The complete guide to beauty injections

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Let's figure out what is the difference between mesotherapy, lipofilling and biorevitalization and which technique is better to choose.

An advertisement for injectable cosmetology promises to quickly return youth and beauty without pain and unwanted consequences. We reveal the meanings of the terms and find out which procedures really work.

Why does skin age and how injections help?

To understand how cosmetology contributes to the restoration of youthful skin, let's figure out how wrinkles and other signs of aging appear.

Some of the wrinkles are the result of intense emotions. We laugh, wonder, frown - the muscles contract, and folds appear in the places of such contractions. These are the same "crow's feet" in the corners of the eyes, wrinkles on the forehead or between the eyebrows, which can appear even at a young age.

Other signs of wilting are caused by changes at the cellular and molecular level. The basis of connective tissue is composed of complex proteins, hyaluronic acid, elastin, fibrins and glycoproteins, the key of which is collagen. All of this is the extracellular matrix.

Collagen and elastin are synthesized by fibroblasts - special cells of the connective tissue. Over the years, as a result of hormonal changes and under the influence of external factors, mainly ultraviolet radiation and toxins, the production of these components in the body decreases. And destruction, on the contrary, is accelerating.

As a result, the structure of the skin changes: it becomes less elastic, looser, dry and thin, folds and wrinkles form on it. And ultraviolet light also adds elements of photoaging - age spots.

Injection methods of rejuvenation either limit facial expressions, removing dynamic wrinkles, or act on the extracellular matrix, restoring connective tissue. Consider what methods are there and when you should contact them.

What injection techniques exist

1. Botox injections

How do they work … Branded Botox contains purified botulinum toxin, which blocks nerve signals and freezes muscles. As a result, some wrinkles are softened or completely smoothed out.

When help … The method is effective only for eliminating mimic wrinkles, that is, those that form on the forehead, between the eyebrows and in the corners of the eyes. Such injections will not be able to remove wrinkles and folds caused by tissue prolapse, for example, in the corners of the mouth.

How long does the effect last … Usually the result lasts 3-4 months, then the procedure must be repeated. However, in subsequent sessions, the dose of neurotoxin is usually reduced, and the result may last longer.

The concentration of botulinum toxin in the drugs registered in Russia differs, respectively, and the duration of their action will not be the same. In addition, the duration of the effect also depends on the depth of the wrinkles and how active the person's facial expressions are.

Side effects … Approved drugs that have been tested are considered safe. If side effects appear, then they are temporary and insignificant:

• redness, swelling at the injection site;
• rash;
• drooping of the eyelid if the injection was in the eye area;
• cold-like symptoms;
• headache;
• dry mouth.

There is also the likelihood of breathing problems and visual disturbances. And in this case, it will be a signal of a serious allergic reaction, which occurs only in 1% of cases.

2. Biorevitalization

The word itself comes from the Latin "bio" (life) and "revitalization" (restoration). In a general sense, biorevitalization includes all methods of rejuvenation, which, with the help of biologically active substances, change the extracellular matrix.

These are preparations based only on hyaluronic acid or its combination with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, plant extracts.

How does it work … The magic of hyaluronic acid lies in the ability to attract and retain water due to its high molecular weight. And its role in skin hydration has already been proven. Thanks to this property, hyaluronic-based preparations saturate the skin with moisture, making it more elastic and outwardly healthy.

Other components of biorevitalizants, according to drug manufacturers and some researchers, act on fibroblasts, activating intracellular processes, accelerating the production of collagen, elastin and its own hyaluronic acid.

The skin is smoothed and its elasticity is increased. The complexion improves, age spots and wrinkles become less noticeable or disappear altogether, stretch marks are reduced.

When helps … Injections of biorevitalizants are used for visible rejuvenation of the skin of the face, neck and décolleté, hands and any other parts of the body that the patient wants to "revive".

How long does the effect last … Hyaluronic acid breaks down naturally and is eliminated from the body, so the result lasts an average of 6-9 months. Moreover, this period depends not only on the drug, but also on the individual characteristics of the organism and lifestyle.

So, smoking, sun rays, ultrasonic waves accelerate the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. The good news is that a lower dose of the drug is required for repeated injections.

Side effects … Hyaluronic acid is considered safe. It is extremely rare that redness, edema at the injection site, rash or itching occur: this is how the body reacts not to the hyaluron itself, but to additional components, such as lidocaine.

3. Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy in cosmetology is one of the options for skin biorevitalization. The term "mesotherapy" itself indicates the method of administration of drugs - in the middle layer of the skin - and their "average" dosage compared to drugs. Tiny doses of drugs reduce the risk of complications.

How does it work … The active ingredients range from analgesics and other registered medicines to vitamins, trace elements and herbal extracts such as artichoke extracts. Often, hyaluronic acid is also present in the composition of cosmetological meso-cocktails, but this is not an obligatory component.

Hence the varied effects and wide range of applications, from treating pain or baldness to breaking down fat. Each component of the solution acts differently in the body. For example, substances of anti-cellulite injections destroy the membrane of fat cells, accelerate lipolysis - the breakdown of fats - align the skin structure through collagen synthesis.

True, it will not be possible to remove significant fat reserves only with the help of injections, and for a visible effect, at least 10 procedures are needed.

When helps … Due to the diversity of the composition of drugs, mesotherapy in cosmetology is used:

• for skin rejuvenation;
• in the treatment of acne, eczema;
• to combat alopecia;
• with lipomodeling, when you need to remove excess fat and shape the body contours;
• to get rid of stretch marks.

The dermatologist selects the dosage and the drug or a combination thereof, focusing on the problem. There are no ready-made solutions.

