Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment that involves injecting small amounts of a purified protein called Botulinum Toxin into specific muscles in the face. The protein works by blocking the release of a chemical called acetylcholine, which activates the muscles that cause wrinkles. By temporarily paralysing these muscles, the wrinkles they cause can be relaxed and softened, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Used to Treat
Some of the most common treatment areas include:
- Forehead lines: Smooth out the horizontal lines across the forehead caused by frowning or raising the eyebrows.
- Frown lines: Soften the “11” lines that form between the eyebrows when frowning.
- Crow’s feet: Smooth out the lines and wrinkles that form at the corners of the eyes when smiling or squinting.
- Lip lines: Soften the lines and wrinkles that form around the mouth.
- Neck bands: Smooth out vertical bands that form on the neck.
- Bunny lines: Soften the lines that form on the bridge of the nose when scrunching up the face.
- Excessive sweating: Treat excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis) in the underarms, hands, and feet.
- Migraines: Treat and prevent migraines in adults who have chronic migraines (15 or more headache days per month).
- Bruxism: Treat teeth grinding or jaw clenching by relaxing the muscles of the jaw. A facial slimming effect can also be achieved with this treatment.Â
Treatment Information
Treatment Preparation
Avoid any non-essential blood-thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications, and supplements for 1 week prior to treatment, including:
- Vitamins D, A and E.
- Fish, Flaxseed or Evening Primrose Oil.
- Magnesium or Ginkgo.
- Ibuprofen and Voltaren.
Do not consume alcohol within 48 hours of treatment.
Complete any regular exercise/scheduled classes PRIOR to your appointment as you must avoid exercise for 24 hours after treatment.
Patients on prescribed anti-coagulant medications such as Aspirin/Warfarin should continue as directed by their treating Doctor. Patients must be aware that this may increase the likelihood and severity of bruising.
Please arrive to your appointment with a clean face/neck, completely free of any make-up, sunscreen or skincare.Â
Please advise your clinician if you:Â
- Have an auto-immune disease.
- Have a severe metabolic or systemic disorder.
- Have an active systemic infection or illness.
- Are on anti-coagulation therapy (i.e.: Warfarin, Heparin, and Aspirin).
- Are taking aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g. gentamicin, tobramycin, streptomycin, neomycin, etc.) or Captopril.
- Have received a vaccination in the last 6 weeks.
What to Expect
Prior to your first treatment, our Nurse and Doctor will consult with you to assess your suitability and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. The treatment is performed in a clinical setting and takes no longer than a few minutes to complete.
Before the treatment, the area to be treated will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution and marked up. The treatment involves the medication being administered into various facial muscles using a very fine needle. The number of injections and the specific injection sites will depend on the area being treated and the desired results. The injections are mildly uncomfortable and may sting for a few seconds. Anaesthetic is generally not required.Â
You will be provided with specific aftercare instructions which you must follow carefully in order to ensure the best possible results from your anti-wrinkle treatment.
As the product takes effect on day 3-4, you may notice a gradual change or reduction in facial muscle movement. Full effect is seen at 2 weeks post-treatment.Â
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects of anti-wrinkle treatment are mild and temporary, and may include:
- Redness/Raised Bumps: Caused by needle injection, resolves quickly in 1 day or less.
- Pain/Discomfort: Very mild and usually resolves quickly within 1 day or less.
- Bruising: Less common, usually very minor and resolves in 1-2 weeks.
- Asymmetry: Occasionally seen as the treatment begins to work. Self-correcting and fully even at 2 weeks. Does not require premature intervention.
- Headache: Usually seen with first treatment only, resolves within 1 week.Â
- Stiffness/Heaviness: Temporary sensation usually occurring at the brow/forehead area. Resolves completely by weeks 2-3.
Treatment Aftercare
It is important to follow these aftercare instructions carefully to avoid possible complications and ensure the best possible results from your anti-wrinkle treatment.Â
First 24 Hours:Â
- Remain upright and do not lie down for 4 hours after treatment.Â
- Do not touch, rub, massage or manipulate the treated area.
- Do not apply make-up or skincare.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity. This can help to reduce the risk of bleeding, bruising, and swelling at the injection site.
- Avoid alcohol and blood thinning medications (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) as these substances can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site.
- Avoid exposure of the treated area to direct heat sources (E.g. Solarium or sauna).
- Sleep on your back for the next 1-2 nights.Â
First Week:
- Avoid harsh or abrasive facial treatments. (E.g. Microdermabrasion and scrubs).
- Avoid activities that apply excessive or prolonged pressure or rub the treated area, including:
-
- Face-down massages.
- Brow waxing/tattoo/threading.
- Wearing tight hats/swimming goggles/motorbike helmets.
-
- Use very gentle pressure when applying make-up and skincare.Â
For bruising: Apply topical Arnica or Hirudoid cream as needed.
For headache/discomfort: Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
Follow Up & Maintenance
A follow-up appointment is available at 2 weeks post treatment to review aesthetic outcome and make any adjustments as needed. Please note: Anti-wrinkle requires 2 weeks for full treatment effect to take place. Please wait until this mandatory 14 day period has elapsed. No follow-up appointments will take place prior to this unless advised by the treating practitioner.
The effects of your treatment are expected to last approximately 3-4 months. At approximately 2 months, the muscles will gradually start to return to their normal activity and you will begin to see the lines and wrinkles re-appear. Regular treatments at 3-4 month intervals are required to maintain results. Consistency provides better overall longevity and treatment outcomes.
It is important to note that individual results may vary and that the duration of the treatment can be affected by a number of factors, including the amount of product used, the specific area being treated, and the patient’s muscle activity and metabolism.Â
Who is Not Suitable
Treatment is contraindicated in individuals with the following:
- Patients currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Under 18 years of age.
- Patients with known allergies or hypersensitivity to Botulinum Toxin products and/or its ingredients.
- Certain neuromuscular disorders, such as Myasthenia Gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
- Patients with an active systemic or skin infection, inflammation at the injection site, or skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, cold sores, sunburn, eczema, psoriasis or a healing wound. These conditions can increase the risk of infection or complications.
- Recent facial surgery (such as a facelift or brow lift) may not be suitable candidates for treatment.
- Patients who have received a Whooping Cough or Tetanus vaccination in the last 6 weeks.
- Patients who have received a COVID-19 vaccination or booster in the last 2 weeks.
- Patients who have received previous treatment may not be suitable candidates for additional treatment, depending on specific circumstances.
- Patients with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinning medications may be at increased risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site.
It is important to discuss your medical history and any existing conditions with your healthcare provider before receiving treatment. This will help to ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Pair your treatment with…
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Experience the transformative results of our PDO mono threads, a minimally invasive treatment that can lift and tighten sagging skin, leaving you with a more youthful, radiant appearance.
Improve skin quality and texture, replenish dehydrated and dull skin, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, increase skin firmness and elasticity, and help to smooth fine lines and crepiness.
Are you ready to begin your journey to achieve youthful and radiant skin?
Schedule a consultation with our expert team and discover how our cosmetic injectables and skin treatments can help you achieve your skin aesthetic goals.
