7 Things You Should Know Before Getting Injectables

Cost & What to Expect for Lip Injections, Face Fillers and Botox®

Are you thinking about getting some fillers and chasing that younger look? Exciting! Welcome to the feel-good club! We’re all about doing what we love, not judging and feeling pretty! And smart, too.

But, before you go ahead and book an appointment, it would be wise to get some pointers first. Just so you know what to expect, what injectables and fillers actually are, and how to prepare for everything. The more informed you are, the better!

So, to help you get all the crucial information you need, we compiled the most asked fillers questions on Google and are here to answer them for you. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

1. What Kind Of Injectables Are There?

First, let’s cover the basics – what’s out there?

Well, the most popular solutions when it comes to injectables are neuromodulators (Botox®) and dermal fillers (like hyaluronic acid lip fillers, for example). Sure, there are more options out there and a lot of science behind them, but we will focus on the most popular and most used options.

When it comes to dermal fillers, there are four basic materials used in them: autologous fat injections, collagen products, hyaluronic acid products and injections of a carrier material containing microspheres of another biocompatible material (PMMA).

Contrary to the popular belief, Botox® is not the only solution for wrinkles – dermal fillers can do the same. They help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, create structure (jawline, for example), add volume to the lips, etc.

Botox® on the other hand is a neuromodulator, so it can be used for the treatment of some neurological disorders. But, as mentioned above, it can also be used as a “wrinkle remover”. Yes – we know what you’re thinking and you’re right –  it being a neuromodulator is the reason behind the “frozen face” when overdoing it.

To simplify – dermal fillers are mostly used to add volume and shape specific areas of your face, while Botox® will relax your muscles and smooth (or lift) everything out.

2. How Long Do They Last?

Results can vary among people because it all depends on your skin, the quality of the products, the way it was administered, etc.

In general, Botox® results last around three to four months, while dermal fillers last anywhere between six months and two years. It depends on the product used and the area treated.

3. Who Can Inject Fillers In Ontario?

To be allowed to inject fillers in Ontario, you have to be a Medical staff – such as a licensed physician, dentist, registered nurse, or a certified nurse injector for those treatments. Proper training and experience are absolutely crucial. At Sublime MediSpa, it’s our Ana that has all it takes to take care of your needle needs! Our Ana has it all!

4. What Are the Downsides of Using Injectables?

As we age, our appearance changes – shocking, right? We know. What we mean by that is that over time, natural HA decreases giving us thin and sagging skin. The more we age, the more it happens and the more treatments are needed.

It’s also important to know that neurotoxins like Botox® are used for wrinkles that are “active” – wrinkles that only appear with a specific movement – think forehead wrinkles when you play with your eyebrows. Dermal fillers on the other hand are used for wrinkles that are always there, such as crowfeet.

Why did you have to know that? Because it will make it easier for you to understand the possible side effects – like with Botox®, it can sometimes happen that your muscle gets too relaxed and your eye drops for example. It usually happens when not done properly and the consequence can last for about 3 months!

For both injectable options, it can take more appointments to achieve the results you want – that again depends on your age, your skin, etc.

Here are some reactions Health Canada reported on:

Typical Downsides of Dermal Fillers

• pain
• bruising
• redness
• swelling
• raised bumps
• sores
• infections
• skin discoloration or hyper-pigmentation
• allergic reaction
• improper placement of the material

Typical Downsides of Botox®

• pain/bruising at the injection site
• headache, face pain, eye swelling
  skin rash
• local muscle weakness/paralysis of the face
• irregular heartbeat/chest pain
• feeling generally unwell

5. What To Expect From A Treatment?

If it’s your first time getting fillers or any work done, your treatment will most likely start with a consultation appointment. At the appointment, your professional will let you know all about the possible side effects you might experience, how everything works, what you can expect, etc. Ask your provider if they think you’re a good candidate for this and how many treatments will you need to get the results you want.

Take some time after the consultation and think about if this is what you really want.

After you decide that it is – you will book your appointment and go to your treatment. Your provider will take some “before” photos and prepare you for the needle. They will clean the area first, put some numbing cream and inject a specific, pre-determined amount of product. The procedure can last around 15 to 30 minutes. With fillers, the results will be there instantly however you should wait for the swelling to pass fully – around two weeks. But, the initial swelling is usually gone in the first two to three days.

With Botox®, you might wait up to two weeks to see some results.

After the treatment, you can expect some swelling and pain – but shouldn’t be severe and distract you from going on with your life. If it does, contact your doctor immediately.

You shouldn’t need any medication to manage the pain.

You should not get any of this done if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

6. How To Prepare For An Injectables Treatment?

There isn’t a specific way to prepare for your treatment other than going through consultation and doing your research.

However, if you are on blood thinning medications or take Aspirin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, ginseng, etc – you should avoid it for the day. Inform your aesthetician about it during consultation. Also, it might be a good idea to avoid caffeine or any dehydrating food/drinks for at least a day before your appointment.

7. How Much Do Injectables Cost?

The price varies, depending on the brand and the amount you need.

On average, a Botox® treatment costs about $400, depending on the number of units. The average price is 10-15 dollars per unit.

A filler treatment on the other hand ranges between $500 to $1000.

The Takeaway

Did you know that the average person thinks about getting filler for around two years? Yeah – and with good reason. As much as we know these procedures are safe and can’t hurt you if the work’s done properly and by a professional, needles and injecting something into your body does sound scary. This is why a lot of research and consideration is needed. We hope we helped a bit!