Cosmetic injectables

Looking for a treatment to complement your stunning new smile? Cosmetic injectables are an ideal way to enhance your smile following restorative or cosmetic dentistry. 

Here at Mount Gambier dentist, we understand that a beautiful smile isn’t only about your teeth. Your lips, skin and surrounding facial features also come into play. This is why we offer a range of minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures—to ensure you achieve your brightest smile yet.

If you’re considering cosmetic injectables, it’s important you know what to do after the treatment is complete. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from your treatment and the importance of proper aftercare (and how to do it!).

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Firstly, a look at our cosmetic injectables (and what *exactly* they do)

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Injectables offer a less invasive alternative to cosmetic surgery. The two main types are anti-wrinkle (also called muscle relaxant) injections and dermal fillers. Anti-wrinkle injections temporarily block the nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract. This helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. They are most commonly used on frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles. As well as on lines that have formed around the mouth and lips.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, inject a gel-like substance under the skin. This helps to plump up the skin, restoring volume, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing the contours of the face. You can use fillers on multiple areas of the face. Most often, they’re used on the jawline, chin, cheeks, and lips.

At Illumident, we also offer skin boosters. (You may have heard them called beauty boosters.) The goal of skin booster injections is to hydrate the skin. This improves the texture and overall health of the skin. 

As skin ages, it naturally loses collagen, elastin (the skin needs these for strength and elasticity), and hyaluronic acid (essential for hydration). Cosmetic injectables are formulated with ingredients that help address these visible signs of skin ageing. These cosmetic treatments can be used alone or in combination for a personalised treatment and maximum results. 

The other great thing about injectables? They can help with a gummy smile. They can also be used to treat teeth grinding (bruxism), and jaw pain and clicking, AKA temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ for short!). By relaxing the hyperactive muscles causing these actions, patients can experience symptom relief for up to 3-4 months at a time.

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Cosmetic injectable and dermal filler aftercare

One of the best things about anti-wrinkle injections and fillers is that there’s very little recovery time. You may have some swelling and tenderness in the treated area. This is completely normal and, in most cases, minimal. 

To maximise the results of your treatment, it’s essential you follow the aftercare advice. After all, cosmetic injections are an investment in yourself — you want to enjoy your radiance boost for as long as possible. Let’s explore the best way you can do this.

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Anti-wrinkle and skin booster injections aftercare 

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• Immediately after treatment, avoid touching or pressing the injection site. 
• Try not to sleep on your front or bend forwards, to allow the bruising to go down.
• Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise for 24 hours, to reduce the risk of side effects.
• Avoid heat related environments (such as steam rooms and spas) for 48 hours..

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The effects of anti-wrinkle injections are usually visible within a few days of the treatment. Skin booster injections are more immediate. But expect to see the full results in around 2 weeks. Generally, results last between 3 to 6 months, depending on the individual.

Dermal filler aftercare 

• Cleanse your face as normal but only apply very gentle or no pressure to treated areas.
• Steer clear of harsh exfoliants or highly active skincare products for at least 5 days.
• If possible, sleep on your back to reduce stress to the injection site.
• Avoid heat-inducing activities for 24-48 hours. This includes spas, saunas, hot showers, and strenuous exercise, as this can cause the substance to disperse and not last as long. 
• Avoid facials and treatments that may disturb the filler substance for at least 7 days. This includes chemical peels, waxing, skin needling, microdermabrasion, and laser peels.
• It’s also best to avoid alcohol for 24 hours.

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Dermal filler results are instantly visible. Although it can take up to 2 weeks for final results to show.  But the best part is that fillers can last anywhere between 6-12 months. Staying hydrated can help maintain the results.

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What’s so important about aftercare? 

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Whether you have injectables for cosmetic reasons or to help with a gummy smile or bruxism, proper aftercare is essential.

With dermal fillers, correct aftercare can assist the filler to settle into the skin. Following aftercare guidelines can help to keep swelling and bruising down. But, it also ensures gorgeous (and long-lasting) results.  Plus, it will help to minimise possible side effects. 

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What are the potential side effects of cosmetic injectables? 

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As with any cosmetic or medical procedure, there’s the possibility of side effects. It’s important to be aware of potential risks and complications before treatment. 

Post-treatment, you may experience mild swelling, redness, and tenderness around the treated areas. These effects are usually short-lived, reducing within 1-2 hours. Bruising can also occur. This is normal and should subside within a few days. (Make-up can be used as a clever concealer.) Some people experience minor bleeding at the injection site. Generally, this only lasts a few minutes and isn’t anything to worry about. 

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Less common side effects include:

• Headache (tends to be brief and can be treated with simple pain relief)
• Asymmetry, as facial areas respond to treatment at varying paces
• Drooping lip
• Drooping eyelids 

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The good news?  When performed by a trained and experienced clinician, side effects are rare and minimal. At dentist mount gambier, we use the highest quality medical-grade pharmaceuticals. And we only offer scientifically-researched treatments. So, you can rest assured you’re in safe hands. 

‍Is there anything I should do before treatment?

That’s a smart question. Yes, there are a couple of actions you can take to prepare your skin for cosmetic injections. 

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It’s a good idea to avoid high-intensity exercise and alcohol for 24-hours before treatment. This can help reduce the risk of bruising. It’s also recommended that aspirin (unless prescribed for medical reasons), Vitamin E, and fish oil supplements are avoided for 24-hours. This is also to lessen bruising and skin trauma around the treatment area.

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Find out if cosmetic injectables are suitable for you. Book in for a consultation today.