Injectables

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Gatos and San Jose

Injectables Los Gatos

Injectable treatments, such neuromodulators and dermal fillers can be used alone or in combination to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 

Advancements in science and technology have given us a wealth of knowledge and techniques for achieving the aesthetic looks we’ve always desired with minimal pain and downtime. Previously, facial rejuvenation was achieved by tightening the skin through resection and resurfacing. Today, more emphasis has been placed on minimally invasive and non-surgical cosmetic procedures like injections.[1] Injectable treatments offer solutions for men and women either looking to compliment  their surgical procedures or to enhance their looks without surgery. Optimal outcomes with injection treatments require an in-depth knowledge of facial aging and anatomy, an appreciation that rejuvenation is a three-dimensional process involving muscle control, volume restoration, and recontouring, in addition to a thorough knowledge of rheological (the flow of liquid matter) properties and injection techniques.[2]

There are many choices at our disposal and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which treatment is right for you. If you are curious about or are interested in receiving injectable procedures, then please keep reading to learn all about the treatments we provide at Swan Medical.

Led by the rejuvenating hands of board-certified Dr. Peter Castillo, Swan Medical is the destination for both men & women in Los Gatos looking to enhance their lives. We believe outer beauty should match inner beauty, so let us help you unlock it. 

Injectables Los Gatos

Click here or call now at (925) 905-9922 to schedule your consultation. 

We look forward to unveiling the new you. 

Be sure to check out our specials page and don’t forget to check out Swan Medical on social media. You can find us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube. 

Common Injection Sites

  • Between the eyebrows.
    • Treats frown lines and elevens, aka glabellar lines.
  • Around the eyes.
    • Treats crow’s feet.
  • Lines on the corners of the mouth.
  • Deep wrinkles and folds in the cheeks
  • Horizontal lines on the forehead.
  • “Cobblestone” chin (when the chin appears knobby and lumpy via changes in facial expression).

Injectables Offered at Swan Medical

Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators are highly purified forms of botulinum toxin  that relax and soften the skin by restricting facial muscles from contracting. They accomplish this by blocking the release of acetylcholine, which is the chemical responsible for contracting the muscles.

  • Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
  • Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA)

Both of these neuromodulators are derived from botulinum type A. The only difference being that Xeomin is uniquely purified and does not contain additional accessory proteins. Xeomin may be ideal for preventing antibody resistance due to its purity. Dr. Castillo and our expert injectors  will make sure to go over the subtle differences with you during your consultation. 

Dermal Fillers

Dermal Fillers are purified preparations of hyaluronic acid that are injected into the face to provide additional facial volume, smooth wrinkles and soften creases.  Dermal filler may also be used to plump the labia majora that may have lost volume after childbirth or menopause.

  • Allergan Aesthetics JUVÉDERM®  collection of dermal fillers are injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) gels. (Allergan Aesthetics an Abbvie Company, Juvederm DFU, 2021)
    • JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™ XC injectable gel is for deep injection in the cheek area to correct age-related volume loss and for augmentation of the chin region to improve the chin profile.
    • JUVÉDERM® VOLLURE™ XC and JUVÉDERM® XC injectable gels are for injection into the facial tissue for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
    • JUVÉDERM® VOLBELLA™ XC injectable gel is for injection into the lips for lip augmentation and for correction of perioral lines.
    • JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC injectable gel is for injection into the lips and perioral area for lip augmentation.
  • Revanesse® Versa™+
    • Versa™+ is a biocompatible, sterile, injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler that is injected into the dermis of patients, using a variety of techniques. The injections place a small portion of the gel beneath a crease or wrinkle in the skin and the augmentation of the tissue produces a smoothing effect on the surface. (Source: Revanesse Versa + DFU, 2021)
  • Merz Belotero Balance
    • Belotero Balance is another HA filler made to be injected at shallower levels in the dermis compared to Juvederm and Versa + to treat finer lines. 
  • Merz RADIESSE®
    • RADIESSE injectable implant uses calcium-based microspheres to stimulate collagen, one of the building blocks of supportive tissue in our skin. RADIESSE is indicated for subdermal implantation for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (Merz DFU, 2020)

Allergan Aesthetics KYBELLA® (Deoxycholic Acid)

KYBELLA® is a prescription medicine and a unique injectable treatment separate from the neuromodulator and dermal filler classifications. KYBELLA® is used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called

“double chin.” Kybella is also effective in eliminating small, pinchable pockets of fat on the body that are not reduced by diet and exercise.

