How can cosmetic dermatology help you to achieve your aesthetic goals? If you're not interested in hours in the OR or a long recovery time, take a look at what you need to know about cosmetic injection procedures and other minimally-invasive dermatology treatments.
What Are Cosmetic Injections?
The broad term "cosmetic injections" includes dermal fillers and botulinum toxin type A injectables. As the name implies, injectables require an injection (or shot). This makes injections minimally invasive cosmetic treatments—and not surgical procedures. The dermatologist won't need to use a scalpel or suture (stitch) the area afterward.
Which Cosmetic Injectable Is Right for You?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. These include your overall health and the look or feel you want to achieve. If you want to reduce the appearance of fine lines, plump your skin, or add volume to your lips, dermal fillers are your best option. These include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid temporary filler products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approved uses for dermal fillers in adults ages 22 and over include reducing moderate to severe wrinkles or folds in the facial area, adding fullness to the jawline, chin, cheeks, lips, or under-eye hollow area, and correcting acne scars (on the cheek areas).
Like dermal fillers, botulinum toxin type A therapy can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. But this injectable can not add fullness to the face, plump your lips, or remove acne scars. According to the FDA, botulinum injections are approved to treat facial lines such as forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines.
Is A Cosmetic Injection Treatment Permanent?
No, these injections are not permanent. Over time your body will metabolize dermal fillers and botulinum injectable products. This means the results will gradually fade over several months. The length of time the filler or botulinum type A injectable lasts depends on the quantity of the product the doctor uses and your body's natural metabolism rate. Some patients may see longer-lasting results, while others may need repeat treatments sooner.
Are There Side Effects?
Any medical or cosmetic treatment has the possibility of side effects. Your cosmetic dermatologist should review the risks and benefits, potential side effects, and recovery time with you before your injection appointment. This information can help you to make an educated decision and will allow you to set realistic expectations for the results.
The FDA notes that possible side effects from dermal fillers include pain, itching, rash, swelling, redness, tenderness, or bruising. Botulinum injections may have similar side effects or could potentially cause facial weakness, brow drooping, or eyelid drooping.
For more information, contact a local company like Advanced Dermatology of Northern California.
