Cosmetic Injectables 101: Uses, benefits and how to choose what’s right for you

The skin is the body’s largest organ and is exposed daily to environmental factors like the sun, stress, hydration (or lack thereof!) and the food we eat. As we naturally age our skin loses its youthful elasticity with fine lines and wrinkles beginning to appear. Cosmetic injectables such as lip, cheek or facial dermal fillers are a non-surgical, non-invasive solution that help tackle these skin issues and allow you to maintain a young, smooth glow to your skin.

These treatments have become increasingly popular in Australia, with more individuals per capita receiving cosmetic treatments than America. With this rise in popularity, come a number of myths, misconceptions and questions that you might have come across.

Here at The Skin Manifesto, we get a lot of questions from clients about cosmetic injectables, dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections every day and we want you to be equipped with all the info on cosmetic injectables so you can make a more informed decision about whether this is the right choice for your skin.

First things first – what exactly are cosmetic injectables?

The name may sound scary but cosmetic injectables are generally very safe, and a common non-surgical treatment to tackle issues like sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness. They are quick, affordable treatments  (that should only be administered by a trained aesthetician!) which not only tackle skin issues but also provide symmetry, augmentation balance to your facial features.

There are two main types of cosmetic injectables; dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Which we’ll explore in more detail below.

What are dermal fillers?

Facial and Dermal Fillers use a gel-like substance on areas such as lips and cheeks, keeping them plump and restoring lost volume. Lip injections or lip fillers can be used to achieve fuller lips, and facial fillers are used to reduce the appearance of hollows and dark circles under eyes, deep lines and improve scar appearance. Enhanced and softer cheekbones can be achieved through this treatment by injecting dermal fillers below the surface of the skin resulting in reduced wrinkles and firmer, enhanced contours of the skin.

There are several different types of dermal fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) – This is a naturally occurring substance in the skin which keeps it hydrated, plump and smooth. HA facial fillers are therefore naturally accepted by the skin barrier and results may last up to 6 months. Here at The Skin Manifesto, this is our preferred type of filler as it is easily administered without significant side-effects.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite – This is also naturally found in our bones. As a filler, it can also enhance collagen production and also reduce the effects of wrinkles and deeper lines.

Poly-L-lactic acid and polymythylmethacrylate (PMMA) – these are collagen stimulators that can smoothen skin by naturally building collagen.

Fat grafting – in this kind of dermal filler treatment, fat is harvested from another area of your body, purified and then reinjected to your face to restore the plumpness and elasticity of areas like the cheeks and eyelids.

Seeing is believing! Read more about dermal fillers and see before and after results here.

What are anti-wrinkle injections?

Anti-wrinkle Injections utilise a neurotoxin, called Botulinum toxin. By targeting and relaxing the facial muscles on your skin, the anti-wrinkle injections can soften the lines, preventing further wrinkles and keeping your appearance natural and radiant. They are usually used to reduce forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, smile lines near the eyes or mouth and for neck rejuvenation.

Want to see the results? Check out our before-and-after photos here.

Are fillers the same as anti-wrinkle injections?

While the treatments may sound similar, they are actually very different. Anti-wrinkle injections relax your muscles and nerves, reducing muscle action that is causing wrinkles to form. On the other hand, dermal or cheek fillers are used to restore volume in different areas of your face and promote collagen formation.

Choosing the right treatment for yourself requires a consultation with your dermal aesthetician, who will suggest a unique plan for you based on your medical history, skin type and any other specific concerns and requirements.

Are cosmetic injectables safe?

When done by an experienced and trained professional, both anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are extremely safe. Many popular brands of injectables have undergone rigorous safety testing over the years. To be safe, always consult your aesthetician in advance and discuss any specific conditions or allergies.

What are the side-effects of getting cosmetic injectables?

There might be mild side-effects like a slight headache at the site of the injection. Bruising may occur, but is extremely rare. This usually happens as a result of dealing with an inexperienced technician. Here at The Skin Manifesto, our team are highly-qualified and pride ourselves on taking the highest care when it comes to helping our clients feel and look their best! Receiving your treatment from an experienced and trained professional is of the utmost importance to get the best results out of the treatments.

How fast will you see results of your cosmetic injectables?

After receiving dermal fillers, the results on your lips, cheek or facial areas will be practically instant, however you may experience some swelling for 24-48 hours after your injections and minor bruising may occur up to 2 weeks post-injection. You’ll likely see your best results around 4 weeks after receiving your dermal fillers.

Anti-wrinkle injections can take a little longer to work, as they are designed to relax your wrinkle-causing muscles. This process will begin to have visible effects 2-3 days after your injections, with peak results occurring approx 1-2 weeks post-injection.

Our team of medical aestheticians can advise you after your treatment, regarding the best way to look after your skin and any activities you should avoid after having cosmetic injections.

Is this a permanent treatment? How long do cosmetic injectables last?

Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are reabsorbed into the skin slowly and the results and number of sessions needed also depend upon the area. To maintain your youthful skin, we suggest repeating treatments for dermal fillers every 3-6 months, while anti-wrinkle injections should be repeated every 3-4 months.

Got more questions? Get a detailed consultation with us to discover the best solutions for your skin.