Christina Paliotti, Head Nurse Injector at Clinique K, tells us why she loves her profession and elaborates on her specialties and expertise.

With more than 10 years of experience as a nurse injector, Christina is now considered one of the top nurse injectors in Montreal.

Her mission? Provide her patients with the most natural-looking results. Christina’s unique and wide-ranging expertise, paired with her professional and charismatic demeanor, make her an excellent injector.

A unique career that qualifies her as an expert in her field

In 2012, she became Operating Room Head Nurse and Head Aesthetic Nurse within the team of Dr. Karl Schwarz, founder and cosmetic surgeon at Clinique K in Westmount. During this period, she spent a lot of time in injection sessions with him, which allowed her to discover her passion and develop a sharp aesthetic eye.

The renowned pharmaceutical company Galderma noticed her work and offered her a position that included world travel and exciting training in the medico-aesthetic field. Her numerous training courses then inspired her to share her know-how by becoming a teacher alongside renowned doctors and nurses. This experience allowed her to rub shoulders with and collaborate with the best professionals in the field of cosmetic surgery and medico-aesthetics.

In 2016, an alignment with the values and human approach of Dr. Schwarz led her to return to Montreal to work as Head Nurse Injector in his clinic. Christina brings her expertise in facial rejuvenation to the clinic, using Botox and fillers, as well as lip augmentation, facial contouring, corrective techniques, volume replacement and other non-surgical aesthetic procedures.

Word-of-mouth

Christina quickly developed a large and trusting clientele as she worked alongside Dr. Dr. Schwarz. Due to the impressive results obtained for her patients, word of mouth quickly made her one of the most well-known and busy injectors in Montreal.

With her career as a teacher and having traveling the world as a speaker on the topic of injections, she then began her career as an advanced professional injector. She stays well-informed on the latest industry news and techniques, and has developed her own unique approach thanks to her extensive experience with patients.

Why did you choose to become a nurse injector?

“I didn't wake up one morning with the goal of having a career as an injector. I developed a sharp aesthetic eye and became passionate about the field. This career came to me. Today, so many women dream of being a nurse injector. I feel privileged to be able to practice this profession, and above all, offer well-being to my patients.”

Christina says there is no secret to becoming an expert in injections. She also advises all nurses who dream of becoming an injector to first gain experience in a hospital setting. Then, she recommends being trained by a recognized doctor, and doing a lot of observation.

"Avoid over confidence. You must remain curious, ask questions and take an interest in the needs of patients. It is crucial to master the protocol and not take this job lightly.”

Patient satisfaction above all

Christina does this job above all for the appreciation and satisfaction felt by her vast clientele.

“The satisfaction of my patients is the main reason for my love for my job as an injector. I inject happiness into my patients. Seeing them satisfied with their appearance, liking the result and recommending me to those around them is clearly my greatest source of love that I can receive.”

It is not uncommon to receive appreciative testimonials from patients at Clinique K.

It is very common that Christina sees patients who have not been injected properly, or whose injections were not well distributed on the face. She emphasizes how important it is to choose the right injector and cautions that price should not be the main deciding factor. According to Christina, testimonials, professional background, and clinic reputation are all criteria that should not be overlooked.

“It is important to validate that the medical professional you have chosen has completed a recognized training program and several hours of practice under the direction of a doctor. It is also reassuring to be referred by patients who have undergone similar procedures by the same professional.”

Christina’s injection specialties

Christina is best known for her unique expertise in full face rejuvenation, as well as lower face transformation which includes redefining the jawline, chin, and of course the lips. Her approach stands out for its transparency. She builds trust with her patients and they become loyal patients for life.

"I'm very honest, and I promise realistic, natural-looking results. I build a long-term relationship based on trust with my patients.”

Christina can treat all areas of the face. The type of injections and the amount will of course vary from patient to patient. She excels in the injection of both neuromodulators and fillers.

BOTOX INJECTIONS (neuromodulators)

Neuromodulator injections (commonly known as Botox) are actually a botulinum toxin approved by Health Canada, and are essentially used to relax muscles and slow down their contractions. They offer a smoothing effect to treat expression lines on the upper face like crow's feet, frown lines and forehead wrinkles, which therefore helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Trademark Botox neuromodulators like Dysport are used by Christina, and also by the other injection experts at Clinique K.

Although there is no specific age to begin Botox injection treatments, most people will start in their 20s or early 30s. According to Christina, the ideal time to start Botox injections is when static lines begin to appear on the skin.

"It's better to start early since it's much easier to maintain than to treat a condition that has already set in.”

"Beautiful results can rejuvenate face by 10 years. It's quite gratifying."

VOLUMIZING INJECTIONS (fillers)

With aging, exposure to pollutants, and UV rays from the sun, skin cells gradually lose their ability to produce hyaluronic acid, hardening and hollowing out facial features. Filling agents, such as Juvéderm and Restylane, make it possible to raise the cheekbones, plump the lips or repair the sagging of the face, compensating for the lack of hyaluronic acid that the body no longer produces.

Many areas of the face are treated with fillers, such as:

• Wrinkles of the glabella, nasolabial fold, marionette lines
• Fine lip and eye wrinkles
• Addition of volume (cheeks or cheekbones, chin, lips)
• Definition of the lip contour
• Correction of lacrimal trough (dark circles under the eyes)

Treatment cost

A question frequently asked during consultation sessions, the cost of injection treatments varies from one patient to another, from a few hundred dollars to thousands. It is difficult to answer this question without first seeing the person. Needs and expectations can also influence the price of treatment.

For example, treatments usually cost around $400 to $600. For a light treatment of injection of neuromodulators, the cost can vary between 2$00 and $250, and a moderate treatment can cost from $500 to $600. Neuromodulators such as Botox should be maintained every 3 to 4 months, while fillers every 4 to 6 months.