Diving into the art of injections and Medical Aesthetics; 6 common misconceptions
- Not all injections are the same
It is impossible to compare one filler journey to another. Every shape is different, and every face suits a different shape. Volume loss varies. When it comes to lips, some people lack volume, but have shape. Others lack shape but have good volume. Additionally, some need cupid’s bow and philtrum column definition. Every client is viewed as a separate treatment plan, and this also then changes the technique I as an injector will use, and the recommendations I will make. I don’t think I’ve ever injected in the same manner for more than one client at once. Truthfully, you wouldn’t want me to do that if you want lips to match your individual shape and face.
- If something seems too good to be true, it probably is
Filler is not cheap, on either end. For a practitioner to purchase at cost you are looking at a 200$ price tag minimum. If someone is advertising filler for that price or less, are they really undercutting themselves? Questions should always be asked, to build the foundation of a nurse-client relationship. Dermal fillers are much cheaper than the invasive surgical alternatives.
- Fillers fill, and not all areas are appropriate for fillers
Fillers fill where there is a loss of volume, and not every spot on the face has lines or wrinkles due to that loss. There is a difference between volume loss and skin laxity that needs to be considered when injecting patients. Skin laxity must be treated with the appropriate recommendations to target that issue. Likewise with lines caused by muscular movement vs loss of volume-these require neurotoxin or botox injection, and fillers would not be suitable for these areas. It is very easy to get confused when talking to other people without having the adequate knowledge, skill and judgement to diagnose and treat the area discussed, therefore it is important to discuss this with your injector and ensure a individualized treatment plan is being created and followed.
- Good quality filler should not be noticeable
Good quality results are natural. They fit the size and shape of your facial features. When correctly injected, symmetry is achieved and maintained and the focus is not only one the specific part of the face being injected, but also on the adjacent facial features. For instance the lips can be injected, but if not injected in symmetry with the chin and cheeks, your facial profile will look off, and asymmetrical.
- Training matters
Injections are a medical art that require more than basic training, specifically with advanced areas such as lips. Training is also something that should be displayed by your injector, including the training they received previous to specializing in aesthetic injections. In Ontario, to complete injections you must be a nurse, dentist, nurse practitioner or general practitioner. The training should also be updated and continued each year to maintain and advance the injectors knowledge, skill and judgement.
- Filler DOES require maintenance
It is important for those getting injected to understand that as your face changes, and areas of asymmetry are corrected, other areas of the face may appear different, and sometimes clients do not like the new look of those areas. Dermal fillers also provide lifting effects, and as we lift one part of your face, other areas of skin laxity may become more apparent. Another important point is that filler does not last forever, and as we age and lose more volume, more filler may be required. All these components should be taken into consideration prior to getting filler.
