Spa 101: Everything You Need to Know About Injectables

Spa 101: Everything You Need to Know About Injectables

Nearly everyone these days knows someone who has gotten Botox, Juvaderm, or any of the other injectables offered at your local medical spa but how many of us really understand what each of these treatments really does and why? Check out this comprehensive breakdown on everything you need to know about injectables!

What Are Injectables and How Do They Work?

There are three categories of injectables offered at a medical spa:

Neuromuscular toxins – which target muscle tissue and temporarily weaken or paralyze the muscle that is causing the wrinkle.

Active ingredients include: Botulinum toxin type A.

Examples: Botox, Dysport, Reloxin, PurTox

What Are Injectables and How Do They Work?

Soft tissue fillers – which target the superficial-mid dermis and temporarily replace lost volume within skin fold or wrinkle or area.

Active ingredients include: Hyaluronic acid (HA), Calcium hydroxylapetite (Ca),Collagen, and L-poly lactic acid (PLA).

Examples: Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra, Silicone

What Are Injectables and How Do They Work?

Skin enhancers – which target the epidermis, superficial, or mid-dermis and temporarily nourish skin, improve tone, and stimulate collagen.

Active ingredients include: multivitamins, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid.

Examples: Mesoglow, Mesolift, Vitaglow

All are used for facial rejuvenation, are manufactured, sterile, and complementary.

The Procedure at a Glance

Most injectable procedures follow the same step-by-step process:
1. The skin is cleansed and disinfected
2. A local anesthetic is given (optional)
3. The skin is marked
4. The injection is given
5. Mild pressure is applied to the injection site
6. The skin is shaped and then cleansed again

The Benefits

Injectables are all used for facial rejuvenation and come with a handful of benefits including anti-aging benefits, in-office privacy and attention, minimally invasive procedure with little down-time, long-lasting results, they complement other procedures (including facials, microdermabrasion, IPL, laser, RF, and plastic surgery), there is a high patient satisfaction, and a long history of effectiveness.

The Risks

There are also a number of anticipated risks and possible complications. Risks include mild bleeding, bruising, swelling, and discomfort around the injection site however these anticipated risks are often short in duration.

Complications which are rare include persistent bleeding, soft tissue loss, unintended effects on non-target areas, infection, deformity, blood vessel occlusion, pain, patient dissatisfaction, and allergic reaction.

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