A Definitive Guide to Injectable Dermal Fillers

Injectable cosmetic treatments have become more popular in the past decade, and it’s easy to see why.

They’re minimally invasive, can be completed within a short space of time, and are cost-effective compared to more traditional cosmetic procedures. People of different ages and lifestyles can take advantage of injectables to rejuvenate their appearance with minimal disruption to their lifestyle.

And dermal fillers are one of the most sought-after injectable treatments available today. If you’re considering it yourself, you probably have questions you’d like to have answered before you book your appointment.

Astra Medi Spa’s team has put the following definitive guide together, to help you learn:

• What injectable dermal fillers are
• How injectable dermal fillers work
• Which areas dermal fillers can be injected into
• How long dermal fillers last
• Potential side effects
• Important factors to consider before a treatment

What are injectable dermal fillers?

One of the biggest questions you’re sure to ask before you book your dermal fillers treatment is what are they actually made of?

Dermal fillers are available in different formulations, but the most popular type are made with hyaluronic acid. You might have heard of this, as it’s a common fixture of skin creams and anti-aging products.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occuring substance produced by the body, and it helps the skin to stay hydrated, strong, and plump. Injectable dermal fillers formulated with hyaluronic acid tend to be soft and have a gel-like texture.

Injectable dermal fillers are an effective solution for people struggling to accept natural changes in their appearance. Specifically, the common signs of aging — wrinkles, lines, sunken cheeks, reduced elasticity, and bags beneath the eyes. All of these can be improved by injectable dermal fillers.

How do injectable dermal fillers work?

Dermal fillers are injected into target areas of the face to restore volume and reduce signs of aging. They smooth out wrinkles, boost skin elasticity, and create a more youthful, healthy appearance overall.

For example, someone with sagging cheeks can find their face becomes visibly tighter and smoother after a dermal filler injection.

As an injectable treatment, dermal fillers may be compared to Botox, but they’re actually significantly different. Botox is designed to restrict the movement of specific muscles in the face, minimizing the formation of wrinkles and achieving tighter, less-malleable skin.

However, dermal fillers are injected into the flesh beneath the wrinkle to restore a younger, smoother complexion. Some people may choose to complement dermal fillers with Botox injections, but it’s best to discuss this with an expert before making the final decision.

A numbing cream is usually applied to the target areas of the face beforehand, to help keep patients comfortable during the treatment. But pain associated with injectable dermal fillers is, generally, minimal.

Which areas can we inject dermal fillers into?

Dermal fillers can be injected into different areas of the face to address specific issues.

You may choose to have dermal fillers injected into the zone surrounding your eyes, to reduce the appearance of dark circles and/or bags. Both are common, especially as we age, but can leave you looking tired, even if you feel well-rested.

Alternatively, dermal fillers can be injected into the cheeks and surrounding area. Accordion lines, folds, and sagging skin will all be improved, and lost volume can be restored to leave the face plumper.

The lower area of the face can benefit from injectable dermal fillers, too. Vertical lines over the top lip, downturned corners, sagging jawline, creases on the chin, and other signs of aging will all be reduced significantly.

You might choose to focus injections on one or multiple areas of the face, but you should consider this carefully, to make sure you pick the safest, most appropriate option. You’ll have the chance to discuss this with an expert during your consultation,

How long will my injectable dermal fillers last?

Injectable dermal fillers are effective for varying periods of time, based on the form of hyaluronic acid they’re made with. Bodies may react to dermal fillers differently, too, which can affect the length of time they remain at their best.

In most cases, though, dermal fillers tend to last for between six and 18 months.

Potential side effects of injectable dermal fillers

Most cosmetic treatments can lead to side effects, and dermal fillers are no different. While they’re considered incredibly safe for everyone, it’s vital to talk about dermal fillers’ potential side effects.

Common ones include:

• Bruising
• Pain/discomfort (usually mild)
• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling

If any of these do occur, they’re only temporary and unlikely to cause much interference with your lifestyle. You can take steps if you’re concerned about this, such as using chamomile to reduce reddening of the skin and swelling.

Any bruising will last just a few days, and you should prevent the treated area(s) becoming exposed to heat until the side-effect has reduced or disappeared. Exercise, drinking alcohol, entering a sauna, or anything else that can cause you to become red-faced should all be avoided.

Finally, never massage treated areas. This can lead the dermal fillers to move around in, or even leave, their target zones, producing a slightly unbalanced effect.

Key things to consider before you book your dermal fillers treatment

Injectable dermal fillers should only ever be performed by an experienced professional. Only they know how to inject the fillers carefully and safely into the target areas, using the right type to achieve your goals.

If you have any concerns about this treatment, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A professional team is only too happy to discuss the procedure, the dermal fillers used, the recovery process, and anything else that’s on your mind.

At Astra Medi Spa, we provide a range of injectable treatments to help you look and feel at your best. If you want to discuss your options and learn more about our injectable dermal fillers, please just get in touch with our team.

Schedule an in-depth, convenient consultation for your injectable dermal filler treatment now.

