Top 10 Cosmetic Injectable Treatment Questions in Ottawa
1. Are neuromodulators and filler safe?
Fortunately, both neuromodulators and soft-tissue hyaluronic acid-based fillers have a long safety record. However, rare and unfortunately serious risks do exist. We always spend a significant time during our consultation discussing the risks of these cosmetic treatments prior to proceeding. Make sure rare, and serious adverse events are detailed with you prior to proceeding with any cosmetic treatment. The most common side effect after injectables is minor bruising.
2. How much do neuromodulators cost in Ottawa?
The cost of injectable treatments including neuromodulators will depend on a few factors. First, is the geographical area. Neuromodulators in downtown NYC will certainly be more expensive than a smaller city. Neuromodulators injected by an experienced and seasoned physician will also typically be more expensive than a new injector or a nurse injector. Qualifications and experience of your injector will certainly impact price. As with most things you get what you pay for! Finally, the actual product used will impact the price.
Certain brands such as Botox may be more expensive than less known or less popular brands. Fillers such as Juvéderm that have been on the market for a long time will also be more expensive than less common brands.
Neuromodulators are typically priced per ‘unit’. A unit of neuromodulator is a very small amount, typically 0.01mL. Most patients need anywhere from 5-50 units depending on the areas they want treated as well as their desired results.
In Ottawa, Botox commonly ranges in price from $9-$15/unit. At Concept Medical (at the time which this blog was published) Botox Cosmetic is $12.50/unit and only injected by our medical director, Dr. Hetz.
3. How much is filler in Ottawa?
Price for hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injections commonly used for the lips, cheeks, tear trough temples, chin and jawline, also are dependent on the injector, the product, and location.
As well, the overall amount of product needed will impact the pricing. Most fillers have 1mL of product in them. Typically, fillers are priced per syringe (or per 1mL). Finally, where the filler is injected will impact the price. More advanced areas such as tear troughs are typically more expensive than less advanced areas such as the cheeks.
In Ottawa, fillers range in price from approximately $500-$850/syringe. At Concept Medical (at the time which this blog was published) HA fillers are $750/syringe and ONLY injected by our experienced physicians. The price is dependent on how many syringes are purchased. 1 syringe, at the time this blog was published is $750. We currently only use Juvéderm.
Will the results look natural?
Treatments with neuromodulators and fillers should always look natural. Never fake, frozen, or overdone. Cosmetic injectable treatments should make you look better but NOT different. The key to a natural, refreshed look is the right product in the right area for the right patients, AND most importantly by the right injector. Make sure to choose your clinic and injector wisely. Please remember that results do vary.
4. What filler is the best?
There is no best filler. Approved fillers can all be used to create natural results if injected by an experienced medical professional. Each product has a unique consistency, and picking the ‘right’ filler for the desired results is critical. However, even more important is WHO is injecting the filler. Serious risks and adverse events can and do happen, so ensure your injector is well trained and experienced. At Concept Medical, we use primarily Juvéderm. There are currently 7 DIFFERENT types of Juvéderm. Some are best for contouring the chin or cheeks, while others best for tear troughs or eye bags, and lips.
5. How long does neuromodulators and filler last?
Neuromodulators typically lasts 3-4 months, while fillers can last 12 months or more depending on the product and amount used. Lip filler typically lasts the least amount of time, given the regular movement and the need for a softer HA filler in this area. Lip filler typically lasts 6-12 months for most individuals. A recent study demonstrated that over 50% of patients treated with Filler Volbella in their lips were still pleased with their results after 12 months. Please remember that results do vary.
6. Does insurance ever cover the cost of neuromodulators and filler treatments?
Insurance providers do not typically cover the cost of cosmetic treatments such as neuromodulators and filler. However, that being said neuromodulators are used for a number of therapeutic/medical (not cosmetic) indications such as chronic migraines, and hyperhidrosis (sweating). In these cases insurance plans often do cover the costs. For more information about our medical treatments, please call us at 613.829.1266.
7. Are injectable treatments such as neuromodulators and filler painful?
Both products are injected using a small needle. Filler is often injected using a cannula (non-sharp needle). Although they are tolerable, they are not painless. Most patients say it feels like a small pinch.
8. Is there scarring after neuromodulators?
Although theoretically possible, there are no known reports (to the best of the author’s knowledge) of scarring after neuromodulators when performed correctly.
9. Is the effect from neuromodulators permanent?
No. Neuromodulators are not permanent. Neuromodulators wears off in about 3-4 months after treatment. With repeat treatments, lines and wrinkles tend to improve with time. If you decide to stop neuromodulators at any time your wrinkles will slowly go back to their original state, not worse.
10. Do neuromodulators or filler injections cause bruising?
Bruising is NOT uncommon after injectable treatments such as neuromodulators or filler. Since we are using a small needle bruising can happen. We also suggest patient not have an injectable treatment 2 weeks prior to an important event in case bruising does occur. Slow injection technique, an experience injector as well as applying ice afterwards can minimize bruising. That being said, even with all precautions, bruising can and does occur.
For more information about Botox or fillers, please contact us.