by Aesthetic Doctor, Cindy Kerbel
In today’s aesthetic realm, injectables such as botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, skin boosters, and biostimulators have risen to the forefront, revolutionizing the pursuit of refined beauty. The artistry and science of these modern interventions are paramount in achieving natural-looking results, enhancing facial features, and combating the signs of aging.
Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates stands as a beacon of proficiency, offering a wide range of bespoke injectable treatments such as LIPStrobing and the N-LIFT, crafted to rejuvenate and amplify each patient’s natural beauty in a holistic manner.
What our scientific grounding and collective experiences have taught us is that for natural results, there is significant value in using a combination of different treatment modalities to help patients reach their optimal, desired aesthetic goals.
This guide will discuss our 10 most popular injectables and offer insights into how to plan for these treatments, including recommended timelines for procedures and their necessary follow-ups.
WHY PLANNING YOUR COSMETIC INJECTABLES IS ESSENTIAL FOR LASTING RESULTS
The creation of personalized treatment plans plays a pivotal role in achieving consistent and desired aesthetic outcomes with injectables and dermal fillers. An expert consultation ensures the right treatment choices, proper aftercare, and maintenance schedules, underlining the significance of a well-structured approach to aesthetic enhancements.
The initial consultation is an important time to get to know your patients and to fully understand their goals and expectations. A full medical history, including a history of chronic and/or recent illnesses, medications, allergies as well as what previous treatments the patient has undergone, is vital in helping your doctor to come up with an individualized plan that is safe and in your best interest.
At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, this consultation also includes a VISIA skin analysis and Next Motion photography to round off the process, allowing for the creation of a holistic skin treatment plan that may include complementary treatments and for baseline images to be taken. These images can later be used to compare to after photos to monitor results and track progress.
Poorly planned or impromptu treatments can result in dissatisfaction or potential complications.
HOW TO PLAN INJECTABLE AND FILLER TREATMENTS FOR LASTING RESULTS
Consult with a specialist first
Commencing the journey toward aesthetic enhancements involves thorough planning and meticulous execution. Booking a comprehensive initial consultation is the foundational step, allowing for an in-depth discussion and collaboration to take place to devise the best-suited treatment plan. By understanding a patient’s ideal goals, steps can then be put into place to work toward those goals. Thorough treatment planning includes understanding that results may take time to build, often starting with working on the foundation of the face and then treating the subsequent layers and areas.
Make sure you understand the procedure
Your doctor will explain the treatments and injection techniques that will be used, as well as provide advice on what to do/ precautions to take before your procedure. Your doctor will also discuss all the potential side effects and complications that can occur and answer any additional questions that you may have regarding the upcoming procedure.
Plan your treatments ahead
It is important not to schedule treatments too close to significant events, ensuring ample recovery time post-treatment. Bruising and swelling are always potential complications with injectables (even though every measure is taken to minimize these). It is advisable to schedule appointments at least 2 weeks before any major event, allowing any bruising or swelling that may occur to resolve.
Stick to your follow-up appointments
Over the long term, the best results are achieved by adhering to the treatment timelines set out in the aesthetic plan and by attending follow-up appointments that have been arranged by and coordinated with your medical practitioner.
WHY FOLLOWING PRE- AND POST-CARE IS VITAL FOR RESULTS
Following strict pre- and post-care instructions and advice is imperative for optimal outcomes. These guidelines set the stage for a successful and safe aesthetic journey, nurturing the longevity of the results achieved.
Ahead of your treatment, you will be sent pre-procedure instructions. It is important to go through these carefully to ensure that you are fully prepared and in order to minimize complications.
These instructions will vary slightly depending on the treatment planned but will include avoiding alcohol and certain medications (such as anti-coagulants, aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and omega 3’s) for a few days before the treatment, as they can increase your risk of bruising. For dermal fillers and biostimulators, we recommend that patients are well and healthy, with no active skin infections or breakouts, for at least 2 weeks prior to their treatment and ensure that they do not schedule any dental procedures or dental hygienist appointments or skin treatments for two weeks before and after their injectables. It is also advisable to wait 4-6 weeks after a vaccine before having fillers or biostimulators.
These precautions are to minimize the risk of inflammatory nodules or a biofilm developing.
It is important to be cognisant of the fact that no single treatment can halt the ageing process completely. Maintenance and top-up treatments will be required periodically to sustain and build on the effects.
