Two kinds of injectable
Most injectable menus come down to two types:
- Wrinkle relaxers. A protein that acts on muscles, injected with a fine needle into chosen spots. Areas often discussed include the forehead and around the eyes.
- Dermal fillers. Soft gels placed beneath the skin with a needle or a blunt tube called a cannula. Areas often discussed include the lips, cheeks and lines around the mouth.
Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows. Who may inject varies by state. A licensed provider decides what, if anything, is suitable for you after a consultation.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and injectables
Most providers do not give wrinkle relaxers or dermal fillers during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and many will ask about plans to become pregnant. If any of these apply, say so at the start of the consultation.
Other health points a licensed provider usually considers include nerve or muscle conditions, autoimmune conditions, a history of keloid scars, active skin infections near the area, and past reactions to injectables. Injectables are given by licensed providers where state law allows, and the provider decides what is suitable for you, including the choice to wait.
Questions to have ready
A consultation is the time to ask, so prepare your questions in advance. A few to start with:
- Who will do the injections, and what license do they hold?
- Which product type are you suggesting, and why?
- What side effects are possible, and how would you handle a complication?
- What aftercare should I follow?
- Is there a follow-up visit?
- How is cost worked out?
Cost is set by each provider, so ask at the consultation. The questions to ask page has more ideas.
Questions about injectables
Who can give injectables in Iowa?
Who may inject is set by state rules, and they differ. Depending on the rules, injectors may include physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners or registered nurses, sometimes under supervision. Injectables are always given by licensed providers where state law allows. Ask any provider what license they hold and who supervises them.
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.
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.
Curious about skin, laser, injectable or body treatments? Start with a consultation request.
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Skin consultation
Start with questions. A provider can explain what a facial, peel or microneedling session involves before anything is planned.
Laser consults
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