First Time Injectable Patient? Here’s What You Need to Know

For those yearning for longer-lasting results to our most common aging problems, temporary injectable treatments are becoming more popular than ever — in fact, injectable wrinkle reducers like Botox® or Dysport® were the most popular minimally invasive procedure performed in 2017, up 2 percent from 2016. 

If you’re ready to take the plunge into the world of dermal fillers or neurotoxis, it’s important you know what to expect as a patient — are you a good candidate? What’s the downtime like? What happens during the procedure? 

If you’re a first-time patient, we’ve got you covered.

Understand the Differences 

Injectable wrinkle reducers vs. fillers — what’s the difference? It’s one of the most common questions we receive. Injectable wrinkle reducers like Botox® or Dysport® will reduce the muscle activity that causes wrinkles. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, will provide volume to fill trouble areas. Typically, injectable wrinkle reducers are used on the top third of the face. Dermal fillers, like Restylane®, can be used all over the face and are common in the lips, cheeks and laugh lines.

Ask Yourself Questions

What kind of wrinkles do you want to get rid of? If your answer is dynamic wrinkles — the ones around your forehead or eyes — Botox® or Dysport® will likely be the answer. Dynamic wrinkles happen when you move your face or make an expression, and wrinkle reducers will limit their mobility and visibility. 

Are you looking to address more static wrinkles? Or do you feel like there are areas where your skin is sunken or depleted? If this is the case, fillers will be ideal. They’re designed to be injected beneath the surface of the skin to add volume and fullness and will decrease the appearance of permanent lines in the injected area. 

Do Your Homework

Finding a board certified doctor or dermatologist is only the first step. Do your research and read about other patients’ experiences with Botox® and fillers on sites like RealSelf. Read reviews of injectors on RealSelf, Google, Facebook and Doctor.com. Then, schedule a consultation, during which it’ll be key to communicate your preferences entirely. You’ll want to be very clear about your expectations or goals with the procedure to end up with subtle results you’re happy with.

Procedure and Results 

At Majewski Plastic Surgery, all injections are performed by Dr. W. Tomasz Majewski, a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 17 years of experience. Both Botox® and Dysport® as well as all dermal fillers are in-office treatments that will require local anesthesia to numb the area and minimize discomfort. Depending on what is being done, dermal filler procedures should take less than an hour, and you should see volume almost immediately. Minor redness, swelling or bruising may happen, but full results will be visible in two weeks. For Botox® and Dysport®, it will likely take a week or so to see the full effect. 

Depending on which areas are treated and the amount injected, these products typically last a few months. Botox® and Dysport® typically last between 3-4 months, while most fillers will last between 6-9 months. 

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Majewski to learn more about the process and whether temporary injectable treatments are right for you!