Over the past decade, cosmetic injections have become increasingly popular for enhancing and reshaping facial features. Injectable treatments like Tox, dermal fillers, and fat grafting provide minimally invasive options for smoothing wrinkles, plumping lips, lifting sagging skin, and sculpting the face. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was a 39% increase in the total number of cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures performed from 2000 to 2017. The demand for these types of facial rejuvenation treatments continues to grow each year as people seek to look more youthful when they post online content, and also because the number of famous people who seem to be defying the natural aging process continues to increase.
Reversing Signs of Aging
One of the main reasons people seek out cosmetic injections is to reverse visible signs of aging on the face. As we get older, our skin loses elasticity and fat pads in the face shrink, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. Tox and dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid are commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows. The effects of these injectables are temporary, lasting 3-6 months, but they provide a quick fix for smoothing out unwanted wrinkles and restoring a more youthful appearance.
Lip Enhancements
Full, plump lips have become a highly desired facial feature. Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can be strategically injected along the lip line or into the lips themselves to increase lip volume and definition. The ‘lip flip’ technique also utilizes Tox to relax the muscles around the mouth and flip the top lip upward for a subtle plumping effect. These kinds of lip enhancements create a feminine, sensual pout that has grown in popularity, especially among younger generations. The effects of lip fillers typically last around 6 months.
Facial Contouring
Injectables are also being leveraged to sculpt and contour the bone structure of the face. Dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid can be placed along the jawline, chin, cheeks, and temples to sharpen bone definition. Filler is commonly injected into the chin area, for example, to create the illusion of a more pronounced chin and jaw. Non-surgical nose jobs are also possible with precise filler injection along the nose bridge or tip. These enhancing injections allow people to subtly restructure their natural facial proportions. However, poor injection technique can lead to an artificial, puffy, or distorted look.
Fat Grafting
A more permanent option for facial rejuvenation is fat grafting, a process that involves harvesting a patient’s own fat cells, usually from the abdomen or thighs, and reinjecting them into the face to fill wrinkles and add volume. Common areas for fat transfer include the temples, under-eye hollows, cheekbones, and along the jawline. The transferred fat cells become incorporated into the face and the results can last several years. Fat grafting offers a more natural looking enhancement than fillers. However, some grafted fat may get reabsorbed by the body over time and touch up treatments may eventually be needed.
Seeking a Natural Result
The ideal outcome with any cosmetic injection is enhancing natural facial features in a subtle, balanced way. When performed by a skilled provider, injectables can reshape the face into a refreshed yet natural version of itself. However, facial harmony can be disrupted if too much product is used or placed incorrectly. Areas like the lips and cheeks especially can start to look overdone. The allure of cosmetic injections is the non-surgical, temporary enhancement, not an artificial transformation. Most patients today seek a clean, natural-looking refresh rather than dramatic new features.
What to Expect from Tox Injections
Tox injections contain botulinum toxin that relaxes facial muscles to smooth the appearance of moderate to severe wrinkles. Effects are visible within 3-7 days and results typically last 3-6 months. Some common side effects include redness, swelling, headache, and bruising at the injection site. Overall, tox injections can provide a quick, non-surgical way to temporarily reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate facial appearance.
Looking to the Future
Cosmetic injections are likely to continue rising in popularity as new products and application techniques develop. However, critics argue altering one’s natural appearance can negatively impact self-esteem and promote face dysmorphia. But for now, injectable treatments remain the top choice among both women and men looking to roll back the clock and reshape their faces into a desired ideal. More advanced dermal fillers and fat grafting methods may allow even longer-lasting, natural-looking enhancements in the future.
The facial plastic surgery field is evolving rapidly to meet consumer demand for these types of minimally invasive procedures. For the foreseeable future, cosmetic injections will continue playing a pivotal role in facial rejuvenation and sculpting.
Contact us today to make an appointment for your tox injections.