How Do Injectables Work?
Posted September 07, 2019 in BOTOX® Cosmetic, Injectables, JUVÉDERM®, KYBELLA®
6 min read
When it comes to injectable treatments, there are options aplenty. So when you are trying to decide which treatment would best fit your needs, you are likely bouncing between dozens of webpages, blogs, and social media posts to figure out the differences between products.
We know how frustrating it can be to have to do research in that manner. So, to simplify things, we have compiled a list of four popular injectable treatments and how each one works.
Once you have found a treatment that you think matches your needs, feel free to click on the accompanying link to see more details about the procedure.
What Is BOTOX®?
BOTOX® Cosmetic injections have long been the predominant method of removing wrinkles around the forehead, brow, and eyes. It works both as a way to relieve existing lines and as a preventive measure to reduce future signs of aging.
How Does BOTOX® Work?
BOTOX® Cosmetic is formulated from onabotulinum toxin A, a substance that prevents muscles from contracting. By disengaging the muscles in the face, the appearance of wrinkles caused by expressions is muted and further folding of the skin is slowed.
Variations
BOTOX® Cosmetic
This is the variation that is used to address signs of aging on the face. BOTOX® Cosmetic will last for three to six months.
BOTOX®
This variation is primarily used to prevent headaches, migraines, excessive sweating, overactive bladders, etc.
Results
Patients who undergo BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment typically experience smoother skin around the eyes, brows, and forehead. This treatment is especially useful for patients who have developed crow’s feet or frown lines.
Side Effects
There is a minimal risk associated with BOTOX® Cosmetic in terms of side effects, which can include eyelid drooping, swelling, discomfort, headaches, dry eyes, allergic reaction, etc. All of these symptoms are rare, and most can be addressed with over-the-counter medication.
Cost
The average fee for one BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment is a little more than $300, but an exact cost will be provided during your consultation.
What Is KYBELLA®?
Double chins are a frustrating feature to live with, especially when many people who diet and exercise regularly are unable to remove the extra fat beneath their chin. KYBELLA® is injected directly into the area that forms the double chin and eliminates it permanently. It is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for a double chin.
How Does KYBELLA® Work?
KYBELLA® consists of deoxycholic acid, a substance that breaks down fat cells under the chin. The acid is administered in a series of injections. The number of treatments will depend on the extent of your condition.
Results
KYBELLA® has proven itself as a reliable and safe method or removing fat beneath the chin. Most patients experience the reduction of fat beneath the chin, effectively eliminating the appearance of their double chin. Since the fat cells are permanently removed, KYBELLA® results will last for years.
Side Effects
As is typical with most injectable treatments, swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and small areas of hardness may occur. More severe problems like nerve injury, trouble swallowing, bruising, or necrosis are much rarer.
Cost
Because KYBELLA® is tailored specifically to your condition, the cost will vary significantly between patients, but an accurate price estimate will be provided after your consultation.
What Is JUVÉDERM®?
Unlike BOTOX® Cosmetic or KYBELLA®, which are designed to inhibit function or remove fat cells, JUVÉDERM® treatments focus on restoring volume to areas in the face that look depressed or deflated. JUVÉDERM® is the only filler that is approved by the FDA to last up to one year with only one treatment.
How Does It Work?
JUVÉDERM® is made of hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the body that gives skin volume. JUVÉDERM® uses a modified version of this substance to restore volume to various parts of the face.
Variations
VOLUMA® XC
This formulation is a filler designed to address volume loss in the cheeks.
VOLBELLA® XC
A loss of volume in the lips can have a severe impact on the overall aesthetic of the face. VOLBELLA® XC was designed specifically to restore or enhance lip fullness.
VOLLURE™ XC
This product is used specifically to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles on the face, most commonly parentheses lines around the nose and mouth.
Results
Facial wrinkles, folds, and fine lines are all typically reduced after JUVÉDERM® treatment. These results can last up to one year, which means fewer trips to your physician for touch-up treatments.
Side Effects
Redness, swelling, tenderness, firmness, and mild pain are also side effects of JUVÉDERM® treatments, but they can typically be mitigated with over-the-counter medication and subside after a few weeks.
Cost
Depending on the areas you are hoping to treat and the extent of your conditions, the cost of this procedure will vary. Dr. Chin and his staff will provide you with an accurate estimate after your initial consultation.
What Is Restylane®?
Restylane® is similar to JUVÉDERM® in terms of what it can achieve. Both products focus on restoring volume loss and are FDA approved to correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds.
How Does Restylane® Work?
Restylane® also uses hyaluronic acid to plumpen areas on the face that have started to show sagging and volume loss. There are four main variations of Restylane® that are formulated to treat different areas of the face and body.
Variations
Silk
Restylane® Silk is designed to restore or increase the volume of your lips. During this process, the increased volume causes wrinkles around the mouth to smooth over, reducing obvious signs of aging.
Lyft™
Restylane® Lyft™ is formulated to restore volume in the cheeks and hands. Lyft™ is one of the only products formulated to treat volume loss in the hands.
Defyne™
Restylane® Defyne™ is one of the best methods of removing severe laugh lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines).
Refyne™
This formulation is similar to Defyne™ in what it can treat. It uses different chemicals to supplement the hyaluronic acid, which means that there is a larger variety of options available to make sure you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Results
Restylane® has shown through the years that it is as reliable as any other product on the market when it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Its four different formulas allow patients and physicians to tailor their approach to addressing signs of aging. Most patients experience significant smoothing of wrinkles on the face and improved volume in the treatment areas.
Side Effects
According to the Restylane® website, swelling, redness, pain, bruising, headache, tenderness, lump formation, itching at the injection site, and impaired hand function are all possible side effects of the procedure. While much rarer, superficial necrosis, delayed infections, and recurring herpes outbreaks are also possible side effects.
Cost
Since there are also many different treatment plans when using Restylane®, the price of this treatment can fluctuate as well, but an accurate cost estimate will be provided after your consultation.
Have More Questions?
If you are interested in learning more about how these injectable can help you achieve your desired appearance, give our office a call at (559) 435-8477.