Benefits of Injectables

  • Non-surgical
  • Minimally invasive
  • Noticeable results
  • Reduces the signs of aging
  • Relatively painless with minimal downtime
  • Can supplement other procedures

Candidates

Dr. Castillo and his expert injectors at Swan Medical will study your facial structure, expression and wrinkles determine which injectable will help you achieve a natural and younger version of yourself. 

Personal Consultation

Every treatment process begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Castillo or one of  his expert injectors. Together, you will discuss your goals and expectations for your face or body to determine the best path forward. Click here to book your appointment, or call us at (925) 905-9923, and a member of our staff will help you out.

Preparation

Injections take only a short period of time to be administered so preparation is minimal.

One week prior to the procedure, you will need to stop smoking and taking any non-prescription medications that can thin the blood. 

Procedure

The process usually takes a few brief moments per injection site. Your practitioner will inject and examine the areas to be treated. You may feel a small prick from the syringe, but it’s an otherwise painless action. Additional injections may be added to supplement initial injections. Overall, it can take up to fifteen minutes to an hour.

Recovery

Injections are quick, convenient, and should not interfere with an active schedule. Expect some swelling and minor bruising. Patients may experience minor discomfort as their treated areas will be sensitive for a few days. 

Results

It can take 3-4 days to see results from a neuromodulator injection. Results from dermal filler injection treatments are instantly noticeable. Injection treatments revitalize the face, eliminate the signs of wrinkles and aging, improve facial symmetry, and increase the patient’s self-confidence as an added bonus.

Studies have shown that the combined use of multiple injectables—ranging from pharmaceutical soft tissue dermal fillers to neuromodulators—permits volume rejuvenation treatment of most facial areas at the same time without excisional surgery.[3] 

Complementary Procedures 

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is the patented revolutionary FDA-approved fat reduction technology that targets stubborn fatty areas with controlled temperatures to effectively ‘freeze’ off fat cells. 

Intimate Makeover

An intimate makeover is a bespoke treatment plan designed to restore, repair, and revitalize a woman’s intimate area in the wake of childbirth or other physical trauma. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a comprehensive, non-surgical procedure that uses hormones to help the body naturally regulate itself to maintain cardiac, musculoskeletal, and cerebral health.

If you enjoyed learning all about injectable treatments, we recommend you check out Swan Medical on social media. Be sure to share your thoughts with us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

FAQ

What are injectables?

Injectables are synthetic substances that are inserted into the skin with a syringe to support muscles or plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Are Injectable Treatments Safe?

Yes, injectable treatments are safe. Patients seeking such procedures can be reassured that, in the hands of trained board-certified practitioners, they pose very little risk.[4]

Do Injections Hurt?

Patients may experience some minor discomfort during their treatment, but local anesthetic minimizes any pain.

How Do Neuromodulators Work?

Neuromodulators work by blocking the release of the chemical that contracts our muscles, causing them to become relaxed or “frozen,” lessening the muscle movements that cause fine lines and wrinkles.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Injection Treatments?

With any elective procedure, there is some degree of risk. However, if your practitioner is properly trained, then it should not be an issue. Potential side effects are:
– Redness
– Swelling
– Rashes
– Allergic reaction
– Acne-like skin
– Under or over-corrected wrinkles
– Infection at the injection site
– Asymmetrical face
– Palpability under the skin
– Death of skin cells from lack of blood flow

How Long Do Fillers Last?

Depending on the filler, the standard duration is usually six months to two years. Patients can extend the benefits through follow-up sessions. 

How Long Do Neuromodulators Last?

Neuromodulator results can take up to 48 to 72 hours to fully take effect and, depending on the treatment level, can last up to 3 to 5 months. Maintaining the results will require scheduled follow-up injections.

References

  1. Buck, D. W., Alam, M., & Kim, J. Y. (2009). Injectable fillers for facial rejuvenation: A review. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 62(1), 11-18. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2008.06.036
  2. Carruthers, Jean D. A. M.D.; Glogau, Richard G. M.D.; Blitzer, Andrew M.D., D.D.S. the Facial Aesthetics Consensus Group Faculty Advances in Facial Rejuvenation: Botulinum Toxin Type A, Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers, and Combination Therapies–-Consensus Recommendations, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: May 2008 – Volume 121 – Issue 5 – p 5S-30S doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31816de8d0
  3. Robert F. Centeno, MD, MBA, Combination Volume Rejuvenation Therapy of the Face: Fat, Fillers, and Botox, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 26, Issue 4, July 2006, Pages 460–464, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2006.06.009
  4. Alam M, Kakar R, Nodzenski M, et al. Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of the Incidence of Adverse Events Associated With Cosmetic Dermatologic Procedures: Lasers, Energy Devices, and Injectable Neurotoxins and Fillers. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(3):271–277. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.2494