What Are Cosmetic Injectables?

Cosmetic injectables are temporary ways to treat the signs of aging like volume loss, fine lines, sagging skin, folds, creases, and wrinkles without undergoing a surgical procedure. They are administered into different areas through an injection and are long-lasting ways to erase the signs of aging with minimal downtime.

There are two categories of injectables: Dermal Fillers and Neurotoxins. They are not interchangeable; each has a specific job that the other cannot perform, but they do work together to create the most youthful, aesthetic version of your face possible.

What’s the difference between Neuromodulators and dermal fillers?

Neuromodulators, like Botox, are used to relax muscles and smooth out lines and wrinkles due to dynamic movements of the face. Dermal fillers restore volume loss and address moderate to severe wrinkles and hollowed regions. Dermal fillers are also used to plump lips and create contouring around the chin, cheeks and jawline. Filler results also last longer than the results of neuromodulators.

How Much Do Injectable Treatments Cost?

Injectable treatments vary in cost depending on the type of injectable used, the amount used, and the area(s) treated. Our specialized clinical staff will perform an assessment of your areas of concern to customize a treatment plan that will address your unique cosmetic needs and discuss the associated cost during your consultation.

What Are Neuromodulators?

Injectable neuromodulators, often called anti-wrinkle injections or anti-aging injections, are products composed of botulinum toxin type A and are used to treat active wrinkles. Repeated muscle movements over time (such as forming facial expressions) lead to wrinkles being formed. Neuromodulators relax the muscles, limiting their movement and softening the wrinkles resulting in smooth, wrinkle-free skin.

Botox is the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow's feet and forehead lines look better in adults. Treatment requires minimal downtime. You can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave our office. You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours for moderate to severe frown lines with full results at 2 weeks.

These products are most effective on surface wrinkles and cannot be used to treat deep wrinkles effectively. For treatment of deep wrinkles, dermal fillers are typically a better choice.

What is BOTOX® and How Does it Work?

BOTOX® is the most popular FDA-approved neuromodulator used to treat lines and wrinkles that form from repetitive muscular activity. When injected, BOTOX® reduces muscular activity. When the muscles can no longer contract, the skin relaxes and your lines and wrinkles disappear. BOTOX® is the go-to treatment for anyone who wants to take a stand against wrinkles and fine lines. For years, it’s been the most commonly requested cosmetic treatment in America, and at Urban Allure, we know why. It’s easy, effective, and fast-acting.

Who Should Get BOTOX®?

There is no magic age at which you should have treatment. In fact, younger patients are increasingly using BOTOX® as a preventative measure, choosing to have injections before wrinkles appear or deepen. The age you choose to have treatment therefore depends on your personal goals, routine facial expressions, and preferences.

Where Can It Be Used?

BOTOX® is used to treat the frown lines that develop between the eyebrows, as well as forehead lines. Upon initial consultation, we can discuss your problem areas and determine if Botox is the best solution to treat your particular area of concern.

How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last?

Results from BOTOX® injections typically last 3 to 4 months. Once you notice that your results are beginning to fade, you can simply return for a follow-up treatment in order to maintain your wrinkle-free skin. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines will gradually go back to looking like they did before treatment.

How Quickly Do You See Results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment?

You could begin to notice results within a few days of your injections and you will see full results around 2 weeks.

Is treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic painful?

Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Prior to injecting, your provider may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. The entire procedure takes can take as little as 10 minutes. Many people are in and out of the office without downtime following a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment.

Is BOTOX® Cosmetic affordable?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the low-entry-cost facial aesthetic procedures in the United States. Botox is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, so cost can vary and is conducted on a per unit basis. At Urban Allure, BOTOX® Cosmetic is $14/unit with the average client receiving around 20 units per area.

Will I still be able to make facial expressions?

Although the results are visible, a treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic will not radically change your facial appearance or make you look as if you “had work done.” There is a myth that because of the way BOTOX® works, it “freezes” your face. In reality, it simply reduces muscle movement at the site of injection. And with 42 muscles in the face, you will still be able to make facial expressions. The only difference is those pesky wrinkles and fine lines will no longer be visible.

Is It Really a Lunchtime Treatment?

One of the most popular aspects of BOTOX® treatment, aside from its highly effective results, is the ease with which it is administered. A typical BOTOX® treatment can be as quick as 10 minutes. You can reapply cosmetics after treatment, so if you want to bring your makeup bag, feel free to do so.

You Should Workout Before Your Appointment

It’s best to either exercise before your appointment or skip it for the day altogether. Your injection sites need to be treated with care, which means keeping them free of irritating sweat and allowing the BOTOX® to settle into place. We likewise recommend you avoid lying down or bending over for about four hours as your tissues adjust to the injectable.

You’ll Enjoy Bonus Benefits

After treatment, many women report their makeup wears better without the lines and wrinkles they normally contend with. They’re also surprised at how refreshed they look, even when they don’t get enough sleep.

This not to say, however, that treatment is only for women. BOTOX® is for anyone who wants to rejuvenate their appearance. Fun fact: close to half of Urban Allure’s clients are men.

Is there anything I need to tell my provider?

