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 California rules.
Three things a provider will want to know
Before an injectables consultation, be ready to tell the provider three things.
What you want to ask about. Point to the area, describe it, and say how long you have noticed it.
Your health. Conditions, allergies, medicines, supplements, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your history. Any injectables before, where and when, and how you found them.
Write these down so you do not miss anything. Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows, and the provider decides what is suitable.
Questions about injectables
What is the difference between wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers?
Wrinkle relaxers are a purified protein injected into specific muscles, and they act on muscle movement. Dermal fillers are gels placed under the skin in chosen areas. They are different products with different techniques. A licensed provider can explain both and decide what, if anything, is suitable for you.
Do I need to stop any medicines first?
Do not stop a prescribed medicine without talking to the person who prescribed it. Some medicines and supplements, such as blood thinners, aspirin and fish oil, can make bruising more likely, so bring a full list to the consultation. The provider weighs it and decides what is suitable.
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.
Tell a provider in Los Angeles what you would like to ask. You decide what happens after you talk.
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