02 Mar Your Go-To Guide for Injectables
You’ve heard about injectables or maybe you’ve even tried them once or twice before. However, as soon as you really start researching, it’s each to get overwhelmed—there are so many different kinds and types. Even within a “family” of injectables, such as Juvederm, there are more options. RefinedMD will work with you to determine the best skin care for your unique skin and goals. It’s great to do your own research, but rabbit holes abound. That’s why we’ve broken down the best, safest, and most effective injectables so you can get a head start on figuring out what might be best for you.
For starters, “injectables” typically include both dermal fillers and neurotoxins. There are big differences between these two. Dermal fillers are designed to give you volume and can be applied just about anywhere on the face and sometimes the tops of your hands. Dermal fillers allow you to temporarily provide volume that has been lost over the years or create volume where you always wanted it.
What are Neurotoxins?
Neurotoxins include Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, and Xeomin. They do not add volume (per se) but rather work by temporarily “freezing” unwanted muscle movement. Most clients are interested in neurotoxins to stop or prevent lines and wrinkles. For instance, the “angry elevens” between the eyebrows are a very popular spot for these neurotoxins.
However, neurotoxins can also be used to provide the look of a more aggressive treatment. Injecting a neurotoxin around the eyebrows can offer a very subtle “lift” that is flattering for many clients. A “lip flip” involves injecting the neuromodulator around the lips to “flip them out” a bit so that they look larger but are not (adding actual volume requires a dermal filler).
How Neurotoxins Vary
Botox was the original wrinkle injection. It treats moderate to severe lines on the face and also has several off-label uses (such as preventing migraines and sweating). Results last an average of 2 – 4 months and take up to two weeks to fully appear after the injection. Some people report building a resistance to Botox, and if that’s you, it might be worthwhile to try a different neurotoxin.
Xeomin is just for the angry elevens. Studies have shown that people are less likely to build up a resistance to Xeomin. Results are similar to Botox in all regards. However, if you have lines on the forehead, Dysport can be a great choice. It works like Botox with proteins attaching to the toxin, but the actual product is smaller at the molecular level so that results happen faster. You might see your results in two days, and they last 2 – 4 months.
Finally, there’s Jeuveau, the newest neurotoxin. It’s similar to Botox, and resistance has been reported with long-term use. It’s most commonly used around the eyes for crow’s feet, and some people say the results appear quicker than Botox. The main difference is the development of products, as Botox was designed for several medical concerns while Jeuveau is strictly cosmetic.
HA Fillers
Most dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), including the very popular line Juvederm. This line has three distinct products, all with similar names but very different in terms of what they treat. Voluma sports the thickest and strongest gel, making git ideal for deep injections in the cheek. This injection site (and dermal filler) boosts the cheeks, providing a youthful appearance.
Volbella is the thinnest of the Juvederm gels, and the most spreadable. This makes it great for filling in lip lines and working with the delicate areas below the eyes. The hollowness in these areas is a telltale sign of aging, but you don’t want to use a thick gel here. Volbella offers natural results.
Vollure is the happy medium between the other two Juvederm fillers. It’s durable yet spreadable. One of the most popular injection sites is the nasolabial folds between the nose and lips. The result is natural movement and expression.
Which is Right for You?
You have even more options for HA fillers, including the Restylane line, which can last a little longer than Juvederm dermal fillers at up to 18 months instead of 12. To really understand which product—or products—will give you the results you deserve, schedule a consultation. Contact RefinedMD today by filling out the online form, start a chat right now, or call the office at (408) 688-2082.