Whether you’re considering botox, dermal fillers, or Sculptra®, here’s everything you need to know about your cosmetic injections in Kamloops and Kelowna.
Cosmetic injections are one of the easiest, most convenient and cost-effective ways to give your appearance a boost without resorting to cosmetic surgery. Whether you’re looking to smooth wrinkles, restore volume, or refresh your overall appearance, these treatments offer quick, effective results. But with so many options out there, it’s totally normal to have questions! In this article, I’m answering some of the most frequently asked questions I get as a cosmetic injector to help you make an informed decision about cosmetic injections in Kamloops and Kelowna.
What types of cosmetic injections are available?
Cosmetic injectables fall into four main categories: neuromodulators (commonly referred to as botox), dermal fillers, skinboosters and biostimulators. If you’re unsure about which treatment might be right for you, don’t worry! During your cosmetic injection consultation with me at my locations in Kelowna or Kamloops, we’ll work together to determine which cosmetic injection is right for you. Here’s a quick overview of each:
Neuromodulators (Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®): These cosmetic injections work by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles (like frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines). Neuromodulators are ideal if you’re looking to soften the appearance of expression lines and prevent new ones from forming.
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Dermal fillers (Revanesse®): Fillers restore lost volume and smooth static wrinkles by injecting a gel-like substance (often hyaluronic acid) into targeted areas of your skin. Fillers are great for plumping areas like the lips, cheeks, and jawline, giving you a more youthful contour.
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Skinboosters™ (Restylane®): These are used to improve the overall texture and elasticity of your skin, gradually hydrating and revitalizing it from within. Skinboosters™ don’t add extreme volume, but are perfect if you want to address dryness or dullness in your skin.
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Biostimulators (Sculptra®): Sculptra® works differently than other cosmetic injections because it stimulates your skin to produce collagen over time, gradually improving volume and skin quality. It’s a fantastic option for those who want long-lasting, natural-looking results.
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Do cosmetic injections hurt?
This is one question I get from essentially all first-timers! Most of my Kamloops and Kelowna patients find the discomfort during cosmetic injections to be minimal and manageable, but pain tolerance varies from person to person. I have lots of tips and tricks to help with pain management though, so be sure to let me know if you’re feeling a little nervous about it during your cosmetic injection consultation. Here’s what to expect:
Neuromodulators: The needles used for Dysport® are very fine, and the injections themselves feel like tiny pinches. You may feel some mild discomfort, but it’s typically quick and tolerable. No numbing is usually needed for these treatments, but we can definitely use a numbing agent if you’d like, just ask!
Dermal fillers: Depending on the area treated, fillers may cause a bit more discomfort, especially around sensitive areas like the lips. However, many fillers, including Revanesse®, contain lidocaine (a numbing agent) to make the process as comfortable as possible. Ice packs or numbing cream can also be applied beforehand.
Sculptra® and Skinboosters™: These treatments are usually a little deeper and more spread out, so you may feel more pressure or discomfort. We’ll use a numbing agent beforehand to ensure that your treatment is as comfortable as possible.
How long do cosmetic injections results last?
The longevity of your cosmetic injection results depends on the type of injectable used and the area treated. I’ve included a list below of generally what you can expect, but I also wanted to mention that this is a fantastic area where my practice as a Naturopathic Doctor comes into play as well. Through my research, I’ve found holistic strategies, such as supplementation with zinc, can help your botox results last even longer.
Neuromodulators: Botox typically lasts three to four months. Over time, with repeated treatments, you might find that your neuromodulator longevity shifts, lasting a little longer or shorter than before. If we do notice that you’re building tolerance, we might opt to switch the brand (from Dysport® to BOTOX® Cosmetic for example), to help regain that longevity again.
Dermal fillers: Fillers usually last anywhere from six to 12 months, depending on the product used and where it’s injected. For example, lip fillers like Revanesse® Kiss tend to last four to six months, while cheek fillers can last longer. During your built-in consultation, we will determine the best treatment schedule and frequency based on your individual needs.
Skinboosters™: After a Restylane® SKINBOOSTERS™ treatment, many patients notice an immediate enhancement in skin hydration and radiance. However, the more pronounced benefits—like smoother texture and improved elasticity—tend to develop after multiple sessions. Typically I suggest starting with two to three sessions spaced roughly a month apart, then continuing with maintenance treatments every six to twelve months. Although each person’s experience will differ, results can often remain visible for up to a year.
