Two kinds of injectable
Most injectable menus come down to two types:
- Wrinkle relaxers. A protein that acts on muscles, injected with a fine needle into chosen spots. Areas often discussed include the forehead and around the eyes.
- Dermal fillers. Soft gels placed beneath the skin with a needle or a blunt tube called a cannula. Areas often discussed include the lips, cheeks and lines around the mouth.
Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows. Who may inject varies by state. A licensed provider decides what, if anything, is suitable for you after a consultation.
How a provider thinks about product and amount
Choosing an injectable takes more than picking a product from a list. A licensed provider looks at the area you want to discuss, how your face moves, your skin, your health and your medicines. With dermal fillers, they also consider which gel and which technique, such as needle or cannula. With wrinkle relaxers, they think about which muscles and how much.
Ask them to talk you through it. You can also ask what they would not do and why. Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows, and who may inject is set by Hawaii rules.
The days before
Some providers give instructions for the days before a consultation where treatment might happen at the same visit. Ask the office in advance. Common topics include alcohol, supplements that can raise bruising, and strong skin care on the area.
Never stop a prescribed medicine, including a blood thinner, without talking to the person who prescribed it. Arrive with a clean face if the office asks, bring your notes, and allow enough time that you do not feel hurried. You can always choose to wait and think after hearing the provider's view.
Questions about injectables
What side effects are possible?
Bruising, swelling and tenderness where the injection was given are commonly discussed, and less common complications exist too. Ask the provider to explain the side effects for the specific product, how they would handle a complication, and who to contact afterward. For anything that worries you, see a doctor.
Will I be treated at the consultation?
Sometimes. Some providers can treat at the same visit if you both agree, and others prefer a separate appointment. Sending a request on this site does not book or commit you to anything. You can always take time to think after hearing the provider's view.
How do I know which product a provider is using?
Ask. A provider can tell you the product type, whether it is a wrinkle relaxer or a dermal filler, and why they suggest it. You can also ask for the product name and amount to be noted in your records, which helps if you see a different provider later.
A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you. Send a request to begin that conversation.
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