People ask a lot of questions before getting cosmetic injections, which we absolutely encourage! It is important to be informed before taking the big plunge.  People often research to compare which clinic would suit them better for their treatment, which is really important.  But are you asking the right questions to get the answers you need to give you the best outcome?  

There are two questions that we get asked abundantly more than anything else: "What is your price per unit of wrinkle injections or per ml of dermal fillers?" and "What brand do you use?".  First, let me tell you what is lacking in these questions and then let me tell you what you should be asking. 

How much do you charge per unit/per ml?
This sounds like a great way to compare the cost between clinics, right?  Well yes and no.  Most clinics charge per unit of botulinum toxin used or per ml or dermal filler used.  Why? One reason is this is how the clinics are charged, but primarily a one price per area system is not an accurate way to charge people due to the huge variation in amounts of product that may be required to treat the same area of different people. 
So, what is wrong with this question?  
1. There are 3 brands of botulinum toxin A available for cosmetic use in Australia and it is a little known fact that the 'unit' size is not equivalent for each brand.  Two brands are more commonly used in Australia currently and one of these brands has a unit size approximately 1/3 of the other.  Many injectors will quote the price of this unit as it appears much cheaper.  So while you may pay, for example $4 per unit, you will require at least 3 times the units as the alternative unit of measurement.   This is like comparing a price per kilogram to a price per ounce.

2.  An experienced injector can treat the same area using less units than an inexperienced injector.  The more experienced an injector is, the more they understand how to examine the anatomy of an individual's face and where to inject for that person to achieve the maximal result.  It is possible for a lot of units to be wasted in areas that will have no effect.

3. Dilutions and conversions.  These products come dehydrated and require to be reconstituted with saline, at times this also requires conversions to achieve an accurate 'unit'.  An experienced injector will know precisely how much saline to add to the product to reconstitute it to be effective.  In effect, what is one unit in one practice could be more diluted than one unit in another. 

And now to the next FAQ

What brand do you use?
A lot of people think they know which brand is 'good' and which is 'bad'.  

As mentioned above there are 2 commonly used brands of anti-wrinkle injections used in Australia.  One gets a bad rep.  What most people don't understand is that a big reason for this is back to the dilutions and conversions.  Many inexperienced injectors do not dilute and convert effectively and so this product can be less effective in inexperienced hands. 
Europe has many brands of dermal fillers available, currently Australia has less than 10.  Many people also think they know what is a 'good' or inferior brand of dermal filler.  However, many people do not realise that each of these brands have on average 4 different products under that brand, with different sized particles.  Some brands when using the suggested product in an area may give inferior results to other products, however another product under the same brand can give exceptional results.  An experienced injector will assess your anatomy and your desired outcome and choose a product suited to you.  An inexperienced injector will use a 'popular' or well known product that is recommended for a treatment, not an individual.  At Evolve we have personally used all brands on ourselves and the different products available within the brands and weighed up the benefits, most importantly considering amount of swelling post treatment, how long the product lasts and of course the result you get!  There is not a dermal filler we offer that I have not personally tried ;) 

Ok, so now reading what I think is missing with the questions that people love to ask, you will probably have noticed a common factor:  Experience.

Yes, this is what you should be asking, how experienced is your injector.  Look at the before and after results of your injector and book a consult for yourself.  How long have they been injecting, and how often do they do this treatment? By all means, ask the questions above and if you have a preferred brand of product, quite often we will try to accommodate you.  But trust that we have done the ground work for you and we continue to look for the best products available on the market and try to give our clients the best value for their treatments.  

Another important factor to consider is  aftercare .  Does your injector know what to do if something goes wrong (which happens to even the most experienced professionals)?  And can your injector help avoid potential problems?  Can you get antibiotics prescribed in case of infection? Can you get cold sore treatment prescribed to avoid ending up with dozens of cold sores on your lips (yes, this can happen)?  Can your injector dissolve the filler if required?  Even in the most perfect scenarios things can go wrong and you want to make sure you have someone to look after you who knows what they're doing just in case!

Side note: Another factor that I think is more important in the cosmetic industry than any other medical field is passion.  Cosmetic medicine is not about sticking needles here and there, it is an art and needs an eye for beauty. 

We all know our strenuous gym sessions or sporting activities can really take a toll on our muscles. What you do after your work out will determine how your muscles will recover. Here are a few tips for ending your training on the right note.

Rehydrate

This one is a no brainer, your body needs the fluids lost during your work out to be replenished. Dehydration can impair the recovery of muscles and working out while dehydrated can be damaging to your muscles.

Cool Down

A lot of people believe that a proper cool down helps remove built up lactic acid, which in turn helps avoid the dreaded DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and stiffness. Others say this has been disproven by studies. Everyone agrees however that you should still cool down after every session. It is important to help lower your heart rate to avoid blood pooling in your lower extremities as a result of your blood vessels being dilated. By slowing your heart rate gradually instead of abruptly stopping you can avoid this and post work out dizziness.  Aim for five minutes for cooling down or however long it takes you to lower your heart rate to at least 100-120 bpm. Even if you are doing a strength session  cool down with a walk or some dynamic stretches such as walking lunges.  

Stretch

Stretching while your muscles are warmed up can improve your flexibility. The increased flexibility helps you avoid injuries. Don't stretch to the point of pain. New research suggests that stretches should be kept shorter also, no more than five seconds holding each stretch. Try to do each major muscle group.

Supplement

A protein shake post work out is ideal for providing carbohydrates and amino acids to aid muscle repair and growth. Alternatively, chocolate milk can do the trick, providing protein and carbs. Aim to consume your protein 15-30 minutes after your workout. The increased blood flow to your muscles ensures maximal uptake. Magnesium after work outs also helps aid in muscle recovery.

Sleep

Adequate sleep is important for not only muscle recovery and repair but also growth. Not getting enough sleep affects your performance and makes you more vulnerable to injuries.

Nature's Anti-Inflammatories

Feeling it after a tough session? Pineapple and cherries have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Munch on these or guzzle some juice to help reduce the swelling and pain.

Get A Massage

For anyone who frequently works out regular massages should be on your agenda. Massages release painful knots and break up scar tissue. Massages can also help reduce swelling and stiffness associated with muscle repair. The stimulation of blood flow from a massage also helps muscle and injury recovery. Some studies show massages can accelerate recovery by up to 50%. Call the Evolve team to book your massage now!