Woman receiving injectable on her cheeks

Injectables are an increasingly popular choice for individuals looking to target both aesthetic and medical conditions. But with all the misinformation circulated, many also have preconceived notions about these treatments.

Although there is a growing demand for injectable cosmetic treatments in Canada, the reality is that there are still various myths surrounding injectables that deter and mislead the general public.

It is essential to differentiate between the myths and facts to make informed decisions about injectables. Visit a GraceMed medi spa or plastic surgery clinic in Toronto to talk to one of our professionals who can help you weigh your options.

GraceMed’s medi clinics are equipped with modern tools, and our experts use specialized techniques to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. All our licensed professionals are well-versed in injectables and can provide you with facts to ease your mind.

There is a lot to know about injectables, so it’s important to know all the facts before being misled by a common misconception. Here’s everything you need to know about injectables, and the truth behind the falsehoods surrounding the treatment:

Injectables Are Unsafe

Many believe that injectables are unsafe, but the reality is that Injectables are only unsafe when an exceedingly high amount is administered or performed by an unqualified provider.

A JAMA Dermatology study found that Botox and filler procedures are safe when they are performed by a licensed medical provider. Less than one percent of recipients faced minor side effects, reducing the risk factor from treatment.

Choose a qualified medical provider and discuss their experience and training in injectables.

Botox And Fillers Are the Same

Botox and fillers are both injectables, but they are different treatments. The purpose of Botox is to block specific chemical signals from nerves that relax expression muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, restore volume in the skin wherever injected.

Anyone Can Administer Injectables

Only a licensed medical professional should administer injectables. Getting Botox from an unprofessional individual or clinic can impact the quality of your results and lead to potential complications, such as muscle weakness, chest pain, and bruising.

GraceMed offer injectables in Toronto and other GTA cities administered by certified aesthetic nurse injectors. Consulting a professional with specialized expertise in injectables will help you ensure the best results and the least risk of complications.

Medical professional injecting filler in patient’s face

I Cannot Get Anti-Wrinkle Injections & Fillers Simultaneously

You can get both anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers together to enhance your appearance. Anti-wrinkle injections such as Botox target wrinkles and lines to reduce signs of aging, while dermal fillers add volume to your cheeks, lips, or other facial areas. The procedures cannot replace one another but can be used together for maximum results.

Injectables Are Only for Women

Although injectables are common among women, they are not specifically for women. Men are also leaning towards cosmetic treatments, such as injectables, to improve their appearance. Although the specific treatment areas among men and men may vary, everyone eligible for the treatment can get them.

According to an American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery report, Botox ranked the number one injectable treatment for men in 2018, and this popularity is starting to rise in Canada as well. In fact, a Global News article notes that the treatment started becoming popular among men in 2011.

Anti-Aging Creams Provide the Same Results

A high-quality anti-aging cream may provide minimal results, but it cannot replace injectables’ transformative effects. You can improve your skin’s appearance by combining injectables and anti-aging treatments but relying solely on topical treatments won’t be as helpful.

Myths About Different Injectables

There are many misconceptions about specific types of injectables, so we’ve outlined a few for you to help you identify the right injectable for your needs.

Botox

Botox Will Eliminate All My Wrinkles

Although Botox is an effective treatment for wrinkles, a common misconception is that it can eliminate every wrinkle on your face.

You can develop two types of wrinkles: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles occur due to repetitive muscle movements, while static wrinkles occur when the face is resting. While Botox works on both types of wrinkles, static wrinkles may require additional treatment, such as fillers or laser therapy.

Once You Start Botox, You Can’t Stop

Botox is not addictive, and you can stop getting the treatment whenever you feel the need to do so. After consulting a medical professional, you can determine how much Botox you need to address your unique features.

My Face Will Look “Expressionless” After Botox

Many people think Botox will make them look expressionless after witnessing others’ results. An expressionless look is usually a result of overdosage. When you get Botox in North York or any other GraceMed location, our experienced injectors will help you determine how many units to inject to achieve your desired results without looking unnatural.

Woman smiling during injectable treatment

The Results Are Immediate

You may not notice immediate results after walking out of the clinic when you get Botox. The treatment effects are subtle and gradual in the beginning and will become evident after a few days. Botox works by helping relax muscles’ movement, so it may take some time for the injections to settle in and allow your face to relax.

Botox Is Only for Wrinkles

Although Botox is most commonly used for cosmetic purposes, there are many other benefits of Botox, such as preventing chronic migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), a lazy eye, and an overactive bladder.

Health Canada approved the use of Botox for chronic migraine treatment in 2011 due to its proven efficacy and safety.

Dermal Fillers

Fillers Won’t Look Natural

Many interested in fillers are often afraid that they won’t look natural. Getting the correct dermal filler administered by a medical professional will ensure that your results don’t look unnatural or fake. GraceMed offers many different types of dermal fillers to help you choose one that best suits your aesthetic needs.

