‘Getting work done’ is a secret discussed openly in some circles and in hushed tones in others. One thing is sure though, the majority of people who’ve had ‘work done’ on themselves do not quite admit to it. However, it is your choice whether you choose to change your looks or you don’t. After all, it is your body and you should have full control of it. If you’re considering getting poked in the face with needles or it is part of your regular beauty routine, then you deserve to be informed about some of the most keywords that are regularly used.
Injectables have always been a popular choice when it comes to tackling the issue of aging. These minimally invasive procedures are the go-to treatments for the ‘selfie’ generation because of their minimal to no downtime plus their great results.
We have spoken to the renowned American Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr Buthainah Al Shunnar, from the Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery Clinic in Dubai to understand more about the key terms used in Plastic Surgery. Here are some terms that are used a lot when it comes to injectables and you should be aware of them. Spoiler alert, it’s not always about Botox ®.
FDA Approval
This is the Food and Drug Administration in the US which approves clinical trials on medical products used to demonstrate safety and efficiency. Before being released to the public, the FDA has to confirm that the product is safe for humans and does what it says it can do.
Board Certification
When considering injectables, you should go for a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist. They should not only have graduated from a respectable medical school and are licensed but have also completed at least a four-year residency program in their field. You can always check your doctor’s credentials on the internet.
Consultant vs Specialist
Plastic surgeons typically start off as Specialists and after many years of experience, combined usually with a Tier 1 educational background (i.e. US, Canada, Western Europe) and additional examinations, they eventually become Consultants.
Botulinum Toxin
This is a drug in form of purified protein that is derived from a strain of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. Popularly known as Botox, it works by relaxing overactive wrinkle-causing muscles thereby improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Although Botox was the first brand name (and still the most popular), there are newer versions of the drugs that have been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use know by their trademarks as Dysport, Jeuveau and Xeomin.
Filler
A filler is a substance that can be injected underneath the skin or in it to create a physical change. Many doctors favor hyaluronic acid fillers as their results can last up to two years but are reversible.
Hyaluronic Acid
This is the most popular filler around mainly because it plumps skin by holding 1,000 times its weight in water. Another advantage to it is that it occurs naturally in skin thus making it far less likely to cause allergic reactions than the other types of fillers. There are different brands and types of hyaluronic acid fillers which offer different concentrations and particle sizes. Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Silk are examples of those with small particles and are good for filling shallow lines and delicate areas such as the lips. Examples of those with larger particles are Juvederm Voluma XC and Restylane Lyft which can smooth nasolabial folds and add volume to the cheeks.
Hyaluronidase
This is a group of enzymes used to reverse bad work like overly plumped lips or the bumps that can occur when poor injection technique is used or when the injection is too shallow. It works by breaking down hyaluronic acid fillers within hours without compromising the levels that are naturally found in your skin. It also acts as a safety tool in case your injector hits something that they shouldn’t, such as a blood vessel.
Photo
Injectors work better when you bring along a photo of yourself from years back as they can conjure something similar by looking at your wrinkle pattern when you smiled in the photo and your bone structure. Bringing along a picture of another person that you want to look like occasionally can also be helpful as long as the overall bone structure.
Numbing Agent/Anesthetic
Manufacturers add a local anesthetic such as lidocaine, to certain hyaluronic acid injectables to help in reducing the pain that patients might experience. Numbing cream can also be used first on the treatment area before the filler is injected. In some cases, the doctors can just use ice to numb the area.
Poly-L -Lactic Acid
This is FDA approved and it’s in the filler “Sculptra”. It is used in medical applications (used in absorbable stiches) and cosmetic ones to plump nasolabial folds for up to two years. However, it cannot be dissolved like hyaluronic acid.
Swelling and Bruising
The most common side effects of fillers are slight swelling and bruising at the injection site but these only last a day or two and sometimes they’re not even that noticeable. Propping yourself on more pillows overnight helps as well as using ice.
Would you like to understand what injectables would be right for you?
Would you like to understand what options are available for Filler injections in Dubai? Meet one of the experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery in Dubai for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. You may contact the clinic or book an appointment at +971 4 395 3033 and a patient care coordinator will identify the most suitable expert for you.