Cosmetic Injectables Explained

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A guide for people considering neurotoxin (wrinkle-relaxing) and dermal filler treatments.

 

Before You Begin

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Injectables like anti-wrinkle injections (neurotoxins such as Botox®/Dysport®) and dermal fillers (often made of hyaluronic acid gel) are medical procedures. They can make a big difference to how you look and feel — but they also carry risks. Choosing a qualified medical professional who understands facial anatomy and knows how to handle complications is essential.

 

Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Neurotoxins)

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How They Work

• Neurotoxins relax overactive muscles that cause expression lines.

• They don’t “freeze” your face if done carefully — they just soften the movements that lead to wrinkles.

• Effects last about 3–4 months.

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Common Treatment Areas

1. Forehead lines – horizontal lines across the forehead.

   • Treated muscle: frontalis (the muscle that raises your eyebrows).

   • Safety note: Too much can cause the brows to feel heavy.

2. Frown lines (“11s”) – vertical lines between the eyebrows.

   • Treated muscles: corrugator and procerus.

   • Safety note: Too much product, or placement too low, can cause eyelid droop.

3. Crow’s feet – fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes.

   • Treated muscle: orbicularis oculi (the circular muscle around the eye).

   • Safety note: Over-treating can make smiles look unnatural.

4. Bunny lines – scrunch lines across the upper nose.

   • Treated muscle: nasalis.

   • Safety note: Too much can affect the way your nose moves when you smile.

5. Gummy smile – when the top gums show a lot while smiling.

   • Treated muscles: levator labii group (lifts the upper lip).

   • Safety note: Too much can weaken your smile.

6. Jawline slimming – for people with bulky jaw muscles from clenching/grinding.

   • Treated muscle: masseter.

   • Safety note: Can cause mild chewing weakness at first.

7. Neck bands – vertical lines or “cords” in the neck.

   • Treated muscle: platysma.

   • Safety note: Too much can affect swallowing or speaking.

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Dermal Fillers

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How They Work

• Fillers restore volume, shape, and smoothness to areas where the skin or fat has thinned with age.

• They’re usually made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a sugar molecule your body naturally produces.

• Results can last 6–18 months, depending on area and product type.

• Fillers are reversible with an enzyme called hyaluronidase (an important safety net).

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Common Treatment Areas

1. Lips – add hydration, definition, or fullness.

   • Risks: swelling, bruising, lumps, rarely blocked blood vessels.

2. Cheeks – restore youthful curves and lift the face.

   • Risks: unevenness, swelling, vascular blockage if injected too deep.

3. Nasolabial folds – lines running from nose to mouth.

   • Risks: nearby arteries make this a higher-risk zone; must be done carefully.

4. Marionette lines – lines that drag down from the corners of the mouth.

   • Risks: filler in the wrong spot can make the area look heavy.

5. Jawline and chin – sharpen profile, balance proportions.

   • Risks: swelling, nerve irritation, uneven results.

6. Tear troughs (under-eye hollows) – reduce shadowing and tired look.

   • Risks: swelling, puffiness, blueish tint (Tyndall effect), higher complication risk.

7. Non-surgical nose reshaping – smoothing or straightening bumps with filler.

   • Risks: very high — this area has blood vessels connected to the eyes. Blindness is a rare but serious complication. Only experienced doctors should attempt it.

8. Temples – restore volume in hollow temples.

   • Risks: arteries and veins run here, so placement needs great care.

9. Hands – replace lost volume to hide veins/tendons.

   • Risks: swelling, bruising, infection.

 

Risks You Should Be Aware Of

Most people only get temporary swelling, redness, or bruising. But serious complications can occur:

• Overcorrection or unnatural look

• Asymmetry (sides not matching)

• Lumps or migration of filler

• Infection (rare but possible)

• Blocked blood vessels – the most serious risk, can cause skin damage or blindness (very rare, but why emergency training matters)

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What to Expect at Your Consultation

Your medical professional should:

• Take a full medical history (including medications and health conditions).

• Discuss your goals and expectations.

• Explain which procedures are suitable for you — and which aren’t.

• Walk you through the risks, benefits, and alternatives.

• Provide before-and-after photos of their own work.

• Ensure you have access to emergency management (such as hyaluronidase for fillers).

 

Final Thoughts

• Cosmetic injectables can look natural and boost confidence, but they are not “just beauty treatments” — they are medical procedures.

• Safety depends on choosing a qualified injector with medical training.

• Always ask questions until you feel confident in both the knowledge and skill of the person treating you.

• A good practitioner will happily explain the anatomy, risks, and plan so you know exactly what’s being done.

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