I’ll Be Stuck with It Forever

Dermal fillers are not permanent, and the results will dissolve naturally over time. People start noticing volume loss six to nine months after the treatment, but the timeline can vary depending on the type of filler.

There is no guarantee that you will achieve the exact results you desire, but you don’t have to worry about being stuck with results you dislike. If you’re not happy with your results, speak to the injector, and they can adjust based on your expectations and the type of filler. Not all fillers can be reversed, but most have room for adjustments.

It Requires Frequent Maintenance

The exact time depends on the placement area, your body’s metabolism, and filler type. A filler generally lasts at least six months, while some can last up to two years. You may need to touch up your fillers to maintain your results over time, but it does not require frequent maintenance.

Results Will Take Long to Appear

Unlike Botox, dermal fillers don’t take too long to appear. You will notice initial results almost immediately, and as the filler fully integrates into the tissue, you’ll notice more improvement over a few weeks.

Woman looking at cosmetic treatment results in mirror

Lip Fillers

Lip Fillers Will Give Me Duck Lips

Contrary to belief and what you may notice on social media, lip fillers won’t necessarily give you duck lips. Duck lips can occur due to an allergic reaction or if the injector overfills your lips. You may also notice swollen lips that look “overdone” due to swelling immediately after treatment.

When professionals administer dermal fillers, the results look natural within a few days and reduce the risk of looking unnatural. When you choose GraceMed for any of your medical aesthetics services, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

My Lips Will Eventually Deflate or Sag

A common myth about lip fillers is that your lips will stretch out and start deflating or getting saggy. Dermal fillers add a subtle volume to the skin, so they are unlikely to stretch your lips and resulting in sagging. A common ingredient in some fillers is hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally exists in our bodies. The fillers stimulate collagen production, which increases elasticity and, in fact, reduces the risk of sagging.

The Procedure is Very Painful

You may experience minimal swelling, redness, and discomfort in the treatment area, but the procedure is not painful. The injector may apply a local anesthetic to numb the area before treatment if needed. You can return to your regular routine after the procedure without downtime.

My Smile is Going to Look Weird

The shape of your smile can change if you receive the majority of the filler directly into the parentheses lines around your mouth.

When the filler is inserted evenly around the lips in appropriate amounts, there will be no effect on your smile. A lip filler does not limit the lips’ mobility when applied correctly and with the correct dosage.

Wrinkle Fillers

Anti-Wrinkle Injections Only Work on Facial Lines

Anti-wrinkle injections or wrinkle fillers were primarily used for aesthetic purposes in the past, but they can now be used to treat various conditions. Anti-wrinkle injections can help treat migraines, involuntary facial movements, excessive sweating, and more.

Woman getting lip fillers

I Can Only Get Fillers After I Get Wrinkles

You don’t have to wait to get wrinkles to get fillers. You can get fillers to prevent wrinkles or when you notice premature signs of aging.

Your body will start to lose bone and collagen as you age, so you can start getting maintenance injections to improve your skin’s elasticity when you notice these signs as early as your mid-20s.

Permanent Fillers Are the Best Option

Permanent fillers aren’t decomposable, so they cannot be broken down by the body like temporary and semi-permanent fillers can. When you start to age, your skin’s tissue and facial bones can change structure or proportion, and a permanent filler may look strange when that occurs. It is best to choose temporary or semi-permanent fillers to address most common skin conditions.

The Downtime is Very Long

The initial results are almost immediate, and you can resume regular activities right away because the procedure has no downtime. You may notice bruising or swelling in the treatment area, but they don’t last long. You can also reduce swelling with cold compresses for a speedy recovery.

Chin Fillers

Chin Fillers Are Only for People Who Want to Reshape Their Chin

Chin fillers are not exclusive to individuals unhappy with their chin shape. The treatment can rebalance the entire face and reduce chin retrusion. A receding chin, also known as a weak chin or retrogenia, is a condition where your chin projects slightly backward toward your neck. The procedure can improve the face’s overall appearance and improve the lower jaws alignment of the upper jaw.

Chin Fillers Only Reduce Signs of Aging

Although chin fillers are an effective treatment to achieve younger-looking skin by treating fine lines, wrinkles, and sagginess in the area, they have more benefits.

You can also use chin fillers to reduce fat accumulation below the chin. One common type of chin filler is fat dissolve injections, offered at some of our clinics, such as Oakville and North York. The active ingredient in the injectable is deoxycholic acid (DA), the same chemical substance that the body uses to break down fats during digestion. The naturally-derived compound can safely reduce fat under the chin to improve your jaw structure and boost confidence.

Woman laying down and receiving facial filler

After Identifying Common Myths

Once you’ve uncovered the facts behind the common myths about injectables, you can make an educated decision about your treatment. Injectables are an effective procedure that can provide excellent results with little to no downtime when administered by a medical professional.

The experts at GraceMed can answer any additional concerns you have about injectables and help you understand the facts behind common myths. Book your consultation today!