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.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and injectables
Most providers do not give wrinkle relaxers or dermal fillers during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and many will ask about plans to become pregnant. If any of these apply, say so at the start of the consultation.
Other health points a licensed provider usually considers include nerve or muscle conditions, autoimmune conditions, a history of keloid scars, active skin infections near the area, and past reactions to injectables. Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows, and the provider decides what is suitable for you, including the choice to wait.
The days before
Some providers give instructions for the days before a consultation where treatment might happen at the same visit. Ask the office in advance. Common topics include alcohol, supplements that can raise bruising, and strong skin care on the area.
Never stop a prescribed medicine, including a blood thinner, without talking to the person who prescribed it. Arrive with a clean face if the office asks, bring your notes, and allow enough time that you do not feel hurried. You can always choose to wait and think after hearing the provider's view.
Questions about injectables
Can I have injectables while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Most providers do not give wrinkle relaxers or dermal fillers during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If either applies, or you are planning a pregnancy, tell the provider at the start of the consultation. They will decide what is suitable, which may mean waiting.
What side effects are possible?
Bruising, swelling and tenderness where the injection was given are commonly discussed, and less common complications exist too. Ask the provider to explain the side effects for the specific product, how they would handle a complication, and who to contact afterward. For anything that worries you, see a doctor.
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.
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