PROCEDURE TIMELINES FOR POPULAR AESTHETIC INJECTABLES
Now, let’s cover our 10 most popular cosmetic injectable treatments and how to plan for these to achieve and maintain your ideal aesthetic results.
1. LIPStrobing – holistic lip enhancement
The lips are an integral part of the face as a whole. As a result, LIPStrobing encompasses not only isolated lip enhancement but also a holistic view on facial profiling and reshaping.
What is LIPStrobing?
LIPStrobing is a novel, state-of-the-art procedure at Dr Nerina Wilkinson and Associates that enhances the natural beauty and shape of the lips.
With LIPStrobing, the entire face is assessed to see which structures surrounding the lips would benefit from strengthening and profile balancing, in order for the lips to sit in a better and more supported manner. Once this has been achieved, we then proceed with the actual lip enhancement itself using carefully selected hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler injections, leading to a more natural, harmonious, and holistic result. This signature treatment emphasizes light reflection to achieve plump and natural-looking lips.
Each LIPStrobing procedure is completely bespoke and formulated around each individual’s concerns and desired results. To start your LIPStrobing journey, it is essential to book a consultation that includes a VISIA Skin Analysis and Next Motion photographs to aid in optimal planning.
How long do LIPStrobing results last?
After this comprehensive facial assessment has taken place, the treatment itself takes 45-60 minutes depending on the areas being treated. This includes time for the lips to be numbed with a topical anaesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Always be mindful of scheduling appointments too close to major events as, in some cases, swelling and bruising can take up to two weeks to settle. Follow-ups are essential to monitor results. Most facial filler results last approximately 12 months, with some patients requiring top-ups for their lips around 6-9 months.
2. N-LIFT – signature dermal filler injections
When it comes to dermal filler injections, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to achieving natural-looking harmonious results. Each procedure should be customized to your aesthetic ideals and should always be approached with the intention of enhancing your natural beauty, instead of changing your facial shape.
What is an N-Lift (Natural-Lift)?
Our signature N-Lift refers to a facial rejuvenation technique that involves the use of foundation dermal fillers to holistically micro-sculpt the proportions of the face.
During an N-lift, small volumes of hyaluronic acid dermal filler are placed precisely where the early signs of ageing are starting to appear, in order to build deep structural support and replace the volume that is lost as we age. This structural support is achieved whilst still balancing facial muscles and allowing light reflection and subsequent contouring to result in a more refreshed, rejuvenated, and youthful appearance.
How long do N-Lift and Dermal Filler results last?
The procedure takes 45 – 60 minutes per session, depending on the areas treated, and yields results lasting approximately 12 months.
Follow-up appointments (which are crucial for maintaining results) are scheduled 6 weeks after the treatment to assess the results and decide if additional treatments or adjustments are necessary.
3. Bio Skin Remodelling Injections
This cosmetic injectable has become quite popular over the last year! It is ideal for people over the age of 30 who are uncomfortable with skin laxity, crepe-like skin, or other visible signs of ageing such as fine lines or wrinkles.
What are Bio Skin Remodellers?
Bio Skin Remodelling employs the use of stabilized hyaluronic acid boosters, that are injected superficially just underneath the skin to amplify the hydration, tightness, and firmness of the skin for a rejuvenated appearance. The hyaluronic acid molecules used in bio remodellers are thermally bonded, not chemically cross-linked the way traditional dermal fillers are.
This product also contains one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market. Therefore, instead of volumizing, it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin (improving skin tone and the appearance of fine lines) and provides a significant boost of hydration for the skin.
How long do Bio Skin Remodelling results last?
Bio Skin Remodelling involves two sessions, each lasting 30 – 45 minutes, spaced one month apart. The result is improved skin tone and hydration, and improvement in fine lines that last up to six months.
The maximum effect of these beautiful results is seen four weeks after the second treatment. Maintenance treatments can be done every 4 – 6 months thereafter.
4. Botulinum Toxin injections
Botulinum Toxin (also known as muscle relaxing injections) has been used for decades to achieve a more youthful appearance. Unfortunately, due to some overzealous injection techniques by inexperienced professionals, it has gotten a “bad wrap” for achieving a frozen and unnatural look. But this has (luckily) become a thing of the past…
What are Botulinum Toxin injections?
