What are Cosmetic Injectables?

Are you someone who wants to look younger but is not willing to subject yourself to invasive surgical procedures? Are you new to cosmetic dermatology and considering your first treatment? Cosmetic injectables are quick, affordable, and effective ways to achieve aesthetic facial enhancements.

What is a Cosmetic Injectable?

As you may guess from the name, cosmetic injectables are FDA-approved materials that a dermatologist skillfully and purposely injects into a patients skin to achieve a desired result. Cosmetic injectables are most commonly used to plump thin lips and smooth out fine lines, creases, and furrows in patients’ faces.

Pros and Cons of Injectables

The pros of cosmetic injectables are that patients who use them see instant results, don’t spend a lot of money, and don’t have to undergo a long recovery period. In fact, patients can come in for a treatment on their lunch hour and return to work without anyone suspecting they have had a dermatological procedure.

The cons of injectables are that their benefits fade over time. Usually, patients must have injections two or three times per year to sustain the beneficial effects. Also, as is the case with any cosmetic procedure, there is a very slight risk of complications. A good dermatologist will thoroughly explain the risks before you consent to treatment.

Popular Injectables

Arguably, the most common cosmetic injectable is Botox. Botox is derived from Botulinum toxin. In the 1960s, doctors discovered that the same toxin that causes botulism can be used to paralyze muscles to the benefit of patients. As a cosmetic injectable, Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles that allow patients to frown, furrow their brows, and squint.

Botox is effective as a cosmetic injectable above the nose. Hyaluronic acid fillers including Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane are injected below the nose to fill and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. A common side effect of aging is parenthesis-looking wrinkles around the mouth. Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane injections subtly fill in these creases creating a fuller, youthful look. These injectables also are used to plump patients’ lips.