Your face naturally loses subcutaneous fat, collagen, and elastin as you grow older, resulting in skin laxity. The muscles also work closer to your skin, which makes the appearance of smile lines and crow lines more distinct. The skin on the middle face can also shift down, making the cheeks sag and giving you a tired old look. All these effects are often undesirable, and at other times, a source of self-esteem issues. Fortunately, Santa Clarita injectables can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Table of Contents
What are injectables?
Injectables are chemicals injected into your skin to stop muscle contraction or add facial volume to fill wrinkles or alter the contours. They include:
Dermal fillers
Dermal or soft tissue fillers are different substances that your specialist administers beneath your skin’s surface. They include:
Hyaluronic acid
These fillers have a gel-like consistency and naturally occur in some fluids and tissues in your skin. When injected into your skin, hyaluronic acid keeps your skin plump and hydrated. It is suitable for patients with smile lines and mild wrinkling on the forehead. The body slowly absorbs the acid, and the results are temporary, which often last for six months to a year or more. Sometimes it is combined with lidocaine to reduce discomfort during and after treatment.
Calcium hydroxylapatite
Similar to hyaluronic acid, this type of filler naturally occurs primarily in the bones. However, its consistency is thicker than that of calcium hydroxylapatite and offers lasting results of about 12 months and longer for most patients. The calcium particles are minute and cannot be felt as they are suspended in a smooth gel. Your doctor may use this type of dermal filler to minimize the appearance of deeper wrinkles and fine lines.
Poly-L-lactic acid
It is a biocompatible substance that stimulates collagen production and can be used in people with deep facial wrinkles. Polylactic acid has been in use for many years in medical items such as dissolvable sutures. It offers lasting results of up to 2 years, which is longer than other fillers types, including hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite.
How do I prepare for injectable?
Consult with your specialist if you are considering dermal fillers. Your doctor will review your medical history and inform you whether treatment is proper for you. For example, fillers are not safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Below are instructions to guide you as you wait for treatment.
. Restrain from taking alcohol at least 24 hours before injectable treatment. Alcohol has blood-thinning effects and puts you at risk for bruising during treatment. It is even better for patients to avoid alcohol at least three days before treatment.
. Discontinue the use of anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Advil, and dietary supplements like fish oil and garlic pills since they have blood-thinning properties. Do this at least one week before treatment to reduce your risk for bruising.
. Cut down on foods rich in sodium a few days before treatment as sodium facilitates water retention in your body and may worsen swelling after the procedure.
If you have further questions or would like to know whether you are a good candidate for injectables, consult with your physician at Mind Body Infusion