How to choose the right injectable
In the early aughts, getting injected was still a fairly new and exclusive experience. But today, injectables are a common ritual for many a generation’s beauty routine. While injectables have become ubiquitous as a means of fighting the signs of aging and reaching your aesthetic goals, there’s still a lot of mystery surrounding the different types of injectables available, their results, and how to pick one to suit your own goals. If you’re new to injectables or just want the full rundown, here’s how to know which injectable is right for you.
Types of injectables
Injectables are minimally invasive, non-surgical treatments with little to no downtime. There are two main types of injectables, and whether they’re smoothing, restoring, or enhancing the face, each type works differently to address different concerns.
Neuromodulators
This is the category most people think of when it comes to injectables. Neuromodulators work by weakening and temporarily paralyzing the muscles in the face, affecting the signaling between nerve cells. The most popular neuromodulator used in dermatology is Botulinum toxin type A which is most often injected into the forehead and around the eyes and brows to soften wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, and more.
Botox
The number one name associated with neuromodulators, Botox is both corrective and preventative, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while preventing new ones from forming. Botox results can last for months.
Xeomin
Xeomin works like Botox to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Uniquely purified, Xeomin is perfect for those looking for a neuromodulator without any unnecessary additives. Similar to Botox, Xeomin results can also last for months.
Dysport
Dysport is a lesser-known name than Botox, but it’s also a derivative of Botulinum toxin type A and works essentially the same. The main difference is that Dysport’s protein particles are smaller and “kick in” slightly faster than Botox. Results last approximately the same amount of time (3 to 4 months).
Jeuveau
While Botox has both cosmetic and medical uses, Jeuveau, also known as “new-tox” is one of the latest neuromodulators approved only for cosmetic use. Jeuveau is formulated with a slightly different form of Botulinum toxin than Botox, and its Hi-Pure technology also eliminates certain proteins to aid in its absorption.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are substances injected under the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and soften creases or enhance facial contours. Dermal fillers can be formulated with small particle substances like hyaluronic acid, larger gel particles, or a combination of the two.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is the #1 dermal filler collection in the world. The Juvéderm line includes five different formulations for customized treatment and uses hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body that keeps your skin hydrated. Results are immediate and can last up to two years.
Juvéderm Voluma provides lift and contour to the cheek area, restores facial volume, and can also be used to improve the chin profile.
Juvéderm Vollure temporarily corrects facial wrinkles for a smoother appearance.
Juvéderm Ultra XC adds more fullness and plumps thin lips, whether your lips have thinned over time or you simply want a more defined face shape.
Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC is used for smoothing and correcting moderate to severe parentheses lines, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines around the nose and mouth).
Juvéderm Volbella augments the lips and can be used for the correction of perioral lines, often called “lipstick lines.”
Restylane
The Restylane line of dermal fillers is also designed to act like your body’s naturally produced hyaluronic acid and is formulated in varying thicknesses for tailored treatment. Used to plump the lips, fill facial wrinkles, smooth lines around the mouth, accentuate the cheeks, and more, results from Restylane injections are immediate and can last up to a year.
Radiesse
Radiesse filler is comprised of tiny calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in an aqueous gel carrier. These microspheres instantly restore volume while stimulating the body to produce its own natural collagen. Over time, the gel and microspheres are metabolized, leaving only your natural collagen behind. Used to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, as well as to correct volume loss in the back of the hands, Radiesse results can last a year or more.
Revanesse
Revanesse is a dermal filler made up of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to add volume and hydration. The hyaluronic acid in Revanesse is synthesized to be biocompatible and is formulated into a smooth gel. When injected into the skin, this gel works to immediately add volume, smooth out wrinkles, and restore a more youthful appearance. Over time, the body gradually metabolizes the hyaluronic acid. Revanesse is often used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds, and to enhance the lips. The effects of Revanesse can last several months, depending on factors such as skin type, age, and lifestyle.
Discuss your options with a treatment specialist
When narrowing down your injectables search, you’ll want to consider your expectations and overall investment. Take into account how long your results will last, the frequency required for touch-ups, and the cost of maintenance. Speaking with a treatment specialist will help you to create a customized plan for your desired results, whether that’s with an individual injectable or a combination of injectables for more natural-looking results. Ready to begin your injectable journey? Schedule your free consultation at LaserAway.com.
