As your skin ages, supplies of collagen and elastin in the skin decrease – causing wrinkles and fine lines along with a general loss in volume in the skin. Injectables refer to a broad category of cosmetic treatments that involve injecting substances into the skin or muscles to improve aesthetic appearance or address specific concerns. These treatments are performed by qualified healthcare professionals in clinical settings.

Injectables can be divided into two main types: neurotoxins and dermal fillers. Neurotoxins, commonly known as wrinkle relaxers, are substances like botulinum toxin type A (e.g., Botox® or Dysport® ) that temporarily paralyze or relax targeted muscles. They are primarily used to smooth out wrinkles and lines caused by repetitive facial movements, such as frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow’s feet.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are injectable substances that add volume, plump up the skin, and restore lost facial contours. These fillers are made from various biocompatible materials, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid. They are commonly used to enhance features like the cheeks, lips, chin, and under-eye hollows, as well as to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds.

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that our Nurse Practitioner injects underneath the skin to help restore that lost volume to smooth lines and creases and contour the face. This treatment is a cost-effective way to rejuvenate the face without the downtime of surgical procedures. Our medical aesthetics teams will work with you to help you decide whether fillers are right for your face and skin, along with creating a plan to maintain results over time.

You can expect some discomfort during your injectable treatment, though many of the fillers we use include lidocaine for pain control. Our Nurse Injectors do our best to work with you to make sure the treatment is as comfortable as possible and to help prepare you for the specific treatment you are receiving (for example, fillers in your lips may cause more discomfort than cheek fillers).

Your face may be sore or experience some bruising and swelling in the days or weeks after your injectable treatment. Reactions to fillers depend on a varying number of factors including, speed of the injections, injection sites and the kind of dermal filler used (some filler that provide semi-permanent results often come with more swelling and discomfort than with temporary options). It’s best to avoid excessive heat exposure and prolonged sun exposure until the initial swelling has subsided.

For best results, your nurse practitioner may recommend a post-procedure regimen to help maintain results and enhance your recovery.

Results from a single session can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the kind of injectable used and the level of movement at the site of the injection.