Talk to a provider about wrinkle relaxers

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

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