Injectable Treatments Explained: Types, Mechanisms, and What to Expect

Injectable therapies deliver pharmacologic or biologic agents directly into target tissues for aesthetic, therapeutic, or regenerative purposes. Selection depends on the indication, anatomy, and patient goals.

Major Categories and Mechanisms

Agent	Mechanism	Primary Indications	Duration
Botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Jeuveau)	Blocks acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junction → temporary chemodenervation	Dynamic wrinkles (glabella, crow's feet, forehead), hyperhidrosis, migraine, spasticity	3–4 months
Hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, RHA)	Hydrophilic gel adds volume, attracts water, stimulates collagen	Volume loss (cheeks, lips, nasolabial folds), contouring, hand rejuvenation	6–18 months (cross-linking dependent)
Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)	CaHA microspheres in gel carrier → immediate fill + collagen biostimulation	Deep folds, jawline, dorsal hands	12–18 months
Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra)	PLLA microparticles → foreign-body reaction → neocollagenesis over months	Generalized facial volume loss, temples, prejowl sulcus	2+ years (series of 3–4 sessions)
Polynucleotides (Rejuran, Plinest)	Salmon DNA fragments → fibroblast activation, angiogenesis, tissue repair	Skin quality, elasticity, acne scars, under-eye area	6–12 months
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)	Autologous concentrated platelets → growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, TGF-β) → healing	Androgenetic alopecia, facial rejuvenation, tendon/ligament injury	Variable; typically 3–4 sessions
Deoxycholic acid (Kybella)	Bile acid derivative → adipocyte lysis → submental fat reduction	Submental fullness ("double chin")	Permanent (adipocyte destruction)
Sclerotherapy (polidocanol, STS)	Endothelial irritation → fibrosis → vein obliteration	Telangiectasias, reticular veins, small varicosities	Permanent (treated vessels)

Shared Considerations for All Injectables

• Provider Expertise: Board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or trained physician — anatomy knowledge prevents vascular occlusion and nerve injury.
• Pre-Procedure: Avoid NSAIDs, alcohol, fish oil, and vitamin E for 7–10 days (bruising risk). Clean skin, no active infection.
• Post-Care: Ice, upright posture, avoid heat/pressure/exercise for 24–48 hours. Arnica/bromelain may reduce bruising.
• Risks: Bruising, swelling, asymmetry, nodules, vascular occlusion (emergency: hyaluronidase for HA fillers, aspirin, nitroglycerin, warm compress, hyperbaric oxygen referral).
• Cost: Typically out-of-pocket; varies by geography, product, and injector.

A thorough consultation aligns expectations, reviews medical history, and selects the right tool for the right anatomical layer.