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 Texas rules.
Questions to have ready
A consultation is the time to ask, so prepare your questions in advance. A few to start with:
- Who will do the injections, and what license do they hold?
- Which product type are you suggesting, and why?
- What side effects are possible, and how would you handle a complication?
- What aftercare should I follow?
- Is there a follow-up visit?
- How is cost worked out?
Cost is set by each provider, so ask at the consultation. The questions to ask page has more ideas.
Questions about injectables
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.
How do I know which product a provider is using?
Ask. A provider can tell you the product type, whether it is a wrinkle relaxer or a dermal filler, and why they suggest it. You can also ask for the product name and amount to be noted in your records, which helps if you see a different provider later.
Want to know if a treatment may suit you? Request a consultation with a provider near you.
Request a consultationMore consultation topics
Skin treatment consults
Curious about a facial or a peel? A provider can look at your skin and explain the options at a consultation.
Laser hair removal
Send a request to talk about laser hair removal with a provider near you before anything is planned.
Body treatment consults
A provider can explain how a non-surgical body treatment works. A licensed provider decides what is suitable for you.