Some researchers doubt that meso cocktails really change the cellular structure, but the external effect is still noticeable. The main evidence is before and after photos.

How long does the effect last … It is difficult to predict how long the result will last, but cosmetologists recommend repeating the courses in 4–6 months, when the skin condition begins to deteriorate.

Side effects … As a rule, an allergic reaction to medicinal components is rare and disappears over time. It can be redness, itching, rash, age spots. To avoid all this, the dermatologist finds out in advance if there is a tendency to allergies, and conducts skin tests.

4. Introduction of fillers

Fillers are gel fillers, of natural or synthetic origin, capable of replacing operative plastic in many cases.

When help … Thanks to skillful injections, it is possible to tighten the oval of the face, hide the nasolabial folds or remove bags under the eyes, restore the volume of the lips and correct their asymmetry. Fillers can even slightly change the shape of the nose or chin.

It is important to understand that it is impossible to choose such a drug in absentia. They differ in composition, viscosity and concentration of hyaluronic acid. The dermatologist selects the right option based on the general condition of the skin, the depth of wrinkles and the tendency to allergies.

How do they work … Over the years, the volume of adipose tissue decreases, the skin loses its elasticity and sags. Fillers fill these voids and folds, thus smoothing wrinkles and strengthening the tissue structure. The current composition is different:

• Hyaluronic acid. The safest filler, since a similar substance is produced in our body. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture and stimulates the production of its own collagen and elastin. Plus, the result is reversible. So asymmetry or too voluminous lips can be corrected: the doctor will simply inject hyaluronidase, which quickly breaks down the hyaluronic acid.
• Collagen. There are two varieties: synthetic and animal. The main advantage of this filler is that the face after such plastic surgery looks natural and does not turn into a mask.
• Calcium hydroxyapatite. The substance is denser than hyaluronic, therefore it is suitable for filling deep wrinkles and shaping the oval of the face. However, the result cannot be corrected.
• Poly-L-lactic acid - a biocompatible synthetic substance commonly used in self-absorbable surgical sutures. Filler stimulates the synthesis of its own collagen, due to which the rejuvenating effect is manifested. The result is not noticeable immediately, but after a course of injections - in 3-4 months.
• Own fat cells. This method is also called lipofilling. Cells are taken from problem areas. The resulting material is passed through a centrifuge or special filters, removing blood, water and impurities. Finished cells are injected with cannulas into areas that require additional volume. The problem with this method is that the outcome is difficult to predict. After the transplant, about 60% of the fat cells are engrafted, the rest are destroyed, so corrective injections may be required.

How long does the effect last … Biodegradable fillers last the least. So, collagen of animal origin begins to disintegrate after a month, and the result, accordingly, disappears.

Hyaluronic acid injections will have to be repeated after 6-9 months on average. Fillers with calcium hydroxyapatite last up to two years, and with poly-L-lactic acid - sometimes longer.

Fillers can have a wide variety of names. However, it is more important not to remember the brand, but to understand what kind of filler you are injected with.

Side effects … In addition to an allergic reaction, which often occurs to animal fillers and synthetic substances, papules may form under the skin. These are capsules that surround the body with a foreign gel. They are not hazardous to health, but they can be felt unpleasantly under the skin and do not always dissolve.

5. Plasma therapy

Plasma therapy is positioned as a natural healing of the skin and not only it. Instead of drugs, the patient's own plasma is used here, purified in a special way and enriched with platelets. Plasma therapy can also be called plasma lifting and PRP therapy - they are all the same.

How does it work … Normally, platelets promote wound healing and inhibit bleeding. Plasma, enriched with platelets, helps to remove cellular components destroyed by photoaging and activates fibroblasts that produce collagen.

Small studies confirm the result: an even texture and tone of the face, less noticeable wrinkles and stretch marks, a slight lifting effect.

However, the difficulty is that doctors do not have a single approach to the method of processing blood, the concentration of platelets and the number of injections, so the effectiveness in different cases may be different. The main evidence, again, is a photo before and after the procedure.

When helps … In aesthetic medicine, plasma therapy is advised to use:

• for aging skin, as plasmolifting improves relief and color, relieves swelling, reduces wrinkles;
• in the treatment of acne and post-acne, atopic dermatitis and eczema;
• in the fight against cellulite.

Plasma therapy is often used in conjunction with other techniques, such as fillers or lasers. So PRP helps the skin to recover faster after the procedures.

How long does the effect last … According to the study, the results of PRP therapy appear faster and last longer in younger patients - up to 35 years. For such people, it is enough to repeat the injections after 12-24 months.

At 50-60 years old, the second procedure will be required after 6 months, the third - 9 after the second.

Side effects. Since the patient's own blood is used for injections, an undesirable reaction usually does not occur, except for irritation at the injection site.

What to think about before any injection

Beauty injections will really bring the desired result only if they are selected and done by a competent doctor, and the patient follows all his recommendations after the procedure. To meet expectations:

• Find a dermatologist you can trust. Discuss possible risks and consequences, alternatives, preparation for injections, and skin care after the procedure. In general, do not hesitate to express all your doubts and real expectations.
• Remember contraindications. The list is long: from mild ARVI to diabetes and tumors. Almost all injections are prohibited during pregnancy and lactation. If you have a predisposition to allergies, it is better to do an allergy test.
• Make sure you are offered drugs approved in Russia. You can check which neurotoxins are registered with us in the State Register of Medicines. Biorevitalizants and fillers can be found on the Rospotrebnadzor website.
• Don't ignore recommendations for skin care. It should be understood that the result of smokers will be weaker. Without sunscreen, the effect will also subside quickly and, in addition, age spots may form.