Many patients come to see us still confused about what various terms like injectables, anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, skin boosters and collagen stimulators all mean. In Australia, unlike countries such as the USA, direct marketing of products and the use of trade names that require a prescription from a medical practitioner, is not allowed by the regulatory authorities. As a result, to let people know the type of treatments they have available, cosmetic clinics use other general terms that do not identify specific products. The following is a brief overview of some of these terms.
Cosmetic Injectables
Cosmetic Injectables is a collective term that covers any cosmetic treatments which involve the administration of products through injections into the skin. Injectables fall into 4 main categories:
(1) Products that stop muscle movement. These are commonly called either Anti-Wrinkle injections or wrinkle injections. These treatments smooth lines by stopping excessive muscle movement.
(2) Products that add volume. These are called Dermal Fillers. They work by filling in and replacing lost volume in the skin that has occurred over time, enhancing features, or correcting asymmetry.
(3) Products that improve skin quality. These are often called Skin Boosters or skin hydrators. Involves very superficial injections designed to hydrate and improve skin radiance.
(4) Products that stimulate the body to produce more natural collagen. These are usually referred to as Collagen Stimulators. Subtle and progressive results can be achieved that are typically long lasting.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
This is the best known and most frequently performed type of cosmetic injection and has very high patient satisfaction. The range of areas that can be treated with Anti-Wrinkle injections is detailed on https://collinscosmeticclinic.com.au/our-treatments/anti-wrinkle-injections/ The treatment is very safe and relatively simple to perform but the key is having an experienced practitioner who can achieve natural looking results. If done correctly, you will not look overdone or frozen. It is our commonest injectable procedure with the highest patient satisfaction and these treatments are usually repeated every 4-6 months.
Dermal Fillers
There are many different brands of Dermal Fillers now available in Australia with the vast majority being based on the same natural occurring sugar. Each Dermal Filler brand then has several products in their range which vary in thickness and other properties for different applications. More details on Dermal Fillers can be found on https://collinscosmeticclinic.com.au/our-treatments/dermal-fillers/
The important thing to remember with Dermal Filler injections is that they are not without potential side effects and they are a medical procedure that should be performed in a medical clinic environment. When done correctly natural looking and immediate results are achievable. The duration of benefit varies with the product used and the area treated. High movement areas such as around the mouth may need follow up in 6 months but areas like cheeks and tear troughs can have results for 1-2 years.
Skin Boosters
Skin Booster injections are very superficial and add hydration to the surface of the skin. This improves skin quality and can return a natural glow and radiance to the skin as well as soften superficial lines. Is sometimes referred to as ‘skin conditioning’ to distinguish it from Dermal Fillers. Multiple small superficial injections are used which can improve skin quality for up to 9 months. As well as the face this is a popular procedure on the neck, decolletage, and the back of the hands.
Collagen Stimulators
This category of injectables, whist they have been used for many years, have become much more popular recently. The product restores facial volume by activating fibroblast cells in the skin to produce new collagen. Newer protocols in preparation and aftercare have seen much more predictable and longer lasting results being achieved. They are most suited when someone has large volume loss that would require a lot of dermal filler. The thing that patients love about this procedure is that unlike Dermal Fillers there is less chance of bruising or downtime and the results are gradual with improvements lasting around 2 years before a top up treatment is needed.
At the Collins Cosmetic Clinic we have been safely using a range of cosmetic injection procedures for over 20 years. There are many different injectable treatment options which can be quite confusing for patients. The most important thing is that any treatment plan is individualized as each patient is different with different needs and expectations. Our main priority at the Collins Cosmetic Clinic is to provide the best available treatment options for our patients in a safe medical clinic environment. If you have any questions about injectables feel free to ring our rooms on 03 96545720 or email us on contact@collinscosmeticclinic.com.au
