What Are the Different Types of Injectables?

As we noted in our previous blog, 5 Results You Didn’t Know You Could Get with Injectables, the demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures has risen dramatically between the years 2000 and 2018 - by a factor of 163% to be exact. We certainly understand why anyone who wants to enhance their appearance would prefer to undergo a simple, in-office procedure rather than a complicated surgery. But don’t let the non-invasive nature of injectables lead you to believe you cannot achieve the results you desire. The truth is, injectables can offer you a more youthful, fresh appearance in just one office visit. However, if you’re considering injectables, it is best to make an informed decision. With different types of injectables options available, you owe it to yourself to do your homework first to determine which type of injectables are right for you. Injectables can offer you a more youthful, fresh appearance. In this blog, you will know what are the different types of injectables?

3 Main Types of Injectables

1. Neuromodulators - neuromodulators weaken and paralyze the facial muscles. While BOTOX® is the most well-known of the neuromodulators, Xeomin, Dysport, and Jeuveau are a few other options in this category. They tend to be the most popular type of treatment because they are relatively easy for patients and deliver noticeable results.
2. Dermal Fillers - Dermal fillers sit beneath the skin’s surface to offer volume and support to various facial areas, such as the lips. The most commonly used dermal fillers feature hyaluronic acid, an ingredient you can find in most skin hydrating serums. Dermal fillers include Restylane, Refyne, Defyne, Juvederm, Vollure, Volbella, and Belotero.
3. Kybella® - Kybella® is the first and only FDA-approved injectable used to reduce moderate to severe submental fat – more commonly known as a “double chin” – and to tighten and define the neckline.

What Can You Expect to Spend on Injectables?

Injectables are an investment in your appearance. If you want to look like you, only better, with injectables, the best way to determine how much money it will cost is to set up a consultation with your doctor. The price of injections varies due to many factors, including the number of units required based on each patient’s unique situation and desires. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of hyaluronic-acid-based fillers is $682 per syringe. However, they also note that your total cost could be higher, depending on the doctor’s expertise and qualifications, the type of procedure, and the time and effort demanded by the procedure. Caution: if you discover a treatment that sounds too good to be true in terms of affordability, chances are it probably is. You only get one face. Do not entrust it to charlatans on the BOTOX® black market that promote a fake product designed to look like the original. Board-Certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons are the only professionals trained and qualified to administer injectables. You are entirely within your rights to inquire about your potential provider’s training and qualifications to offer injectables treatments before you hire them.

What Should You Expect During Your Injectables Consultation?

Assuming you have already selected a Board-Certified plastic surgeon, you should ensure that both you and your provider share the same goals. Explain your desired results to them, and allow them to determine whether your goals are achievable. Yes, injectables can offer you a fresh new appearance, but they must work within the proportions of your existing features. Opt for a conservative approach to avoid over enhancing your natural appearance. Your doctor should also demonstrate compassion and an open mind if you decide you need more time to think about it.

Furthermore, they should welcome all your questions and answer them as fully as possible before you agree to an injectables procedure. Be prepared to answer questions like, “Have you had any adverse reactions to previous injections?” “How long has it been since your last treatment with injections?” and “What medications are you currently taking?” These are all reasonable questions a reputable doctor should ask to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Aside from Smoothing Wrinkles, What Else Can Injectables Do?

Off-label means “using products for unapproved indications.” While many patients turn to injectables to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, dermal fillers can also soften under eye hollows, lift cheekbones, enhance lips, straighten nose, and create a more defined jawline. While injectables undergo clinical trials for safety, they are not approved in the technical sense for the broad spectrum of their popular uses. BOTOX®, for example, is the only neuromodulator approved for use in the forehead and around the eyes, but many doctors use brands like Dysport for this purpose. Some off-label uses for neuromodulators include injecting them into the masseter muscle at the back of your jaw (to lessen clenching and narrow your lower face), on neckbands (to relax them), and in the central jaw (to keep the corners of your mouth from pulling down).

Dermal fillers have multiple applications, from defining and raising cheekbones and softening frown lines to plumping and smoothing lips, altering the appearance of your nose, and addressing the hollow under your eyes, temples, and jawline.

Kybella®, on the other hand, is approved on-label to melt excess fat under your chin. However, some dermatologists and plastic surgeons may use it off-label for stubborn fat pockets in other places.

Minimal Pain with Injectables

If the thought of a gigantic needle pointing toward your face sounds somewhat terrifying, rest assured that getting injectables should not hurt. You can expect minimal pain in most cases. It tends to feel like a pinch with neuromodulators, similar to the sensation of a needle when you give blood. For dermal fillers, your dermatologist or surgeon will apply a numbing cream before the treatment to mitigate the pain caused by insertion. Keep in mind, if you’re getting injections in the nasolabial fold and the lips -- the two more painful filler areas - you might experience a bit more discomfort. Finally, if you opt for Kybella® injections, the sting can be intense; however, your doctor can ease the pain with lidocaine injections and ice packs.

Expected Recovery Time with Injectables

When you consider the expected recovery time with injectables, it becomes clear why the demand for non-invasive cosmetic procedures has skyrocketed since the year 2000. With fast results and minimal downtime, injectables provide a simple, effective method of improving your appearance. What can you expect in terms of recovery time? With BOTOX®, you might see small pink dots right after treatment, which generally fade away within 10-to-15 minutes. In some cases, you might notice minor bruising, but it typically disappears within five-to-seven days.

Dermal fillers do cause swelling and bruising lasting no longer than a few days -- and in some instances, the swelling and bruising resolves within hours. Still, it’s best to avoid making any social plans the day of your injectables treatment.

Kybella® demands the longest recovery time, with swelling that can last anywhere from three to 21 days.

Schedule A Consultation with Palm Beach Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery to Determine If Injectables Are Right For You

If you’re ready to discover if injectables can enhance your appearance with minimal downtime, contact Palm Beach Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, at (561) 833-4122.