Over the years, the cosmetic injectables industry has been saturated with a plethora of options. It can be difficult to sort through the long list of products, narrowing down your choices. Much of it depends on your personal goals. Do you wish to banish crow's feet or are you more concerned with plumping up the hollows beneath your eyes? Maybe both? Deciding which injectable is right for you will take a little bit of research.

Botox

Botox is probably the most well-known name when it comes to facial injectables. It is not a filler, but rather paralyzes the muscle that creates facial lines. It is important to know that although Botox is safe when used under the proper circumstances and with skilled hands, otherwise it is a toxin. If you're not comfortable with this, there are more natural options available.

Botox works best on deep furrows that are created by facial expressions. If you have noticed a pinched look between your eyebrows, that is more pronounced when you are thinking or angry, then that is an ideal area for the injectable. Other common targets include fine lines around the eyes. Results can last up to six months. Finding an experienced plastic surgeon to perform the procedure is very important. A mis-directed needle can lead to less than satisfactory results.

Restylane

Restylane is a hyaluronic acid based injectable that is more flexible in use than Botox. It is a filler, plumping up wrinkles and deeper furrows that appear on the face. It can also be used to add volume to deflated lips. Most often it is used to soften the nasolabial lines that run from the side of the nose, the corners of the lips and to fill in other hollow areas of the face. Like Botox, the effects generally last for six months.

Side effects include bruising and swelling, but they usually disappear after a few days. Not many surgeons are well experienced with Restylane as other products, so be careful when choosing a doctor. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with some Botox treatment in order to achieve optimal results that are long lasting.

Juvederm

Juvederm is a gel, which is like Restylane, made up of hylarunoic acid. It is used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles, with results visible within fifteen minutes of injection. It is most commonly used for the nasolabial fold and filling in depressed scars. It can also be used to plump lips. It is fairly similar to Restylane, and will be absorbed into the body within six to nine months.

Risks include swelling, bruising, and tenderness. More severe, but rare complications include allergic and immune system reactions, sometimes resulting in the skin breaking out. If you have very sensitive skin or many allergies, consult a cosmetic surgeon, to know which injectable is the safest.

Collagen

Like Botox, collagen was one of the first injectables in the market. Unlike the other substances discussed, collagen naturally occurs in the body, but in which area is the question. Some surgeons use bovine collagen, others choose human. They both produce the same effect.

Both versions of collagen smooth wrinkles and plump up lips and deep lines. As far as natural fillers go, collagen will be one of your best options. Results can last for up to six months, but sometimes dissipate in as little as one.