Your doctor should know of all your medical conditions, including if you have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease – Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome). Tell your doctor about any and all prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Dispelling Myth #1: BOTOX® Treatment Only Erases Wrinkles

We love dispelling this myth because it gives us a chance to showcase how versatile BOTOX® really is. In addition to fading the appearance of wrinkles, some of its other uses include:

• Softening the jawline

• Raising mouth corners that have started to droop

• Correcting chin dimpling

• Lifting eyebrows

• Treating migraines

• Reducing sweaty palms and pits

Dispelling Myth #2: If You Stop Treatment, Wrinkles Look Worse

If you choose at any time to discontinue treatment, your fine lines and wrinkles will return to their baseline. They’ll look neither worse nor better but the same as prior to treatment.

Although not permanent, BOTOX® does deliver a long-term benefit. Your wrinkles will not worsen as long as the targeted muscles remain immobile. Soft skin tissues similarly get a break so the aging process is, in effect, slowed.

After an Injectable Treatment

Following a treatment session, patients will be able to return to their normal daily activities without any need for downtime or recovery time. This makes BOTOX® treatments extremely convenient, especially in comparison to surgical services, which often require weeks or even months of healing.

A small degree of temporary swelling, bruising, or redness may be present at the treatment sites. Avoid scratching or rubbing the treated areas and do not apply any heat.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are cosmetic injectables that primarily fill in lines, add volume, sculpt, and contour the face. At Urban Allure, we offer the Juvederm Collection of fillers, a highly reputable collection of FDA approved products that include different formulations to plump the lips, address hollowness, lift cheeks, and smooth lip lines.

What Is JUVÉDERM® and How Does it Work?

Juvederm is the top-rated collection of fillers on the beauty market in the US. It includes several different formulations that are used to treat areas of the face that have lost volume throughout time or are lacking volume due to genetic factors. Juvederm® fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid molecules (a water loving substance found naturally in the body), that have been specially formulated to treat these areas of concern. They are injected just beneath the skin to smooth creases, lift folds, and contour areas that are flat or hollow. They literally “fill” the treated area to create a smoother and more youthful appearance.

Am I a candidate for JUVÉDERM®?

Ideal candidates for dermal fillers are those who are over the age of 21 who is generally healthy, has mild to severe lines and wrinkles, and wants a simple, non-invasive treatment to address signs of aging and give their skin a noticeable lift. JUVÉDERM®is appropriate for all skin types, tones, and colors. It may not be ideal for those with severe skin laxity, which cannot be adequately addressed with this treatment. We offer complimentary consultations with our expert staff to help you determine whether dermal filler is right for you.

How long do results last after treatment with JUVÉDERM®?

Results may last one to two years, with optimal correction and depending on the formula used. Different formulas last for different amounts of time, and it also depends on how quickly your body metabolizes the ingredients in the filler. Generally, more robust fillers like Voluma are FDA approved to last up to 2 years. While Juvederm Ultra is approved to last up to 1 year.

Where is JUVÉDERM® used?

Different formulations are approved to lift cheeks, smooth parentheses lines, smooth vertical lip lines, plump the lips and to contour the chin and jawline. The results are subtle and long lasting. Schedule a complimentary consultation to see if JUVÉDERM® could be right for you.

Is it painful?

The vast majority of patients described their experience with Juvederm as having no or very little discomfort since it’s a common practice to apply topical numbing medications prior to injection. Occasionally, the filler is infused with lidocaine, which is a numbing drug, to further promote patient comfort.

When will I see results from a JUVÉDERM® treatment?

Results are seen immediately after your dermal filler treatment.

Will My Results Look Natural?

JUVÉDERM® facial fillers blend with tissue under the skin to keep you looking like you, whether you’re smiling, laughing, or frowning. During consultation, your healthcare practitioner will look at your face while it’s still (static), and moving (dynamic), to make sure they’re able to give you a result you’ll be happy with.

What are the side effects of JUVÉDERM®

The risks associated with Juvederm® injections are low. The most commonly reported side effects with JUVÉDERM® include redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, firmness, lumps/bumps, bruising, discoloration, and itching. Most side effects will resolve with time. The most common side effect is bruising which will generally resolve after a few days. Discomfort is minimal, as you can be pre-treated with topical numbing cream. While risk of allergic reaction is very rare, make sure to inform your injection specialist of any allergies you may have.

How Should I Prepare for My JUVÉDERM® Treatment?

If any of the below treatment considerations apply to you, please discuss them with your provider in order to help avoid unsatisfactory results and complications:
• You are currently taking immunosuppressive therapy or medications that prolong bleeding, such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or anti-coagulants, as with any injection, you may experience prolonged bleeding. You should inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking
• You have recently had other skin surface treatments (such as laser treatment, skin peels, or dermabrasion) or have previously used fillers
• You have skin infections or inflammation such as acne or cold sores
• You scar frequently
• You have a history of autoimmune disease or deficiency, recurrent sore throats, rheumatic fever, or porphyria
• You have untreated epilepsy
• You have allergies to hyaluronic acid, other filler products, gram positive bacterial proteins, lidocaine or other local anesthetics, severe allergies with a history of anaphylaxis, or multiple severe allergies
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

Can I get a JUVÉDERM® treatment during my lunch break ?

Injectables are called “lunchtime services” because they can be quickly and efficiently performed during your lunch break. Patients can return to their workday without the need for downtime or healing, and days off are generally not required.

What do I do if I’m unhappy with my treatment results?

Touch-ups can be performed to adjust or improve results in cases where patients are unhappy. In the case of hyaluronic-acid-based dermal fillers like Juvederm, results can be reversed with the help of a simple hyaluronidase injection.

Can I come back for maintenance treatments?

In most cases, once the results of an injectable treatment start to fade, patients can come back in for maintenance treatments to preserve their new appearance.