Subcutaneous Injection
Subcutaneous injection is a method of administering medication under the skin, often used in aesthetic skin care.
You’ve probably heard about subcutaneous injections, especially in the context of aesthetic skincare. But what exactly are they and how do they work? Let’s delve deeper.
What is a Subcutaneous Injection?
A subcutaneous injection, simply put, is a method of administering medication via an injection directly beneath the skin. The term ‘subcutaneous’ means ‘under the skin’, derived from Latin words ‘sub’ (under) and ‘cutis’ (skin).
Applications in Aesthetic Skin Care
In the world of aesthetic skincare, subcutaneous injections play a significant role. They’re commonly used to administer treatments like Botox, dermal fillers or insulin for diabetics. Such injections deliver medication to the fatty layer of tissue just below the epidermis and dermis.
Benefits of Subcutaneous Injections
Subcutaneous injections offer several benefits over other forms of administration:
- Faster Absorption: The medicine delivered through this method gets absorbed quickly as it’s injected into fat tissues which have a good blood supply.
- Lesser Pain: These injections are less painful compared to intramuscular ones given that they only need to penetrate fat tissue, not muscle.
- Self-administration: With proper training, individuals can self-administer these injections, making it convenient for long-term treatments.
Administering Subcutaneous Injections
Administering a subcutaneous injection involves a few key steps:
- Preparation: Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it air dry.
- Injection: Pinch a fold of skin and inject the needle at a 45-degree angle.
- Delivery: Slowly push the plunger to deliver the medication.
- Removal: Remove the needle swiftly and apply pressure to the area with a cotton ball or gauze.
It’s important to get professional training before attempting to administer these injections at home.
Subcutaneous injections have revolutionized aesthetic skin care treatments, making them more accessible and less invasive. However, like all medical procedures, they should be undertaken under professional supervision or guidance.
