Everywhere you look—television, Instagram, next door—women and men seem to be getting younger with age. You’re probably wondering: What’s their secret? Likely fillers and injectables. These nonsurgical procedures typically take less than 60 minutes and can reverse the clock, providing incredible anti-aging benefits.
Before you decide to undergo these tiny pricks of the needle, it’s important you understand all the positives and negatives about the procedure. Buglino Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery created this short guide of considerations to weigh prior to making an appointment.
Pro: Stimulate Collagen
Dermal fillers such as mineral-like compound calcium hydroxylapatite and polylactic acid stimulate collagen production. Collagen repairs skin, ensuring it maintains structure and keeping your skin firm and plump. This protein can help you achieve the smooth and youthful appearance you’re striving for.
Pro: Non-Surgical Procedure
Those who want to experience the anti-aging effects of an eye lift, brow lift, facelift, or neck lift, but don’t want to undergo surgery, can turn to fillers and injectables. These non-surgical procedures don’t require several hours in an operating room, nor general anesthesia. Obviously injectables can not deliver as powerful long lasting results as surgical intervention, injectables can accomplish significant cosmetic enhancement. Your surgeon may provide topical anesthesia if you are sensitive to needles. However, many patients do not find the technique painful.
Pro: Create Youthful Appearance
The biggest advantage of injectables and fillers is the youthful appearance they create. Substances such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, polyalkylimide (transparent gel), polylactic acid, and polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres can smooth wrinkles and fine lines, add contour to cheeks, fill in hollow under eyes, plump lips, reduce hand wrinkles, and firm the neck. One of the latest FDA-approved injectables, QWO (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes), can treat severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women.
Pro: Reduce Symptoms of Various Conditions
Certain types of injectables and fillers such as Botox can treat a variety of conditions other than wrinkles and fine lines. Botox is FDA approved to alleviate chronic migraines, reduce underarm sweating, and treat neck spasms, overactive bladders, and lazy eyes. Multiple studies have also shown Botox to be effective in treating Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders.
Con: Temporary Results
Unfortunately, fillers and injectables aren’t permanent. Depending on the brand, they can last anywhere from several months to two years. For instance, Botox lasts approximately three months, while Radiesse can be effective for 12 to 15 months.
Con: Potential Side Effects
Typically, most filler and injectable side effects are mild to moderate. Patients usually experience minor bruising for 24 hours to several days. Other symptoms include rashes, swelling, and potential infection. Over time, patients may feel the filler moving away from the desired area, or, although extremely rare, develop lumps under the skin.
Every type of filler has its own list of side effects, so it’s important to conduct research on specific brands. Typically, the list can easily be found on their websites.
Con: Cost
Averrage cost of hyaluronic acid fillers at range from $600-$900 , while Botox can range between $300 and $900. Prices fluctuate, based on location and provider. The more experience and expertise a surgeon has, the costlier the fillers and injectables may be. Although the aforementioned may seem a bit pricey, they’re within reason, and it’s wise to enlist providers within this range. Anything less is a RED FLAG.
If a business offers deep discounts, Groupon specials, or prices that seem too good to be true, they likely are. Such places do not utilize trained professionals, potentially leading to long-lasting damage.
If you’re interested in injectables or fillers, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Anthony Buglino today! He can explain the various types and discuss which is the best for your desired results.
