‘Injectables’ – the term itself is self-explanatory, and – let’s be honest – a little cringeworthy.
It’s a term we’ve all likely heard countless times, but many of us aren’t entirely sure what they’re all about.
To make a long story short, injectables are substances inserted into the skin with a needle that relaxes muscles or plumps up the skin, lessening the appearance of wrinkles and aging in general. The two most popular types are neuromodulators (aka neurotoxins) and dermal fillers.
Regardless of how extensive (or expensive) our skincare routine may be, or how diligent we are with applying SPF to protect ourselves from the sun’s damaging rays, our faces naturally & inevitably change with age. Typically this means that wrinkles develop on our faces, or that our cheekbones and jawlines aren’t as high and firm as they once were due to the slow and steady loss of collagen over time.
Injectables can help minimize these signs and, when done well, are subtle and almost immediately gratifying. Once shrouded in secrecy and seldom talked about, “getting work done” no longer carries the stigma it once did. In fact, many women now consider injectables as part of their regular beauty routine, much like make-up. People as young as their 20s are taking advantage of these cosmetic procedures that prevent and reverse the early signs of aging.
Curious about whether injectables are right for you? Here’s a quick rundown of the different types, and their features and benefits…
Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators use botulinum neurotoxins to relax muscles, softening existing wrinkles and preventing future ones from developing in that area of your face. They can even be used to fix gummy smiles and slim faces that appear square due to enlarged jaw muscles.
Neuromodulators are relatively inexpensive, effective for several months, and are best suited for areas such as the forehead, crow’s feet, and in between your eyebrows. Bonus: the needle is tiny, there’s little pain and there’s no downtime.
Dermal Fillers
Fillers, as the name suggests, fill in areas of your face by sitting under the skin to provide volume and support. They’re most commonly used to plump lips and restore volume to areas such as the cheekbones, hollows under the eyes, and the nasolabial folds (more affectionately known as laugh lines). Although there are a variety of brands available, most fillers are hyaluronic acid-based, a naturally occurring substance in the body, which should ease concerns regarding its safety.
Depending on the brand, density, and placement of fillers, they can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years and are relatively affordable when compared with other procedures. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be also be dissolved, which is good news if you leave your appointment with a look you’re not entirely happy with, or if you’re someone who likes to follow beauty trends that come and go.
Both types of injectable appointments are fast (typically less than 30 minutes, and you can return to your daily routine immediately afterward) and can yield almost immediately visible results and a boost in confidence. As with any procedure, side effects are possible, but they’re typically minimal and usually only consist of mild pain or bruising – nothing that a little concealer can’t hide!
It’s important to remember that the effects are not permanent and that, like the rest of your body, injectables require maintenance. If you’re considering injectables for the first time, talk to your doctor or aesthetic injector about what the best treatment option for you is, and what to reasonably expect.
You may just decide that injectables fit in perfectly with your skincare routine!