What injectables cover
Injectables at a med spa usually fall into two groups. Wrinkle relaxers are a purified protein injected in small amounts into specific facial muscles. Dermal fillers are gels, many based on hyaluronic acid, placed under the skin in chosen areas.
Both are given by licensed providers where state law allows. Who may inject is set by state rules, so in Massachusetts the provider might be a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or registered nurse, depending on those rules and any supervision they require.
A consultation comes first. The provider asks about your health and what you want to discuss, and decides what is suitable.
Questions to ask about injectables
Write these down and bring them:
- What product are you suggesting, and why this one?
- Is it a wrinkle relaxer or a dermal filler?
- What is your license, and how often do you inject?
- Do any of my medicines or conditions matter here?
- What side effects are possible, such as bruising or swelling?
- What would you do if a complication happened?
- How long do people usually wait between visits?
- Can a filler be dissolved if needed?
Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows, and a careful provider welcomes questions.
The days before
Some providers give instructions for the days before a consultation where treatment might happen at the same visit. Ask the office in advance. Common topics include alcohol, supplements that can raise bruising, and strong skin care on the area.
Never stop a prescribed medicine, including a blood thinner, without talking to the person who prescribed it. Arrive with a clean face if the office asks, bring your notes, and allow enough time that you do not feel hurried. You can always choose to wait and think after hearing the provider's view.
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.
How do I know which product a provider is using?
Ask. A provider can tell you the product type, whether it is a wrinkle relaxer or a dermal filler, and why they suggest it. You can also ask for the product name and amount to be noted in your records, which helps if you see a different provider later.
Ask your questions first. A local provider can contact you by phone, text or email.
Ask a providerMore consultation topics
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