Injectable treatments like hyaluronic acid fillers and botulinum toxin are increasingly popular for correcting the signs of aging and improving the overall appearance of the face and skin. If you're considering a first session, you should prepare yourself by understanding how these products are used, the types of results you can expect from treatment, and the precautions you should take for a safe and successful treatment.
Understanding injectable treatments in aesthetic medicine
Injectables encompass a range of products used to treat wrinkles, restore facial volume and improve skin appearance. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most commonly used products. It is used not only to smooth wrinkles, but also to add volume to lips, correct dark circles and improve skin hydration.
Specific uses for hyaluronic acid:
Filling fine lines and wrinkles: Hyaluronic acid is often used to treat frown lines (between the eyebrows), nasolabial folds or “laugh lines” (between the nose and mouth), bitterness folds or “marionette lines” (from the corner of the mouth to the chin) and perioral wrinkles (around the mouth).
Lip augmentation: Hyaluronic acid restores volume to the lips, redefining their contour and smoothing out fine lines around the mouth for a more youthful, harmonious appearance.
Restoring facial volume: With age, the face loses volume. Hyaluronic acid can restore volume to cheekbones, fill hollow temples and redefine the jawline.
Skin hydration and revitalization: Micro-injections of hyaluronic acid, also known as “skin boosters”, can deeply hydrate the skin, giving it improved texture and a luminous glow.
Correction of dark circles: Hyaluronic acid is an effective solution for reducing the appearance of dark circles and hollows under the eyes, creating a fresher, more rested look.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty: Hyaluronic acid can be used to correct imperfections of the nose, such as a bump or asymmetry, without the need for surgery.
Chin redefinition: Hyaluronic acid can be injected to project and improve the contour of the chin, to balance the proportions of the face.
Neck lift: Injections can also help improve the appearance of the neck by reducing folds and wrinkles.
Benefits and side effects of injectables
Injectables offer many benefits, including fast visible results, little or no downtime, and a natural look when administered by qualified professionals. Hyaluronic acid delivers immediate results by filling wrinkles and hydrating the skin. Botulinum toxin, on the other hand, relaxes the muscles responsible for expression lines, with effects visible after a few days and lasting several months.
However, as with any medical treatment, there can be side effects. The most common are redness, bruising and slight swelling at the injection site, usually temporary and disappearing within a week. Itching or local pain may also be present. In rare cases, more serious complications such as necrosis, abscesses, granulomas or hypersensitivity reactions may occur.
People with a history of severe allergies, skin diseases, haemostasis disorders or inflammatory pathologies should be particularly cautious. It is advisable to consult a qualified professional before deciding on the most appropriate treatment. If side effects persist beyond one week, it is important to contact your doctor.
Pre-consultation: an important step
Before undergoing an injectable treatment, you should have a consultation with your chosen practitioner to clarify your needs and discuss expected treatment results. During this consultation, the practitioner will ask you questions about your medical history, examine the areas to be treated, and explain the different options available in detail. This is also the time to answer any questions you may have about the products used, their origin, and the qualifications of the medical staff.
It's important to choose a clinic that complies with the strictest medical standards so you can increase your likelihood of enjoying top-quality, safe results. Several clinics in Montreal and Quebec City offer prime services provided by experienced teams of aesthetic medicine professionals.
Treatment preparation and follow-up
Proper preparation prior to an injectables treatment will contribute to obtaining excellent results. It is advisable to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs and anticoagulants a few days before the session to reduce the risk of bleeding. Alcohol and tobacco should also be avoided to promote recovery.
After the procedure, certain precautions are necessary to maximize the effects and minimize the risk of complications. Here are a few recommendations to follow:
Sun protection: Use a high SPF sunscreen for two weeks after the injection.
Make-up: Avoid applying make-up to the treated area for 12 hours afterwards.
Exposure to heat or cold: Avoid exposing the area to sources of intense heat (sauna, steam bath) or extreme cold until any redness or swelling has disappeared.
Medical follow-up: Inform your practitioner of any unusual changes in the treated area.
Physical activity: To avoid complications, avoid strenuous sports for a week after the injection.
Complementary treatments
Hyaluronic acid injectables can be combined with other aesthetic treatments for even more impressive results. Your doctor or qualified nurse can draw up a personalized treatment plan of this type, combining different techniques according to your specific goals.
Injectable treatments based on hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin offer an effective, minimally invasive solution for improving the appearance of the skin and face. It's vital to choose a reputable clinic, consult a qualified professional, and follow post-treatment recommendations to the letter to achieve natural, long-lasting results.
