Injectables can be scary for first time clients. Here are my 6 tips to know before getting injectables for the first time.
Everyone wants to look younger, healthier, and more vibrant. We want this while looking natural at same time. I believe in the less is more approach to injectables at Millefiori.
Luckily as technology has improved over the years there have also been huge advances in the cosmetic industry. Providers are like artists and able to achieve natural looking results by taking things slow. Here are my tips and tricks to make the most out of your injectable experience.
Where are They From?
Know where the injectable products you are purchasing came from. Allergan, Merz, and Galderma at the top 3 manufactures for neurotoxins and fillers. Make sure the office you are at is providing legit products. Each manufacturer has a website you can look practices up. For example, Alli has a provider locator where you search by zip code and it will only show accounts that they sell products to.
Bargains
Watch out for the deal that sounds like they are too good to be true. If the price is questionably low you may be getting a diluted product. This is also illegal practice to purchase products outside of the US. Counterfeit products may compromise on things like safety standards, for example the temperature of shipments.
Medications?
Know what medications should be avoided prior to treatment. The first one is blood thinners, since they hinder the blood clotting they can lead to more bruising post injectables. At our office, we also recommend stopping other medication such as aspirin, NSAIDS, fish oil, multi-vitamins, green tea, ginger, Vitamin E, St Johns wart, Cinnamon, and alcohol.
Make sure you check in with your provider 2 weeks prior to your appointment and find out if there are any special instructions. I recommend start taking the supplement Arnica, for patients who are particularly worried about bruising.
Consultation
Consultation!! This is the most important step for any injectable treatment. I should talk to you and find out all your concerns with the skin. Sometimes it is a mix of treatments that include both skincare and injectables.
You want to form a comprehensive plan before you get started. Experienced injectors should take a look at your face at rest as well as with movement. The goal is to make you look refreshed without being overdone. Also, this is great time for me to fully review your medical history and make sure there are no contraindications to your treatments.
Downtime
Make sure you are aware of the downtime prior to a treatment. You don’t want to do lip injections the day before your wedding and have swelling for the big kiss. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that you have 1-2 weeks prior to any big event.
Botox can sometimes take a week to have the full effect so if you do it the day before your 30th b-day party you will not have the results.
One is not Like the Others
Not all fillers are created equal. Injectables vary in thickness and how they break down. This plays a role in where they are used in the face.
Radiesse for example is a heavy filler with calcium particles that provides an amazing lift in the cheeks but would be disastrous in the lips. Make sure your injector is well versed in all different types of fillers. Also stay away from anything silicone based. These fillers are rarely sold in the US and have a very high rate of complications.