All about anti ageing injectables

In this article, a consultant in dermatology explains the types of anti-ageing injectable treatments and how they work.

How do anti-ageing treatments work?

There are multiple approaches to tackling ageing cosmetic concerns with injectables. Fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced or minimised with partial facial muscle paralysis, such as with Botox injections, or places where volume has been reduced over time can be refilled with dermal fillers or injectable moisturisers. Another method is encouraging the skin to heal and regenerate using cells and proteins that are naturally-derived -- and sometimes self-supplied -- as with platelet-rich plasma injections and stem cell treatments.

Why do people get anti-ageing treatments?

As we age, the years start to take their toll on the skin. At around the mid-30s, skin begins to lose its structural integrity and sheen due to the slowing down of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, the shifting of subcutaneous fat, and bone density loss. This is why the muscles start to pull and twist, the skin loosens, and hollows within the skull become more pronounced.

Injectable treatments allow patients to address these concerns without invasive, dramatic, and permanent procedures like surgery, with results that are naturalistic, subtle, and reversible -- if patients don't like the results, they can wait for the effects to fade and skip out on the follow-up sessions.

What are the types of anti-ageing injectable treatments?

There are several kinds of regenerative treatments, using biological materials derived from the body, such as:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use the patient’s own blood to rejuvenate skin and promote healing and hair growth. They work by initially harvesting some blood from the patient and isolating platelets. Then, the concentrated plasma and growth factors are injected into the patient’s skin and stimulate collagen production and follicle growth.
• Stem cell treatments, which are harvested from fatty tissues and processed in a laboratory to isolate particular cells, and then reintroduced via injection, again working to stimulate collagen production and skin regeneration to firm the skin.
• Botox, or botulinum toxin, a well-known beauty treatment for tightening the skin and reducing fine lines. Originally invented to help with lazy eyes, Botox quickly became a staple in cosmetic procedures. It is administered through injection and works by temporarily paralysing muscles in the face, smoothing the appearance. However, it can limit facial movement and reduce sensitivity. It is typically injected into the temples, forehead, smile lines, and chin. Botox can last for up to eight months, so the procedure will have to be repeated to maintain results, but that means that it is also reversible.
• Dermal fillers, one of the most popular cosmetic treatments due to their non-invasive technique and more naturalistic-looking results (when administered by a professional). They are made of hyaluronic acid, polycaprolactone threads, polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, collagen, or fat fillers. Much like Botox, dermal fillers are injected into the skin – most commonly in the face and neck, but can be used on the hands as well. Unlike Botox, dermal fillers make the appearance look younger by adding volume to the skin, in the way that younger people have more fat in their cheeks, under their eyes, and in their lips. This also helps to smooth out wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin.
• Hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the skin that helps it retain moisture, but its production slows as we age. The injectable moisturiser amplifies the pre-existing hyaluronic acid, which preserves the collagen in the skin, hydrates the skin, and improves elasticity, giving the skin a youthful glow. Using injectable moisturiser helps to maintain the skin’s condition, rather than correct it like Botox or dermal fillers, and can slow down the overall visual ageing process. It is recommended to have injections every six months.

How do I choose which injectable to get?

Choosing an injectable will depend on your personal cosmetic and ageing concerns, budget, and commitment to follow-up appointments. Some treatments are more expensive but have longer-lasting results, whereas others may need more upkeep but are overall cheaper. Patients should discuss the options thoroughly with their dermatologist or aesthetician before doing under the needle.