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 in many generations’ beauty routines. 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
Most people think of Botox and Xeomin when they think of neuromodulators. They work by weakening and temporarily relaxing 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 peak at two weeks and can last for several months.
Xeomin
Xeomin works like Botox to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Like Botox, Xeomin is made from botulinum toxin type A. Xeomin functions essentially the same as Botox with a slightly different formulation, but is a more affordable option for those on a budget. Similar to Botox, full results peak at two weeks and can also last for months.
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 using different substances, but the most popular ones, like Juvéderm, contain hyaluronic acid.
Juvéderm
Juvéderm is the number one dermal filler collection in the world. The Juvéderm line includes 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. Three of the most popular formulations include:
Juvéderm Voluma provides lift and contour to the cheek area, restores facial volume, and can also be used to improve the chin profile.
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).
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? Reach out to LaserAway, the nation’s leader in aesthetic dermatology, here.
References
- “8 Things You Should Know Before Getting Injectables,” Glamour, September 3, 2019.
- “A Guide to Injections: 6 Things to Consider Before Going Under the Needle,” Allure, July 07, 2016.
- “Sustainability of Preventative Botox for the Anti-Aging Process,” International Journal of Medical Science and Research, November 23, 2023.
- “Treating Aging Changes of Facial Anatomical Layers with Hyaluronic Acid Fillers,” Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, August 26, 2021.