Do B12 Vitamin Shots Really Work?

Nutrient injections are a popular form of treatment in spas worldwide, including vitamin B12 shots.

These are a terrific way to give your body a dose of much-needed energy and reduce issues like fatigue and anaemia, but how do they work? And why is vitamin B12 so important for your body?

In this post, we explore the reasons why the body relies on vitamin B12, which essential functions it supports, and what benefits our B12 vitamin shots offer.

What is Vitamin B12 and Why Does the Body Need It?

Vitamin B12 plays a major part in keeping your body healthy. You need it for:

• Creating red blood cells

• Proper neurological function

• Healthy nerve cells

• Producing the right amount of energy

• DNA synthesis

But there’s a snag: the human body can’t produce B12 itself. This means foods and supplements have to give us the 2.4 micrograms the average person needs each day.

And that creates a problem — not everyone gets the right amount of vitamin B12. Research shows 6 percent of people 60 years old and over are classed as deficient in vitamin B12, and this only increases with age.

It’s easy to overlook a lack of vitamin B12. There’s so much pressure from the media to be aware of our own bodies and to look after ourselves properly, a single nutrient might seem inconsequential.

But that’s just not the case.

Why is Vitamin B12 Deficiency So Bad?

There are two reasons people become deficient in vitamin B12:

• They don’t eat the proper foods or take supplements

• Their bodies can’t absorb enough B12, no matter how many good foods or supplements they consume

When someone lacks the right amount of vitamin B12, they usually start to develop the following symptoms:

• Anaemia

• Difficulty walking properly

• Cognitive issues (struggling to think clearly, for example)

• Fatigue

• Constipation

• Irritability

• Changes in vision

• Numbness and/or tingling in the feet, legs, and hands

• An inflamed tongue

Any of these can interfere with your quality of life and impair your most basic functions. You’ll struggle to work as well as you should, for one thing, and lack the energy to do those everyday jobs that are so important (driving safely, chores around the home, etc.). The list goes on and on.

That’s why it’s so helpful to introduce vitamin B12 into your body frequently.

How to Increase Your Vitamin B12 Intake

There are multiple ways to give your body the B12 it depends on to keep functioning as it has to, including adjusting your diet.

Different types of food will give you a healthy amount of vitamin B12 if you eat them on a regular basis, such as eggs, meats, and dairy-based goods. However, while some people believe consuming enough B12 can be difficult for vegetarians and vegans, there are plenty of options apart from just supplements.

Try:

• Cereals fortified with vitamin B12

• Shiitake mushrooms

• Nutritional yeast

• Soya milks with added B12

Any of these are easy enough to find and incorporate into your daily routine.

And, of course, another fantastic, simple, and cost-effective option is vitamin B12 shots.

Why Do People Have Vitamin B12 Injections?

As we’ve already established, vitamin B12 is crucial to help your body stay strong and healthy. In recent years, B12 shots have become increasingly popular, apparently favoured by such big-name stars as Charlize Theron, Justin Timberlake, and Madonna.

Vitamin B12 shots are a quick, easy way to give your system this essential nutrient. There’s no need to change your diet or wait for supplements to start taking effect — you just receive the injection and carry on with your day.

The shots are typically a synthetic version of B12, known as cyanocobalamin, with large quantities in each dose.

A single shot allows the vitamin B12 to bypass the GI tract and go straight to the blood cells, for faster, more effective absorption. This is one benefit foods and supplements simply can’t guarantee, as absorption will be lessened by the nutrient’s journey through the body.

You’ll notice the difference in your energy levels once the shot starts to kick in. As a result, you should find everyday tasks less exhausting and fatigue less likely. You’ll have more of the energy you need to live your life, and you should find concentrating on tasks easier, too.

This is a major aid if you’re having trouble keeping your mind fixed on completing objectives at work or at home. Especially if you have things on your mind and feel overwhelmed by the number of responsibilities or expectations weighing on you. A quick shot can help make this easier.

Does Vitamin B12 Help with Weight Loss?

One key benefit of vitamin B12 shots is that they can help increase your basal metabolic rate.

A good metabolism has a major impact on your weight — the better yours is, the more calories you can expect to burn when at rest.

Low levels of vitamin B12 are one contributing factor to a slow metabolism, along with low thyroid hormone and low mitochondrial energy production. Adding to your body’s current vitamin B12 levels can help you burn calories quickly and more effectively.

But it’s not a shortcut to getting the body of your dreams: it has to complement a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

How can I Get Vitamin B12 Shots for Myself?

As you can see, there are several benefits of vitamin B12 shots. They make a terrific aid to improving your energy levels, reducing your likelihood of anaemia or fatigue, and can cultivate a more focused mindset over time.

Vitamin B12 shots are available at Astra Medi Spa, part of our extensive portfolio of treatments to help you start looking and feeling better. Other options include IV Glutathione, IV Detoxification Flush, and Slim Boost (Lipotropic IM Shot).

Want to learn more about our vitamin B12 shots? Have questions about our range of treatments and their benefits?

Book a consultation to speak with one of our experts now.

