Aesthetics

Cosmetic Injections

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are cosmetic injections? 

Cosmetic injections are treatments made from botulinum toxin. They are also called neuromodulators. They work by blocking nerve signals in the muscles where it is injected. When those nerve signals are interrupted, the affected muscle is temporarily paralyzed or frozen. Without movement of these selected muscles in the face, certain wrinkles may be softened, reduced, or even removed.

Q: What is the difference between Botox and Xeomin?  

The main difference between Xeomin and Botox is that Xeomin contains a “naked” form of the neuromodulator. Unlike Botox, which contains accessory proteins, Xeomin is designed to deliver the nueromodulator without any protein additives. This purified structure may help prevent antibody resistance, a growing problem that has been seen with botulinum toxin injections administered over time.

Q: Which wrinkles can cosmetic injections treat? 

Neuromodulators only work on wrinkles that are caused by muscle movement. These are known as dynamic wrinkles, and are often called “expression lines.”

The most common dynamic wrinkles that neuromodulators can treat are the “11s” between the brows, horizontal lines on the forehead, crow’s feet around the eyes, “bunny lines” at the top of the nose, and dimpling of the chin.

Neuromodulators will not work on fine lines and wrinkles caused by sagging or loss of plumpness in the face. These are known as static wrinkles. Please see the Dermal Fillers section below for treatment of static wrinkles or loss of plumpness in the face.

Q: How long will my results last? 

Cosmetic injections are not a permanent treatment. Repeated treatments are necessary for continued wrinkle-reducing effects. Most people find that the muscle-relaxing effect lasts for 3 to 4 months.

Q: Do cosmetic injections hurt?

The needles used in cosmetic injections are very small. Most people find the treatment quite tolerable and compare it to plucking out a few brow hairs. 

Q: What are the possible side effects of cosmetic injections?

Xeomin has over 10 years of efficacy and safety in Canada.  

In clinical trials of Xeomin for the treatment of frown lines between the eyebrows, headache was the most common side effect.

In addition to the chance of a mild short-term headache, there is small chance of bruising at the injection site. Approximately 1-2% of clients may develop a slight lowering of the eyelid, which is temporary. There have been no permanent side effects from the use of Xeomin. Nueromodulators may not be administered during pregnancy or lactation. 

Additional side effects are possible, but are highly correlated to pre-existing medical conditions. Before a treatment with any nueromodulator, always tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including whether you have a disease that affects your muscles and nerves, have allergies to any botulinum toxin product, or have experienced any side effect from any other botulinum toxin in the past.

Q: How much do cosmetic injections cost?

The cost of cosmetic injections depends on how many units is needed to relax the muscles causing the lines. This varies from person to person. The cost per unit is $10. Dr. Kneeland will assess your facial muscles and recommend an appropriate number of units to get your desired results. A typical treatment of the frown lines or “11s” is around $300-$350. 

Q: What do I need to do prior to my appointment?

Prior to your appointment, tell Dr. Kneeland about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. 

Avoid alcohol for 2 days prior to your appointment to minimize the risk of bruising from cosmetic injections. 

Q: What do I need to avoid after my appointment?

Do not to rub or massage the area of the injection after having a treatment with a neuromodulator. This could spread the neuromodulator to surrounding skin, causing muscle drooping and other problems.

Contact Dr. Kneeland by email if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not subside.

Dermal Fillers

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are dermal fillers? 

Dermal fillers are substances that can be injected into the skin to help build dimension back into the face. Dr. Kneeland only uses fillers that are made from pure Hyaluronic acid and are 100% vegan.

Hyaluronic Acid appears naturally in virtually all of your body’s cells. It acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin, its water drawing abilities are used in dermal fillers to create volume when placed under the skin. 

As we age, we lose collagen, fat and bone which gives us more flatter contours, thinner lips and deeper wrinkles.

Dermal fillers are used to replace this volume loss and to restore the contours and shape you had when you were younger! For younger women, it can give you the fuller lips, cheeks and chins you have always dreamed of.

Q: What areas can dermal fillers treat? 

The most common areas for dermal fillers are lips, cheeks, chin, nasolabial folds (nose to lip lines) and marionette lines (lip to chin lines). 

Q: How long will my results last? 

Depending on where the filler is placed and the metabolism of the individual, filler duration can vary. Dermal fillers typically last 6 months or more in the lips. Cheek filler can last last 9-12 months or more in some people!

Q: Do injections with dermal fillers hurt? 

The dermal fillers that Dr. Kneeland uses have built in anesthetic for maximum comfort. 

Q: What are the most common side effects of dermal fillers?

The most common side effects of dermal fillers are minor swelling or bruising. 

Q: How much do dermal fillers cost?

Costs vary, depending on how much filler is needed to revolumize an area. When Dr. Kneeland sees you for your appointment, she will assess your face for volume loss and ask what your goals are and discuss your desired outcome before recommending a specific amount of filler. 

Q: What do I need to do prior to my appointment?

Prior to your appointment, tell Dr. Kneeland about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. 

Avoid alcohol for 2 days prior to your appointment to minimize the risk of bruising from dermal fillers. 

Q: What do I need to avoid after my appointment?

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular in the world with very minimal downtime. 

Avoid applying makeup during the first 12 hours after treatment. Avoid saunas, hot tubs, prolonged exposure to the sun, UV rays, and extreme cold temperatures for two weeks after treatment. 

Contact Dr. Kneeland by email if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not subside.

After the initial treatment, follow up sessions are normally recommended. During your follow up visit, Dr. Kneeland may recommend more dermal filler in order to improve the appearance of the initial treatment.