Q: How are these procedures performed?

A: Injections are most commonly made between the surface layers of the skin and the underlying fat. The material that you and your doctor decide upon is placed into a syringe. A needle is placed under the skin at the site of correction, and the material is injected along the lines of the wrinkle, scar or other recessed area. The injectable material plumps and tightens the skin, thereby decreasing (and in some cases eliminating) wrinkles and lines from sagging skin and scars.

Q: How long do these procedures take?

A: Most injection treatments will take less than an hour to finish. Time, of course, depends on the extent of the procedure, which normally takes between 15 and 60 minutes.

Q: Where will the procedure be performed?

A: Injectable procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. In more extensive procedures such as Alloderm insertion, or fat in the lips, cheeks or naso-labial folds, sedation may be required. Collagen and Cymetra can almost always be injected without anything other than a topical or cream anesthetic plus (in addition to the anesthetic included in the syringe).

Q: How much pain is there?

A: The amount of pain during any cosmetic surgery varies from patient to patient. However, the discomfort associated with injectables is relatively mild.

Patients may experience some discomfort during and immediately following the procedure. Injections done on the cheek, chin and close to the eyes are usually less painful than those around the lips, but this varies from patient to patient. If you are particularly concerned about pain, be sure to discuss this with your doctor before the day of the procedure.

Q: What can I expect after the procedure?

A: For the first 24-48 hours following the procedure, most people experience some swelling and redness at the site of injection. Itching and very mild discomfort is not uncommon. However, most of these symptoms fade away within a day or two.

Q: What is the recovery period like?

A: The recovery period for injection treatments is relatively short. Bruising is usually minimal, and swelling depends on the extent of the procedure.
Patients should stay away from activities that can aggravate the injection site. Heavy exercise and alcohol consumption should be avoided for the first few days following the procedure. Recovery times will depend on the site and the extent of the procedure. An extended period of pain, discomfort, itching and burning may be a sign of infection. If you experience in of these symptoms, you should call your doctor.
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