Cosmetic injection for the first time - what you need to know

Dental & Dermal is a dental and aesthetics clinic in central Oslo where dentist and aesthetic practitioner Chenxiao Li offers cosmetic injections with a focus on natural, subtle results. If you're considering your first treatment, it's completely normal to have many questions - here we answer the most important ones.

What is a cosmetic injection?

Cosmetic injections fall into two main categories:

• Botulinum toxin (Botox/muscle relaxant): Reduces dynamic wrinkles (forehead lines, crow's feet, frown lines) by temporarily relaxing the muscle.
• Dermal fillers (hyaluronic acid): Adds volume, contours, and fills static wrinkles or lines.

Both are minimally invasive procedures that take 15–45 minutes and require no anaesthesia.

Does it hurt?

Most people describe the pain as a small pinch or prick - roughly 2–4 on a scale of 1 to 10. At Dental & Dermal, Chenxiao Li applies numbing cream (lidocaine) 15–20 minutes before treatment, and most fillers already contain anaesthetic within the product itself.

Because Chenxiao has a dental background, she has exceptional experience with precise injection technique and anatomical knowledge of the facial area - contributing to less discomfort during treatment.

What results can you expect?

• Botulinum toxin: Effects appear after 3–7 days, full effect after 14 days. Lasts 3–6 months.
• Fillers: Immediately visible results, but final outcome is assessed after 2 weeks (once swelling subsides). Lasts 6–18 months depending on product and area.

Chenxiao Li's philosophy is "less is more" - it's always better to start conservatively and add more if needed, rather than overdoing it from the start.

Recovery and downtime

Most people can return to work the same day. Common side effects:

• Mild swelling for 1–3 days
• Small bruises lasting 3–7 days (can be covered with makeup)
• Tenderness at the injection site for 24–48 hours

Avoid for the first 24 hours: Intense exercise, alcohol, sauna, and massaging the treated area.

How to choose the right practitioner

This is perhaps the most important question. Look for:

1. Medical education: Dentists, doctors, or nurses with specialist competence in aesthetics.
2. Experience with facial anatomy: Dentists have particularly strong knowledge of facial nerves, blood vessels, and musculature.
3. Portfolio: Ask to see before-and-after photos from actual patients.
4. Consultation first: A serious practitioner never pressures you into treatment at the first visit.

Prices at Dental & Dermal

Cosmetic injections at our clinic start from 2,888 NOK. The price depends on:

• Type of product (botulinum toxin vs. filler)
• Amount of product used
• The area being treated

We always offer a no-obligation consultation where we create an individual treatment plan with transparent pricing - no surprises.

Summary: Are you ready?

Your first cosmetic injection doesn't have to be scary. With the right practitioner, realistic expectations, and good follow-up, you can achieve subtle improvements that make you feel more like yourself. At Dental & Dermal in Oslo, our approach is always naturality over dramatic changes.

Book a no-obligation consultation to discuss your options.