Today, men and women have more options than ever before to reduce or eliminate the visible signs of age, maintaining a vibrant, youthful appearance. Cosmetic injectables are a fast, effective, painless way to reach this goal, but there are so many products and options on the marketplace, it can be difficult to sort out the different uses and features of each. Here's a brief guide to explain many common injectables and how they work.

Injectable toxins

Botox is the most famous of the injectable toxins, but other brands like Dysport and Xeomin work in the same way. Deep wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, around the mouth, and on the neck, are caused by muscle contractions. These muscle contractions, repeated over time, eventually affect the appearance of the surface of the skin. Injecting toxins temporarily weakens those muscles, smoothing out the surface of the face and creating a more youthful appearance. Botox can also be used in the underarm area to reduce excessive sweating.

Toxins are visibly effective within 3-5 days of treatment, and last for 3-4 months.

Injectable fillers

There are a variety of different injectable fillers on the market, each with slightly different properties that make them better for different purposes. Brands like Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero are the most prominent, with different products from each manufacturer. However, they all work by having a biologically safe substance injected beneath the surface of the skin, adding volume and “plumping up” skin from beneath. As we age, not only do we develop lines and wrinkles, but the skin loses volume and becomes thinner. Injectables can not only eliminate lines and wrinkles, but they are often used to add volume and plumpness to cheeks, lips, and other areas.

Fillers are visibly effective immediately, and can last for as long as 18 months.

Kybella

Kybella is currently the only FDA-approved cosmetic injectable that targets and eliminates fat cells. Kybella uses a synthetic version of the naturally-occurring deoxycholic acid, which is injected into the targeted area and then breaks down and eliminates fat cells. Currently, Kybella is only approved to treat undesirable and unattractive fat deposits beneath the chin (“double chin”). Excess fat and fullness beneath the chin is commonly associated with age, and this procedure improves the look of the chin and profile. Since Kybella destroys fat cells, the effects are permanent, although as we age we can also expect to see further skin loosening in the neck and chin area. Kybella typically requires 2-3 treatments for maximum effectiveness, and the results are permanent.

The decision about which cosmetic injectable is right for you should be made with a professional consultation, because the right choice depends so much on your skin and your goals. However, knowing what kinds of products are on the marketplace, and how they work, will help you know what kinds of questions to ask, and what to expect from your individual treatment.