What are cosmetic injectables?

The world of cosmetic injectables can be a scary place when you’re thinking about starting your journey with injectable treatments. Not only is the business booming, there is so much information (and misinformation) out there, that it makes it so difficult to decide which is the best treatment option and also who you should go to for a treatment.

So, let’s start at the beginning. What are cosmetic injectables? Cosmetic injectables are substances classed as Schedule 4 medications in Australia, which are injected into the skin to smooth, remodel or augment various facial areas. The two main types of cosmetic injectables are botulinum toxins (or wrinkle relaxers), which temporarily “relax” the facial muscles that cause wrinkles, and dermal fillers, which are used mainly to help replace volume loss or to enhance certain parts of the face.

Choosing the best cosmetic injectable treatment for you depends on your goals, preferences, budget and medical history. You should always consult a qualified, skilled and experienced registered health practitioner who can prescribe and administer the injectables safely and effectively.

Let’s talk you through how an assessment and consultation is undertaken at Glow Aesthetics Perth.

Step 1 - The first part of your consult should involve a thorough assessment, which includes (but is not limited to) discussing your health history, if you are taking any medications or supplements, if you are pregnant or breast feeding, if you have any allergies, and if you have had a reaction to any previous procedures.

Step 2 - We will ask which are your areas of concern that you would like to consider having treated. A full facial assessment will be conducted so we can assess what might be the best treatment options for you.

Step 3 - We will discuss the products we would consider using, the potential risks and side effects, the expected results, the longevity of the medications injected, if any preparation is needed before the treatment and the aftercare involved.

Step 4 - You will be given ample time to ask any questions about the proposed treatment plan.

Some of the factors that may influence your choice of cosmetic injectable procedure include:

 - The area of the face you want to treat. For example, wrinkle relaxers are commonly used for forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet, while dermal fillers are often used for lips, cheeks and nasolabial folds.

 - The duration of the effect. Wrinkle relaxers may last for 3 to 6 months, while dermal fillers can last from 6 months to 18 months or more, depending on the type and amount of filler used.

 - The cost of the treatment. Wrinkle relaxers is usually charged by the unit or by the area treated, while dermal fillers are charged by the syringe or by the volume used. The cost may vary depending on the clinic, the practitioner and the product brand.

 - The potential risks and complications. Both wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers have some common side effects such as redness, swelling, bruising and minor pain at the injection site. However, they may also have some rare but serious complications such as an infection, allergic reaction, nodules, tissue necrosis, blindness or stroke. You should be aware of these risks and your practitioner should explain how to recognize them and how they will manage a potential complication if it occurs.

Please always remember that (despite wherever you go for an assessment or treatment) that this is still a medical procedure, and it is your consultation. So, take your time to go away and decide if the treatment/clinic/injector is the right fit for you. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision about cosmetic injectables.