Injectable filler procedures are a huge business and many of your clients are likely incorporating them into their routine to maintain a youthful appearance. In fact, a report issued by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that approximately 7 million injectable filler treatments were performed in 2010 alone. That is a 14 percent increase for soft-tissue filler injections from the year prior. According to the company, since Botox Cosmetic was made available in 2002, approximately 11.8 million procedures have been administered in the U.S.
These figures are astounding, but as aesthetic professionals how does this trend impact us? It actually presents a significant opportunity to provide clients post-injectable support to boost the effects of the procedure. Of course not all ingredients and post-procedures work well following filler treatments, so it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts.
Magnifying the youthful effects
In addition to aiding in the recovery process, there are topicals and treatments that can help your clients enhance the re-youth effects of the injectable fillers. For post-injectable support, a couple topical ingredients to look to are peptides and hyaluronic acid formulas. Sodium hyaluronate is the purest form of hyaluronic acid, which promotes keratinocyte proliferation and increases retinoic acid. This in turn preserves the skin’s hydration.
Moisture retention is one of the most important biological functions of hyaluronic acid, second only to providing nutrients and removing waste from cells that do not have a direct blood supply, such as cartilage cells. By allowing nutrients to move into the cell, hyaluronic acid promotes cell and collagen synthesis, and boosts barrier function (Hyaluronic Serum). Peptides are amino acids (protein) that are linked together in a chain to form specific groupings. Some to look for include palmitoyl pentapeptides (a chain of five amino acids), hexapeptides (a chain of six amino acids), and marine oligopeptides (with chains ranging from two to 30 natural-water amino acids) (Satin Peptide, Amino Peptide, Peptide 38).
Active in very small doses, peptides work by stimulating fibroblasts, the building blocks of collagen, and signal the skin to produce more protein. Through this process they increase firmness, tone, and diminish fine lines overall, promoting healthier, more youthful skin.
As for treatments, with most injectible filler procedures it is important to wait at least two weeks before performing a peel on the skin. Once the area has settled, a light progressive peel may be done. In the meantime, a mild facial using steam, oxygen sprays and healing topicals offer great post-care support. A few treatments that might be performed based on the skin’s recovery stage include:
- Early recovery (skin is still tender) – the goal is to cleanse, soothe and nourish the skin to accelerate healing. Avoid enzymes, acids and harsh scrubs. Recommended: Gentle Milk Plus, Milk Mask, Arnica Therapy, Growth Factor Serum, and oxygen and vitamins.
- Mid recovery (skin is slightly tender) – focus on cleansing, exfoliating, protecting, soothing and nourishing. Recommended: Citrus Gel Cleanser, Pepsin & Papain Enzyme Mask, and Omega-6 EFA.
- Full recovery (skin is completely healed) – the goal is to cleanse, exfoliate and rebuild. A light progressive peel may be introduced using a milk- and antioxidant-based peeling cream, as well as an acid formula of l-lactic acid, pineapple and papaya. Finish with nourishing topicals.
Every treatment should be finished with an SPF 30. Knowing which ingredients boost the effects of re-youth procedures will make you that much more valuable to your clients. Be sure you are there to meet their needs.
Question: How do you support your clients who undergo injectable filler procedures?