Cosmetic Injectables – The Low Down

Wrinkles and volume loss are a natural part of the ageing process – our skin gets thinner and our body decreases its production of natural collagen and elastin. You can prevent and reduce the effect of wrinkles with cosmetic injectables.

Anti Wrinkle Injections

Every time our facial muscles move (when we speak, make facial expressions etc) our skin moves too. This is called ‘dynamic movement’ and produces dynamic wrinkles. Overtime, dynamic wrinkles turn into ‘static lines’. Meaning  ….they are permanently etched into our skin.

Anti-wrinkle injections (we are unable to advertise the specific drug names in Australia) work to prevent the formation of static wrinkles by stopping the signal between the nerve and muscle (temporarily causing the muscle to relax). The decreased movement in the muscle places less stress on the skin, helping maintain a fresh and youthful appearance. This treatment is very effective when used as a preventative measure. Anti-wrinkle injections are made from a purified protein.

Some deeper wrinkles can be treated with dermal fillers (see below) which replace the volume that has been lost under the skin.

Over time, our skin’s natural ability to protect itself reduces. Muscle contractions and movement leave their mark. Anti wrinkle injections can be an effective treatment to help reduce and prevent wrinkle formation.

Typical areas treated:-

• Crows Feet
• Frown Lines
• Forehead Lines
• Bunny (nose) Lines
• Gummy Smile
• Masseter / Jaw muscle (teeth grinding) see here for more info on non-cosmetic treatments.
• Headaches
• Hyperhydrosis (excessive underarm sweating)

A very fine needle is used to inject the muscle relaxant into selected facial muscles. Discomfort is minimal and brief. Most people describe it as an ant-bite sting lasting a few seconds. The treated area may appear to have small ‘mosquito bites’ for a few minutes after the injections. This is completely normal and is due to the fluid sitting just under the skins surface (for a few minutes until is is absorbed into the muscle). The wrinkle-smoothing effects of the injection on average lasts for 3-4 months.

It is pretty much uncommon to be allergic to Botox. However if the product is placed OR migrates to the wrong area it can cause an unwanted effect. Following the correct aftercare and being treated by an experienced injector will almost completely prevent this from happening.

Fillers

As we age, we start to lose volume in certain areas of the face which can make us look tired and sunken. This is caused by;-

• A decrease in adipose tissue under the skins surface.
• The body’s decreased ability to produce collagen and elastin.

Unlike wrinkles which require muscle relaxants to soften them, facial volume and folds require a dermal filler to help re-volumise and hydrate the area.

Dermal fillers are made from a natural sugar already present in the human body called hyaluronic acid (HA) . They can replicate the function of this naturally occurring substance and can restore fullness and volume in numerous facial areas.

There are different types of filler ranging from ‘thicker / denser’ filler that has a higher lift capacity and can mimic bone structure and replenish larger areas of volume loss. Then there are ‘thinner filler’s’ that is better at mimicing softer tissue (such as lips). The longevity of a hyaluronic acid filler is determined by the amount of cross-linking of the gel molecules. The more cross-linked the product the ‘firmer’ it can be and longer it will last. Typically Dermal Filler product longevity will range from 6 – 24 months.

Typical areas treated with Filler

• Mid face (eg cheek area, under the eyes, nasolabial folds etc).
• Lower face (eg smile lines, chin, corners of mouth, marionettes etc).
• Lips (volume can be restored, lips can be hydrated or enhanced).

Results from dermal fillers are almost instant and generally last from 6 to 24 months -depending on the product used.

Bruising and slight swelling are possible (temporary) side effects from dermal filler injections. Certain areas are considered ‘higher risk’ for filler and carry an increased chance of more serious complications. This includes the nose, temples and frown area.

It is possible to achieve natural looking results with both anti wrinkle and dermal filler injections.

Finding an Experienced and Qualified Cosmetic Injector

Its important to always confirm the qualifications and experience of a cosmetic injector. Having a face-to-face consultation with them before undergoing any treatment is important to ensure you feel comfortable with them.

What to consider:-

• Are they a cosmetically trained Registered Nurse or Doctor?
• How often do they perform cosmetic injectable treatments?
• Are they qualified? – and NO a one or two day course does NOT mean they are qualified or experienced enough to be treating you!
• Do they have a good sense of austhetics?
• Is the clinic reputable?
• Is there an experienced prescribing doctor associated with the clinic?
• Do they offer complimentary consultations?

Although a Doctor, Dentist or Nurse may consider themselves capable of performing cosmetic injections -if they have not undertaken extensive training specifically in cosmetic injections and aesthetics, then they should not be treating.

For more information OR to book a complimentary consultation see here

Other:-

No studies have been performed on the safety of treating pregnant or breastfeeding women with dermal filler or muscle relaxants. SO it is NOT recommended.

Victoria Isherwood 🙂