Botulinum Toxin treatments offer a neurotoxic protein-derived solution (derived from Clostridium Botulinum) to relax dynamic facial muscles, thereby reducing the lines formed by repetitive muscle movement that deepen with advancing age.
Injections of Botulinum Toxin, when expertly administered, work by disrupting the nerve signals that stimulate muscle contraction. This stops the muscle cells from contracting, allowing the muscles to relax, and reducing and softening unwanted wrinkles. When administered with caution and precision, the use of muscle-relaxing injections fosters a naturally youthful and relaxed appearance and aids in graceful ageing.
How long do Botulinum toxin results last?
A typical session takes 30 minutes, with results emerging between 7 and 14 days. The maximum effect of these results will be seen 14 days after the treatment and will last for 3 – 4 months. Where needed, top-ups can be done after two weeks.
It is important to schedule regular treatments (every 3 – 4 months) to sustain the refreshed, relaxed, and revitalized appearance achieved through these muscle relaxing injections.
5. Nose correction injectables
Imperfections of the nose can vary from subtle deformities (such as humps, bumps, and drooping) to more severe structural deviations. It is important to note that when subtle imperfections are of concern, aesthetic injectables might be a good solution, but for more severe nasal deviations, surgical rhinoplasty will most likely be recommended.
What are nose-correcting injections?
Nose correction with injectables refers to a transformative remedy to address nasal imperfections, from subtle deformities to pronounced structural deviations.
Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be used to treat small, simpler nasal imperfections and deformities. The nose is considered a high-risk area for filler complications due to the blood supply in the region, so it is best suited for patients who have not had any previous nasal surgery and who only need small corrections. As such it is vital to begin with a tailored aesthetic couture consultation to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique needs and desired outcomes.
How long do nose correction results last?
With nose correction treatments, results are immediate and last around 12 months. Follow-up appointments are important to assess the results and ensure alignment with the desired outcomes. Occasional top-up treatments may also be required as needed to maintain and enhance the initial results.
6. Hair revival & wellness treatments
Hair revival and hair wellness is a breakthrough in the domain of hair treatment, targeting the rejuvenation of ageing scalps and dwindling hair follicles. Early intervention for optimal hair health is essential.
Scalp PRP hair revival treatments
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments are non-surgical, chemical-free methods for stimulating new hair growth. This procedure involves taking a sample of your blood and then spinning it down in a centrifuge to liberate PRP. The PRP, containing your own natural growth factors, is then injected into the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles and increase blood flow, promoting improved hair growth.
Scalp PRP treatments involve a 30-minute treatment session, with little to no downtime. For optimal results, patients usually begin with 3 sessions, spaced one month apart. Results are only visible from 6 – 12 months onwards and therefore maintenance treatments are recommended every 6 – 12 months, depending on each patient’s condition.
Routine follow-up appointments are important to monitor progress and ensure that this regenerative process is harmoniously rejuvenating the hair follicles.
Stem cell hair revival treatments
An alternative to Scalp PRP treatments is the use of stem cells to stimulate hair growth. This is a procedure that uses autologous hair micrographs. Only one treatment is necessary to start with and results are expected from 12 months. Maintenance treatments may be required.
Adjustments to hair revival treatments can be made where necessary, which may include adding specific topical treatments or oral medication and supplements. Recently, genetic DNA testing for hair loss has been made available to further personalize and optimize treatment recommendations.
As always, it is essential to start with a scalp and hair wellness consultation that includes scalp and hair analysis and to remember that certain medical conditions contribute to hair loss which, if present, will also need to be managed.
7. Dermal filler injections
Facial wrinkles and volume loss in the face are (unfortunately) a natural part of the ageing process, but have been treated successfully (and beautifully) with state-of-the-art volumising injectables for decades! Today, dermal filler injections allow patients to achieve harmonious and natural-looking results, uplifting their facial proportions to only enhance (and not change) their facial features.
What are dermal filler injections?
Dermal fillers are effective, non-surgical injectables used to balance facial proportions, correct asymmetries, restore volume that is lost as we age, and smooth out wrinkles. Dermal fillers can be used to provide structural support to the face providing a subtle lifting effect.
Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are the most common fillers used today. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar in our body that not only restores volume but also nurtures the skin, enhancing moisture retention, which results in a softer, more youthful complexion.
How long do dermal filler results last?
A session typically lasts 45 – 60 minutes with little to no downtime required. With dermal filler injections, the results are visible immediately but will still settle further over the next 2 weeks and last around 12 months, depending on the areas being treated and the product used.
