acid: Laugh lines, thin lips, deep lines, and folds near the nose.
• PMMA: Effective for increasing facial volume and boosting collagen production.

Injectables come in many types and consistencies, and it's essential to consult with your physician to determine which is best for your needs. Overall, injectables are a proven way to reduce signs of facial aging without surgery, so talk to your doctor to learn more.

Also, remember that injectables can do a great deal to make you look younger, but aren't a replacement for surgery. Non-invasive procedures are only temporary, so patients who want permanent solutions to facial aging should consider a facelift or eyelid lift.

Request A Cosmetic Procedure Consultation

Thinking about injectables in Portland? Dr. Aric Aghayan is proud to serve Portland area patients at his practice, Après Plastic Surgery. He'll go over the options, goals, and more to determine if you're an ideal candidate for a variety of injectable cosmetic procedures.

References

Injectable Filler Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/procedures/injectables/fillers/

Dermal Filler Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://aedit.com/procedure/dermal-fillersinjectables