The craze for cosmetic injectables shows no sign of abating as they continue to be the most effective way to enhance or anti-age the face without going under the knife. If you’re contemplating a tweakment, however, you may be confused about where to start.
Injectables broadly fall into three categories: fillers, freezers and – new to the market – hydrators. In our latest Karidis Clinic guide we cover what results they can deliver, what they can’t do, how long they last, any potential risks and how much they cost.
Fillers
What fillers can do: the most popular dermal filler brands on the market are composed of hyaluronic acid. HA is a naturally occurring molecule in the skin that binds water and keeps the skin hydrated. As we get older, the levels of HA in the skin start to deplete along with collagen and elastin and we lose volume, elasticity and hydration.
Dermal fillers can be used to fill the deeper folds in the skin such as nasolabial folds or marionette lines, and can also give definition to the cheekbones, lips or jawline.
What it can’t do: unlike wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers can’t target dynamic wrinkles as they have no effect on the movement of our facial muscles.
Duration of results: the results are immediate although they may be a little bit of swelling that will subside after a few days. How long you’ll enjoy the results does vary from patient to patient and depends where the fillers were injected. For deeper lines and facial shaping, results can last between 12 and 18 months typically, whereas lip enhancement results may only last six months before a repeat procedure is required.Â
Potential risks: serious complications with dermal fillers are uncommon. You may experience temporary bleeding, bruising and swelling at the injection site. Asymmetry or over filling are a possibility, but the results of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be reversed if you’re not happy with them.
Price: From £265
FreezersÂ
What freezers can do: Botulinum toxin is the number one non-surgical cosmetic treatment since its power to freeze wrinkles was discovered over 20 years ago. It is a neuromodulator, so it disrupts the messages from our nerves to our facial muscles, relaxing and softening the dynamic wrinkles that form on your forehead, around the eyes, or between the brows.
As well as relaxing wrinkles, botulinum toxin can also be used to reshape a wider face by reducing the large masseter muscle in the jaw.
What they can’t do: as we get older, our crow’s feet or frown lines can become a permanent fixture even when we’re not squinting, smiling or frowning, and dermal fillers may be required to fill deep creases.
 Duration of results: It takes a few days for the effects of botulinum toxin to start working so you should be able to see the full results at a week. It only temporarily freezes the nerves so results will last between three and six months before you need a repeat treatment.
Potential risks: millions of wrinkle relaxing injections are performed around the world each year and the treatment is considered very safe. Potential side effects include bruising at the injection site, headaches, nausea, and temporary facial weakness or drooping that should wear off in a couple of days. Choosing a skilled injector is also a must as you want a subtle freshening up rather than a frozen face.Â
Price: From £280
Hydrators
What hydrators can do: Like dermal fillers, Profhilo is also composed of hyaluronic acid but contains one of the highest concentrations of HA so as well as improving hydration, it can actually sculpt and lift the skin.
Skin looks refreshed and glowing, as well as subtly lifted and tightened. This makes it perfect for treating the face, but also the neck, décolletage and even areas of the body such as the back of the hands and upper arms. It’s also a fantastic treatment for men and women that are just starting to see the signs of facial ageing and want to delay the need for more invasive procedures.
What it can’t do: As cosmetic injectables work in very different ways, we find that dermal fillers, wrinkle relaxing injections and Profhilo can all complement each other to produce the optimal facial rejuvenation.
Duration of results: Results typically last six months before you require a maintenance treatment.
Potential risks: As with other injectables, you may experience mild bruising, swelling and redness at the injection site. Hyaluronic acid is well tolerated by the human body, so an allergic reaction is highly unlikely.
Price: £750 for two treatments. Additional treatments are £325 per treatment
If you’re thinking about freshening up for the festive season, the first step should always be a consultation. Our highly skilled and experienced injectors Suzi and Romy will discuss your concerns, perform a full assessment, and then provide a bespoke treatment plan. Call us on 0207 432 8727 to book your consultation.
