I recently sat down with Master Injector, Gina Vignogna-Khan from Core Nutrition and Wellness. I had collected all of your questions about Botox and other injectables and decided to have Gina answer them all at once. I spent a long time with Gina and asked her to do my next round of injectables. I schedule my appointments usually about 4-6 months apart and I keep my treatment to a minimal amount of injections but Gina is amazing and I had very little pain and no bruising. The key to getting any type of injection is the injector. You need someone who listens to you, understands what you need and of course, administers a painless perfectly targeted shot. I highly recommend Gina. I was so impressed with her knowledge, and bedside manner. You can email her HERE with any of your questions or to get more information about scheduling an appointment.
- What are facial injections? How do they work? …
Injections in the face can include neurotoxins such as Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Juveau etc. They block signals from nerves that cause muscles to contract. The relaxation of these muscles can prevent wrinkles from forming and becoming deeper. Other injections in the face can include dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid, CAHA, or PLLA particles. These fillers and bio stimulatory agents can not only add volume back to sagging tissues giving the appearance of a more youthful look but some of them are also bio stimulatory. Biostimulation means they stimulate your body to make more collagen and elastin where the product is injected.
- What are the possible side effects of injections?
As with any medical procedure, there are always chances of side effects. The most common include bruising and swelling at the site of injection. Less common side effects include infection or allergic reaction. Those that are allergic to Lidocaine should avoid fillers in the face. Those that are on blood thinning agents should also avoid aesthetic procedures. Avoiding blood-thinning medications such as Motrin, Advil, and Aspirin a few days before the procedure can help minimize any bleeding or bruising.
- What is the recovery like?
Depending on what treatment you get can alter the recovery expectations. Neurotoxins have you back to your normal routine in 24 hours with minimal post-procedure care. No intense exercise or doing anything that will make your face get hot and sweaty is a good one to remember. No massage or manipulation to the area where you were injected for the first 24 hours can prevent the neuromodulator from moving around. With dermal fillers you may experience some swelling for a few days after the treatment and waiting the full two weeks for them to integrate with your own body’s tissues is best before evaluating the full result. Everyone is different and some people will have no swelling on day one while others can have swelling for a week or two. Taking Arnica supplements is a good supplement if you tend to bruise or swell more than others.
- When can I see the results?
Neuromodulator results usually take two weeks. Some have reported that Dysport can show results within 4-5 days. Fillers have an immediate result taking into consideration that there may also be some swelling present for a few days.
- How long do the results last?
Neuromodulators usually last about 3-4 months. Dermal fillers usually last anywhere from 8 months to 1.5 years depending on where you get them and what kind.
- How many treatments will I need?
Each patient has an individualized plan that will determine the exact amount and number of treatments needed.
- Does the treatment hurt?
Generally speaking, the treatments are quick and easy but the pain is subjective and everyone has a different threshold. The needles used are very small but if someone needs numbing cream to avoid the pain I am more than happy to provide that.
- Which part of the face is the most painful?
According to what patients report, the lips seem to be the most sensitive. If you are getting a lip flip or lip filler make sure to come in 15 mins early to sit with some numbing cream!
- What is the difference between the name brands?
The difference between brands can be individualized based on what you want or would like to achieve. Each injector also has certain preferences on what they feel works best in each area. Xeomin is the most natural form of a neuromodulator because it has no added proteins, therefore, enabling your body to build the least resistance with each use. Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra, Versa, RHA, and Belotero, are just a few of the great filler products I like to use.