What Are Injectables?

Injectables are a non-surgical option that serve to rejuvenate the face, either through relaxing the muscles or filling fine lines.

Injectable "Relaxers"

Wrinkles are caused by muscle contractions in your face over time. By using an injectable "relaxer," like Botox (which stands for botulinum toxin), you can reduce the signs of aging, like crow's feet at the corners of your eyes, the frown lines on your forehead or on the lower parts of your face, by relaxing, or stopping these muscles from contracting.

How the Procedure Is Done

During a Botox injection, a tiny needle will be inserted directly into the muscle at the area of the line or wrinkle. You can return immediately to your daily activities after the injection.

What to Expect

Botox is a temporary fix. Within three to four months, lines and wrinkles typically return to normal. You may choose to repeat treatments to maintain the desired look over time.

Possible Side Effects

When used at the proper dosage, Botox is safe and effective. Possible side effects of Botox include bruising and swelling, which should go away in three to four days. Also, droopy eyelids can occur. Because the effects of Botox on a fetus or breast milk are not known, it's best to hold off if you're pregnant or nursing.

Injectable "Refillers"

Injectable refillers work by filling in the fine lines in skin that develop over time. They target the deepest layer of skin, called the dermis. The dermis has three main components that give it a youthful look.

  • The first layer is collagen, which gives skin its structural integrity. Collagen has been used for many years as an injectable refiller.
  • The next component is hyaluronic acid, which gives the skin fullness. Hyaluronic acid works by attracting water to the area like a sponge, keeping it plump. Injectable refillers like Restylane or Juvederm work to replicate this process.
  • Finally, elastin gives the skin a stretchy quality. There is currently no injectable refillers that mimics elastin.

When you have a procedure to refill lines in your face, the doctor will either apply a numbing cream to the face, or will give you an anesthetic. He or she will then use a tiny needs to inject the refiller.

You may see some swelling in the first few days, but by the end of two weeks you'll see the end result of the treatment. Also, the type of filler used will determine the amount of time the results will last. Some will last a few months, while others may last much longer.

In general, injectable fillers shouldn't be very painful and don't have many side effects, but some people do experience bruising and swelling.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a safe, non-invasive and painless way to reduce signs of aging and sun exposure. It can also help treat mild scarring, skin discoloration, fine lines and large, clogged pores.

How the Procedure Is Done

During this treatment, your doctor or aesthetician will move a hand held device around your face, spraying your skin with tiny, rough crystals that will remove the dead skin cells on the surface on your skin. Simultaneously, the device sucks away the dead cells and crystals from the surface of the skin. It may take a couple of passes over the skin. The entire treatment will take anywhere from a half hour to an hour to complete.

What to Expect

You should begin to see the effects immediately. You may experience redness on your face after the treatment, but it should return to normal within one day. For the best results, you may need to schedule as many as five follow-up visits. Over time, some people continue to get these treatments to maintain their results.

Who Should Not Get Microdermabrasion?

Since microdermabrasion works on the surface of the skin, it's not typically used for conditions like severe acne scars or deep wrinkles, sunburns, sensitive skin, and skin disorders, like rosacea and eczema.

What to Avoid

You should avoid exposure to the sun and stop using certain skin products or medications like Retin-A at least four days before the treatment.

Microdermabrasion is a great option if you're not comfortable with chemicals and anesthesia. And, although it may require three of four treatments to see the ideal results, you'll wind up having smother skin and less fine lines.

Combination Treatments

Using techniques that both relax and refill together often give the best results. You may also want to talk to your doctor about procedures to resurface, or reposition the skin on your face. Some people will benefit from a combination of all four rejuvenation strategies.