These days, everyone is looking for convenience and affordability, and injectable anti-aging products meet both criteria. That’s why you probably have at least one friend or colleague who’s opted to use a product like Botox® to shave years off their appearance without going under the knife.
Providing nearly immediate results with minimal risk and no interruption to your daily lifestyle, cosmetic injectables are a buzzed-about beauty trend that’s here to stay. But if you’re only starting to dip a toe into these waters, you might not understand all the benefits these products offer and what concerns they can help you resolve. Our board-certified dermatologists can usher you into the world of injectables and help you select the best one for you.
Neuromodulators
Since earning FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002, Botox® has remained the most sought-after minimally invasive injectable in the U.S. Botox® and a chemically similar product called Dysport® derive from a purified version of the botulinum toxin. They work by temporarily blocking the signals that trigger muscle contractions, which relaxes existing wrinkles and helps prevent new ones from forming.
Botox® and Dysport® provide the best results for treating the wrinkles that form from habitual expressions like squinting, frowning, and smiling.
These include:
- Crow’s feet around your eyes
- Brow furrows
- “11 lines” between your eyebrows
The effects of neuromodulators wear off gradually in around three to four months, but you can maintain your refreshed appearance with touch-up treatments.
Dermal Fillers
Another category of injectable products is hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, including those from the Juvéderm® and Restylane® families. These smooth gels come in various consistencies that can erase fine lines and create more volume in areas such as your lips and cheeks.
The primary difference between fillers and neuromodulators lies in how they create their anti-aging effects. Unlike neuromodulators, fillers do not cause short-term muscle paralysis. Instead, they minimize wrinkles by plumping the skin and promoting collagen production from within. Fillers also vary from neuromodulators in their effective target areas for use. While neuromodulators are best for the eye and eyebrow region, fillers can create beautifully natural-looking results in the lower two-thirds of your face.
Kybella®
The final injectable product you should be aware of is Kybella®, which is the world’s first and only prescription medication for resolving a double chin. This unwanted fat pocket can make you look older or heavier than you are, especially in photos and videos. If you’ve inherited the tendency to accumulate submental fat from your parents, it’s unlikely you’ll resolve this issue through diet and exercise alone. Kybella® is the solution you’ve been searching for.
This product contains deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule that works within your digestive system to process dietary fat. Over a series of treatment sessions, Kybella® will gradually eliminate the accumulated fat under your chin, destroying the fat cells and creating more definition for your jawline.
Injectable Treatments in San Francisco
If you’re ready to learn more about cosmetic injectables and determine your candidacy, we invite you to contact us today. Our expert dermatologists personally provide in-person consultations and perform all injectable treatments themselves for results you can be confident in.