IV Therapy: Everything You Need to Know

Have you considered trying IV therapy?

If so, you’re not alone. IV therapyhas gained serious traction in the past couple of years, praised for its power to rejuvenate and reinforce bodies of all ages.

A-list celebrities like Adele and Chrissy Teigen (to name a few) have helped bring it into the mainstream, sparking discussions on news websites and social media.

But how does IV therapy work? And why should you think about trying it for yourself?

What is IV Therapy?

Intravenous therapy is a well-known procedure in hospitals and clinics worldwide. You might have been attached to a drip yourself, or at least seen them in movies and television shows.

Doctors and nurses use IV drips so often because they’re the fastest, most direct way to deliver fluids into patients’ bloodstreams. The body absorbs far more nutrients administered through an IV than in a pill or capsule, as the fluid bypasses the gastrointestinal system completely.

But it’s not just a medical solution anymore — a growing number of spas (including ours) offer IV therapy as a cutting-edge health and beauty treatment.

A convenient solution for modern lives

Our IV therapy involves introducing a specific formula of nutrients to the bloodstream, tailored to suit clients’ personal needs or goals. This is a convenient, effective option for busy lifestyles — we all know just how hard trying to get the good stuff your body needs through food, drink and supplements is. And the costs can mount up faster than you realize too.

Common additions to IV therapy formulas include vitamins A, C, and D, Glutathione and more along with amino acids and essential minerals. Your therapist will discuss your physical requirements and help you choose the right IV therapy for best results.

Why is it So Popular?

We’re more concerned with health and wellbeing than ever today. Research shows the global market for it will reach $815 billion by 2021, mainly driven by health-conscious millennials.

But millions of us also lead busy lives and find staying on top of health, fitness and nutritional-intake a real challenge. We work long shifts. We raise families. We try to fit as much into each day as we can.

Fortunately, IV therapy fits neatly into any schedule and offers one of the most practical, simplest ways to boost the body’s immune system, help yourself feel better and get the nutrition you need. People tend to feel noticeably energized and better overall after each IV therapy session.

You’ll cut down on the amount of money and time you usually spend picking up multiple supplements at the store too. You can stay hydrated and reduce your risk of feeling rundown due to vitamin-deficiencies with a single treatment (helpful if you’ve been drinking alcohol ahead of a big day, such as on the eve of a wedding).

But remember: a good diet and regular exercise remain fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. IV therapy is an excellent addition to both, but not a replacement.

How Does IV Therapy Combat the Ageing Process?

We all age. We all notice differences in the way we look and feel. We all wish we could stay young for a little bit longer.

But IV therapy can help slow the ageing process by giving your system so many of the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and amino acids it craves. Your skin will look and feel better; you may have more energy and agility too.

Good, nutritious IV therapy helps to boost the body’s healing capabilities, encouraging tissue to recover faster. The extra hydration prevents the skin becoming dry.

Collagen-boosting and anti-inflammatory treatments can reduce the visibility of wrinkles, sagging skin and acne for smoother, more youthful.

Astra Medi Spa’s team offers multiple IV therapy options:

• IV Glutathione: this is designed to encourage detoxification, boost your immune system, stimulate skin whitening and deliver a strong mix of antioxidants; glutathione can combat free radicals and defend against damage to tissue and cells

• IV Immune Boost:contains glutathione and vitamin C, which helps reduce sun damage, encourages skin repair, supports your immune system and soothes acne; vitamin C stimulates collagen production for smoother skin too

• IV Detoxification Flush:this treatment is ideal for flushing toxins from your system

• B12 IM Shot for Energy:vitamin B12 works to keep your blood and nerve cells in good health; it fights megaloblastic anemia, known for making you feel more tired and weaker than usual

• Slim Boost:this is a mixture of B vitamins, lipotropics and amino acids; it aids weight loss by boosting your metabolism and promotes feelings of better wellness overall

Our therapists will discuss your chosen treatment in detail to ensure you understand exactly what benefits it offers, how it works and what results you can expect. We’re here to set your mind at ease and help you make an informed choice.

Am I a Good Candidate for IV Therapy?

IV therapy is a terrific treatment for most people.

At its most basic, it works well for anyone experiencing jet lag or feeling rundown after a hectic few weeks. One session can leave looking revitalized and in a better state of mind.

IV therapy is also a fantastic way to kickstart a healthier lifestyle. If you’ve followed a ‘bad’ diet, drank too much alcohol on a regular basis and been sedentary, this treatment can flush toxins from your body in preparation for more sensible habits.

It’s also a good option if you’re particularly lacking in vitamins C, D or other beneficial nutrients included in our range of IV therapy options.

Our experts are happy to discuss your thoughts and offer advice before you commit to any one of our treatments, so don’t be afraid to ask for additional information or help.

How can I Book IV Therapy at Astra Medi Spa?

Decided to try Astra Medi Spa’s IV therapy for yourself?

You can book your therapy and speak to a member of our teamby email, phone or in person — feel free to drop in and see us at 210 Main Street North, Brampton any day of the week.