Minimally invasive cosmetic injectables such as dermal fillers, Botox®, and other injectables provide numerous benefits to adults of all ages. From softening fine lines and wrinkles to improving plumpness and filling in scars, these products can help you achieve a more youthful, harmonized look.
Understanding Injectables
Injectables, fillers, Botox® … oh my!
Making sense out of all the cosmetic products that can be administered by injection to the face and other parts of the body can be confusing. Here, we’ll attempt to break it down and help you better understand what your options are when it comes to cosmetic injectables.
What Are Injectables?
In essence, “injectables” encompass all products that can be injected into the face (or other parts of the body) to fix issues such as wrinkles, fine lines, loss of volume, droopiness, undereye bags, and more.
There are also subcategories within the category of “injectables”:
Soft Tissue Fillers (Dermal Fillers)
Soft tissue fillers are also known as dermal fillers or injectable implants. The main goal of these products is to improve the smoothness and plumpness of the skin — especially on the face.
At the same time, soft tissue fillers can also improve the appearance of and sometimes reshape the lips and nasolabial folds (lines that run from the corners of the nostrils down to the corners of the mouth) as well. Dermal fillers can even be used on other parts of the body such as the hands.
Here are some of the main age-related and cosmetic issues that dermal fillers can help correct:
- Scarring (especially when scars are recessed, such as those that result from past acne)
- Thinning lips
- Shallow-looking areas of the face
- Static wrinkles
- Under eye bags and wrinkles
- Bumps or uneven contours in the nose
Here are some examples of the most popular soft tissue fillers:
- Juvederm®
- Restylane®
- Sculptra®
- Radiesse
- Belotero
How do dermal fillers work?
In the past, a few different ingredients such as collagen were used as dermal fillers. But today, most dermal fillers are made out of a substance called hyaluronic acid or HA. This substance is one that occurs naturally in the body; however, we lose it in our faces and elsewhere over time as we age.
This results in a gaunter appearance where the cheeks look hollower, and the face lacks plumpness and hydration overall.
Fortunately, when hyaluronic acid is simply inserted into the skin through injections, plumpness and volume can be restored. The effects of the injections are instant, but the results are temporary. Still, you can expect to see your plumper, fresher skin last for up to several months — and sometimes even longer.
Soft Tissue Fillers for “Liquid Rhinoplasty”
Another use for soft tissue fillers that is becoming increasingly popular is for rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty is, of course, a procedure that changes the shape, size, or contours of the nose. Traditionally, rhinoplasty was always performed as an invasive surgery involving incisions and a lengthy recovery period. However, today, more and more patients are opting for a “liquid rhinoplasty.”
This procedure involves the use of dermal fillers to alter the shape and contours of the nose.
Neuromodulators (Neurotoxins)
Neuromodulators are actually neurotoxins: purified substances that come from bacteria. They are safe when used for cosmetic purposes, however, because they are used in such small quantities.
Neuromodulators most commonly treat dynamic wrinkles on the face (and sometimes elsewhere on the body). These types of wrinkles are caused by muscles that are continually being flexed over time — through smiling, frowning, laughing, and talking. Because they are unavoidable, nearly everyone has them.
But neuromodulators can make them appear less defined and harsh, giving you a more youthful, glowing appearance.
Today, the most popular neuromodulator on the market is, by far, Botox®. But others exist as well and serve unique purposes. Dr. Raja Mohan can help you decide what neuromodulator will be best for you.
Here are some of the main age-related and cosmetic issues that neuromodulators can help correct:
- Lines and wrinkles on the forehead and upper portion of the face — for example, the common “11” that often occurs between the brows over time (called glabellar lines or “bunny lines”)
- Crow’s feet (around the eyes)
- Frowning or smiling lines (at either side of the mouth)
Here are some examples of the most popular neuromodulators:
- Botox®
- Dysport®
- Xeomin®
How do neuromodulators work?
Neuromodulators work by freezing the muscles of the face in order to prevent the action of neurotransmitters on the muscle. This, in turn, prevents the muscle from contracting and thus creating a wrinkle or line.
As is the case with dermal fillers, neuromodulators are temporary. They usually last anywhere from three to five months, and it will take three to five days to see the full effects of your injections.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
While not all dermal filler and neuromodulator appointments require a consultation, you might consider booking one so that you can discuss your initial options with Dr. Mohan before your procedure. At your appointment, you will discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals with the doctor, and he will give you a short physical exam and discuss your best options with you.
Dr. Raja Mohan is one of the leading plastic surgeons in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex and specializes in providing minimally invasive, targeted treatments like injectables to his patients.
Dr. Mohan can help you achieve a more youthful, fresh appearance with the use of dermal fillers and neuromodulators such as Botox®. To learn more about these procedures and other products and services that Dallas cosmetic surgeon Dr. Mohan provides, contact our office today and book a consultation appointment.
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