Sculptra®: Sculptra® is known for its longer-lasting effects compared to many other dermal fillers. It works by gradually stimulating your skin’s own collagen production, which means improvements in volume, texture, and firmness become more noticeable over several months and several treatments. With the right treatment plan and proper maintenance, Sculptra® results can last for up to five years.
What should I expect during my cosmetic injection appointment?
Typically, your cosmetic injection appointment in Kelowna or Kamloops will only take about 15-30 minutes, depending on if this is your first cosmetic injection appointment or if you’re visiting me for an appointment to maintain your results. Even if you’ve been seeing me for years, we’ll still take the time to chat about your goals, assess your features and determine if any areas have changed, and discuss if you’re still happy with the product and treatment we’ve selected. Just like your skin, your wants and needs evolve over time, so it’s important for us to have these check-ins no matter how seasoned you are when it comes to cosmetic injections!
Once we’ve reviewed your treatment plan, I’ll clean the treatment area, and if needed, I’ll apply a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort. I may also mark the areas to be treated to ensure precise placement. The cosmetic injections themselves are quick and usually take just a few seconds. You might feel a slight pinch or mild pressure, but most of my patients in Kamloops and Kelowna find the procedure very manageable. After the treatment, you may notice some redness or swelling in the treated areas, but don’t worry—this is completely normal and should go away within a few hours to a couple of days.
What are the side effects and risks of cosmetic injections?
Cosmetic injections are generally very safe, but like any procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects that I want you to be aware of. The most common side effects are bruising and swelling, especially with dermal fillers. These typically go away within a few days. Some patients also experience mild headaches after neuromodulator treatments, but these are usually short-lived. Tenderness or numbness in the treated areas is normal and should decrease within a few hours. While rare, complications like infections, allergic reactions, or issues with filler migration can occur, which is why it’s so important to make sure you’re working with a safe, qualified cosmetic injector who implements approved products and follows proper techniques. If your cosmetic injector does any of these things, please run the other way.
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How do I care for my skin after cosmetic injections?
Proper aftercare is key to getting the best results and reducing any side effects after your cosmetic injections treatment. For the first few hours after your treatment, try not to touch or massage the treated areas to avoid irritation or infection. It’s also a good idea to skip makeup for a few hours, especially after dermal filler treatments, to give your results some time to settle. To keep products in place, try to stay upright for a few hours—no lying down just yet! For the first 24 hours, take it easy and avoid things like intense exercise or hot showers, as these can increase swelling and bruising. And don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun for a few days, as direct sun exposure can make bruising worse. For more information on how to care for your botox and filler results, please find my guide here.
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Can cosmetic injections be combined?
Absolutely! Many patients combine different types of treatments to get the best of both worlds. For example, you can use botox for wrinkle prevention and dermal fillers for volume restoration. Or, pair Sculptra® with Skinboosters™ for both collagen stimulation and improved skin texture. During your cosmetic injection consultation in Kelowna or Kamloops, we’ll work together to customize a treatment plan that works best for your needs.
How much do cosmetic injections cost?
The cost of cosmetic injections can differ based on the type of treatment and how much product is used. This is something we’ll discuss during your consultation so we can make sure there’s no surprises along the way. Being able to customize your cosmetic treatment plan means we can find the best product and procedure to meet your needs, while also making sure it’s in your budget. Here’s what to expect on average:
Neuromodulators: These are typically priced at $10 to $15 per unit. The number of units you need depends on the area being treated.
Dermal fillers: Fillers generally range from $400 to $900 per syringe, depending on the type and area treated.
Skinboosters™: Typically cost between $500 and $800 per treatment, with a series of three treatments usually recommended.
Sculptra®: This collagen-stimulating treatment can cost $1,000 to $2,000 treatment, with a series of treatments typically recommended.
When you choose me as your cosmetic injector you can expect transparent conversations about your treatment plan, how much product is recommended and what the estimated cost will be. We will work together to determine the best plan of action for your cosmetic injections that fits within your budget.
Cosmetic Injections in Kelowna and Kamloops
Cosmetic injections enhance your appearance and achieve natural-looking results with minimal downtime. By understanding the different types of injectables and what to expect during and after treatment, you can feel confident in your decision. Ready to learn more? Book a consultation today at my locations in Kamloops or Kelowna, and we’ll work together to create a treatment plan that’s perfect for you.