One of the fastest growing areas of plastic surgery is minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. One of the most rapidly growing aspects of minimally invasive surgery is injectables.

Neurotoxins, commonly referred to as BOTOX^® or Dysport, are formulations of botulinum toxin designed to block the transmission of a nerve impulse to a muscle. By paralyzing the muscle (temporarily) facial wrinkles can be reduced and muscle balances can be restored in the face to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Fillers are injectables used to add volume to the face and to smooth folds, creases, and wrinkles that make our faces look older. The most common type of filler we use is a substance called hyaluronic acid. This is a large molecule that we all have which lives between the cells in our bodies. Different formulations of hyaluronic acid are produced which cross-link the molecules and provide different products which are ideal for different purposes. An ideal product to be injected in the cheek to fill volume would have different properties than an ideal filler used to smooth out the fine lines of the upper lip. Dr. Schaefer uses the best available product for your needs.

Still other injectables, such as Kybella^®, are designed to be injected in the neck to dissolve fat deposits.

The available products and applications they serve continue to increase at a rapid pace.

Perhaps you have noticed some aging in your face. You may not be ready for a surgical procedure – now or ever. You may still want to do something to rejuvenate your face in a subtle, natural way. Injectables can be an option for many patients to achieve this.

Your Initial Consultation

Dr. Schaefer will spend time with you to fully explain his recommendations for you and answer all of your questions. During your consultation, he will perform a thorough medical analysis and devise a plan based on your specific anatomy and goals.

Every aspect of your procedure will be customized depending on your specific needs and anesthetic goals. Dr. Schaefer and his staff will make sure you are fully prepared for the procedure and know exactly what to expect.

What to Expect from Injectables

Injectable procedures are performed in the office without the need for general anesthesia or sedation. Sometimes topical anesthesia or local nerve blocks are helpful. You will go home after your procedure and you will not need someone to drive you.

There is no exact amount of product that his right for every patient. Dr. Schaefer strives to use as little product as possible to achieve the desired outcome. Your cost is based entirely upon the amount of product used. There is no separate injection fee. It is therefore not uncommon to return for touchups later. It is better to sneak up on the desired outcome, then to overshoot it.

Dr. Schaefer does not delegate injectables to nurses or other care providers. He will be providing his expertise in anatomy and artistry to your procedure.

Recovery from Injectables

You may have mild injection site reactions such as redness, tenderness, or itchiness. You can get some bruising and swelling with injections. It is important to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen-containing products prior to planning injections to minimize bruising. Patient’s do not require pain medications following these procedures.

Neurotoxins do not typically achieve their full effect immediately. It may take a week or longer to see the full effect. Dr. Schaefer will recommend that you use the muscles that have been injected, but he does not want you to massage them. It is recommended that you avoid strenuous activity that day, but you may return to normal activities the next day.

Some fillers attract water. This property causes some increase in volume days to weeks after fillers are injected. You may experience this depending on the type of filler that is injected.

It is important to recognize that neurotoxins and most fillers have a temporary effect. The duration of action can vary from several months to 2 years.

Choosing a plastic surgeon to perform Injectables

Choosing the right surgeon for injectables is of paramount importance. It is vital for your plastic surgeon to have the right qualifications and credentials, such as board certification and good standing with the various medical boards.

You also want to be sure that your surgeon has professional, friendly, and caring support staff. These people will assist you while in the office and during your recovery, so it is essential to feel comfortable with the entire team.

Do your research to learn as much as possible about your surgeon. Then, arrive at your injectable consultation prepared with questions, concerns, and your ultimate goals written down.

Why Choose Dr Schaefer As Your injectable Surgeon?

With his careful planning and problem-solving approach, Dr. Schaefer customizes his strategy so that your procedure is specifically designed for your body and goals. Dr. Schaefer is known for his work in the Minneapolis community in helping patients feel better and restore their self-confidence. He has been honored as a BEST DOCTOR and BEST DOCTOR FOR WOMEN by the Minnesota Monthly Magazine, as well as a TOP DOCTOR FOR PLASTIC SURGERY by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.