Our facial expressions are part of who we are; however, as we age our faces don't always convey what we want them to. Sometimes we may start to look cranky, tired or sad, even when we don't feel that way.
Our Facial muscles contract when we make facial expressions. As we start to age, the combination of constant contraction of certain muscles combined with the ageing process (loss of collagen, lifestyle factors etc) causes lines and wrinkles that stay, even when we aren't making any expressions. These wrinkles are known as 'static lines'.
The areas most commonly associated with static lines from muscle contraction are the glabella region (aka frown lines, elevens), Frontalis region (forehead lines) and Lateral Canthal Lines (aka Crows Feet, smile lines).
In Australia, regulatory guidelines prohibit Aesthetic Practitioners from stating brand names or advertise medications. This information is purely for educational purposes with the intent to inform you, as a consumer, about treatments, risks and side effects.
Wrinkle reducing treatments, commonly referred to as anti wrinkle injections,
performed by Registered Nurses or Doctors involve injecting a medication into desired muscle to will limit contraction, thereby preventing formation or further wrinkling to the treated area.
These treatments are medical procedures and informed consent, education and a thorough consultation with a Registered Nurse/Doctor is needed prior to treatment.
Wrinkle reducing procedures will start to work usually within a few days post treatment. You will notice less contraction to the treated muscles, which will continue to soften over the coming weeks. Two weeks post treatment is the maximum onset of action.
Gradually you will start to see more contraction of the muscles over the following 3-4 months, with re treatment generally being at the 3-4 month mark.
It is important to note that every person is different. Depending on lifestyle factors, product doage and individual metabolism, people may find they will get quicker return of muscle contraction moreso than others.
Wrinkle reducing treatments have been around for a long time and are generally considered quite a safe treatment.
As with all medical procedures, there are some risks and side effects that can occur
Common side effects
Short term Headache
Localised bruising/redness
Uncommon side effects
Heaviness to the brows
Visible eyelid or eyebrow ptosis
Infection
Allergic reaction
Your Cosmetic Injector should give you full open disclosure and informed consent regarding these treatments & all risks or side effects should be discussed with you prior to treatment
Due to the limited research and unethical nature of research in this area, these treatments are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Other treatment options to help with fine lines and wrinkles that are considered safe for pregnant/breastfeeding women are some forms of Collagen Induction Therapy, such as skin needling (with nil topical numbing).
This can be a tricky question to answer, as pain is so subjective and each individual is SO different. A small needle is used for injections and is often described as a small 'sting' or 'pinch'. The treatment is over and done with very quickly, however, and numbing cream isn't generally needed. If you are worried about the pain side of things feel free to reach out with any further questions.
BEFORE:
Avoid using any strong prescription topical actives (ie. tretinoin) the night before treatment.
If you are taking any fish oil or other vitamins that cause blood thinning it is best to stop these for at least a few days prior to treatment to reduce risk of bleeding and bruising (unless prescribed by a Dr and unable to stop for medical reasons)
Avoid Ibuprofen prior to treatment (blood thinner)
POST TREATMENT:
Avoid sun exposure
Avoid wearing tight fitting hats/helmets if treating upper face
Avoid any massaging/pressure on the treated areas
Do not lie flat for 4 hours post treatment
Avoid brow waxes/facials for approx 1 week post procedure
Avoid excessive sweating within the first 24hours
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