Strategic appointment scheduling, regular follow-ups, and occasional top-up treatments are essential for sustained results. Before and after images taken with Next Motion photography aid in tracking results and planning subsequent treatments.
Remember, as with all aesthetic treatments, a detailed consultation is required before the treatment is done.
8. Dual effect hybrid fillers
Facial aging involves a reduction in volume and a decline in the supportive structure of soft tissues. Traditional methods, like using Hyaluronic Acid (HA) or bio-stimulating injections alone, struggle to deliver the combined advantages of an HA lift and long-term collagen stimulation obtained from Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) as with hybrid facial fillers.
What are hybrid facial fillers?
Dual Effect Hybrid Facial Fillers combine the immediate effects of hyaluronic acid with the enduring benefits of calcium hydroxyapatite, ensuring holistic facial rejuvenation. This is an advanced aesthetic solution that restores volume and invigorates skin quality for lasting and natural-looking results.
How long do hybrid filler results last?
The treatment takes 30 – 45 minutes. Subtle results from the hyaluronic acid component are seen immediately but the biostimulatory effects from the calcium hydroxyapatite take 3 months before they start to show. These biostimulatory effects will continue to improve over subsequent months and ultimately last around 18 months.
Some patients will require a second treatment after 3 – 6 months. Periodic top-up sessions are recommended for maintaining the results of the initial procedure. For optimal holistic rejuvenation, this treatment can be combined with other aesthetic treatments such as injections of botulinum toxin and/or traditional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers in areas distant to the injection sites of the hybrid filler.
As such, an in-depth consultation is vital prior to treatment to best formulate a bespoke treatment plan.
9. Bio skin stimulation injections
Biostimulators have recently taken our world by storm, and our patients are loving their results! These treatments are generally suitable for the treatment of sagging skin on the lower face, neck, and hands and for improving overall skin quality.
What are biostimulator injections?
Biostimulators are innovations in skincare that offer rejuvenation through the injection of biologically active substances under the skin. They improve the quality and functioning of the skin and its substructures by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, to firm the skin and delay the signs of ageing.
The biostimulators we use are calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) and Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA) to stimulate collagen formation and improve skin architecture. They are ideal for treating skin laxity and improving overall skin quality and can be used in the lateral face, neck, décolleté and hands. They are not used in areas where there is significant, repetitive movement, such as around the eyes and mouth.
How long do biostimulator results last?
With biostimulators, results emerge slowly, starting from 3 months after the initial treatment and continuing to improve over the months to come. Results last 1 – 2 years, but top-up sessions are advised for sustained enhanced skin vitality
Depending on the biostimulator chosen, repeat treatments may be required after 6 – 12 weeks which will further stimulate collagen, improving your results. Follow-up appointments at specific intervals will also be scheduled to assess each patient’s individual response to the treatments and plan further.
10. Mesoboosters
The term skin biostimulation indicates the activation of the biological functions of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis in order to optimize its physiology, normalize the condition of the skin, and achieve aesthetic improvement. And with Mesoboosters you can achieve optimal bio skin stimulation results!
What are Mesoboosters?
Mesoboosters are combination skin booster treatments that biostimulate and rejuvenate all the layers of the skin (the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis) in a single session. Medical-grade active ingredients (such as biomimetic peptides, vitamins, and minerals) are combined with hyaluronic acid to boost the skin’s functioning and stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. The choice of which medical grade active ingredient to use is individualized and depends on each patient’s underlying skin concern.
How often should I get Mesobooster injections?
A typical Mesobooster treatment lasts between 30 – 45 minutes, with no required downtime.
Subsequent treatments can be scheduled between 4 to 12 weeks, ensuring sustained skin vitality. The timeline for repeat treatments will also change depending on which product and treatment regimen is chosen to optimize results.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PLANNING COSMETIC INJECTABLES FOR LASTING RESULTS
Personalized injectable and dermal filler treatments are transformative tools in the pursuit of lasting aesthetic beauty. Seeking expert guidance ensures safety and maximizes benefits. Meticulous planning defines the roadmap, making every step in this journey toward refined, natural beauty a testament to precision and care.
To embark on this transformative journey, contact the Dr. Nerina Wilkinson + Associates team at capetown@drnwilkinson.co.za and experience the epitome of aesthetic excellence.
