Wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers
People often use the two names loosely, so here is the plain difference. Wrinkle relaxers are injected into muscle and act on muscle movement. Dermal fillers are gels placed under the skin in a chosen spot. They are different products with different techniques, and a provider may suggest one, both or neither.
Both are given by licensed providers where state law allows. Who may inject is set by state rules, which differ across the country. Ask any provider you speak with about their license, their training with each product and how they decide what is suitable.
Signs a consultation is thorough
You can learn a lot from how an injectables consultation is run. A thorough one usually includes:
- questions about your health, medicines, allergies and pregnancy
- a clear name for the product type being discussed
- a plain talk about possible side effects and what to do if one happens
- a chance to ask questions without being rushed
- written aftercare instructions
- no pressure to decide on the spot
Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows. It is fine to ask who the provider is, what license they hold and who oversees them.
Getting ready for an injectables consultation
Before an injectables consultation, take ten minutes to write a few notes:
- the area or areas you want to ask about
- a list of medicines and supplements, including aspirin, fish oil and vitamin E
- allergies, including to numbing creams
- any past injectables, with dates and where you had them
- whether you are pregnant, planning to be, or breastfeeding
- events in the coming weeks, since bruising can show
Bring the notes with photo ID and your questions. A licensed provider uses them to decide what is suitable.
Questions about injectables
Do I need to stop any medicines first?
Do not stop a prescribed medicine without talking to the person who prescribed it. Some medicines and supplements, such as blood thinners, aspirin and fish oil, can make bruising more likely, so bring a full list to the consultation. The provider weighs it and decides what is suitable.
What side effects are possible?
Bruising, swelling and tenderness where the injection was given are commonly discussed, and less common complications exist too. Ask the provider to explain the side effects for the specific product, how they would handle a complication, and who to contact afterward. For anything that worries you, see a doctor.
Will I be treated at the consultation?
Sometimes. Some providers can treat at the same visit if you both agree, and others prefer a separate appointment. Sending a request on this site does not book or commit you to anything. You can always take time to think after hearing the provider's view.
Tell a provider in Raleigh what you would like to ask. You decide what happens after you talk.
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