Anti-wrinkle injections are among Australia's most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Increasingly, people at all stages of life are seeking out this wonder treatment to revitalise their skin.
If you've ever noticed lines around your eyes, mouth or neck, you might have thought about anti-wrinkle injections. Maybe you've thought about getting anti-wrinkle injections as a way of preventing wrinkles in the future. But how do you know if they are right for you?
We've compiled this handy guide to help inform you about anti-wrinkle injections. Read on for all the answers to your questions.
The Victorian Dermal Group team are devoted to helping you nurture your skin and undo signs of ageing. Find out more about our anti-wrinkle injections.
What are anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections are injections that use botulinum toxin type A to induce relaxation in specific muscles. This toxin is a protein derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacterium, which blocks signals from nerves and prevents skin from contracting and creating wrinkles.
Anti-wrinkle injections are used for treating:
- Expression lines - surprise and frown forehead lines
- Crow's feet
- Lines crowning the nose
- Lines in and around the throat
- Lipstick or smoker's lines
- Chin dimples
- Square jawlines
- Gummy smile
What effect do anti-wrinkle injections achieve?
When done correctly, anti-wrinkle injections revitalise your skin's appearance so you'll look healthier, more refreshed, and well-rested. Your fine lines and wrinkles will be softened, lending you a more youthful appearance.
How long does it take for anti-wrinkle injections to work?
It takes between 5 and 12 days for the effect to become visible, with the peak of the effect occurring at around the 3-4 week mark.
Are anti-wrinkle injections considered safe?
Anti-wrinkle injections are widely used and studies have established that they are overwhelmingly safe. When administered by qualified medical professionals, they will have minimal side effects on patients. Side effects can include:
- Localised pain in the injection site
- Temporary skin reddening and discolouration
- Adjacent muscle compensation
- Bruising
- Swelling
These side effects occur in some patients but quickly resolve. In very rare cases, the toxin can migrate from the injection site and cause more serious side effects, including issues with swallowing and speaking due to muscle weakness. However, this is exceedingly rare and associated with larger doses of the toxin, which are used for treating serious medical spasticity, and not for cosmetic purposes.
How long does the treatment take?
This depends on how many units are being injected. Each injection takes about 2-5 minutes per area. A typical timeframe for a treatment is 30-60 minutes, which also includes a medical assessment. However, if you are a return client the treatment can be as quick as 15 minutes.
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?
Anti-wrinkle products are minuscule proteins that in time are broken by enzymes in the body. This is a natural process that occurs over time. Usually, results will last around 3-4 months, though they can persist for up to 12 months in certain cases. If you'd like to discover how to extend the effects, contact us to speak with a friendly expert.
Do I need to keep receiving anti-wrinkle injections?
If you don't want to continue, your face and muscles will return to their natural state after the botulinum toxin breaks down. If you'd like to maintain the youthful look of anti-wrinkle injections, we recommend treating the area approximately every 12 weeks.
How much do anti-wrinkle injections cost?
This depends on how much is injected. The number of units depends on how active the muscles are in the injection site.
What people benefit most from anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections can benefit anybody experiencing visible ageing. Treatments are available from the very first signs of ageing:
- For those in their 20s, the first signs of ageing are faint lines across your forehead, as well as skin sagging about the chin and eyes.
- Telltale signs of ageing in your 30s are less radiance and more tiredness in the face. Crow's feet may appear at the edges of your eyes, particularly if you've experienced sun damage. The "11s" — the two lines between our eyebrows — can become more prominent.
- The 40s see deeper smiles lines around the lips, crow's feet and visible forehead wrinkles.
- Your 50s and 60s entail deep wrinkle formation setting in across the face, chin and neck.
Increasingly, anti-wrinkle injections are also regarded as an effective method for preventing deeper and more noticeable wrinkling later in life. Fewer injections are required for younger people and the results are often spectacular.
Are anti-wrinkle injections painful?
Anti-wrinkle injections use very fine needles — many clients describe the feeling as a slight sting that is over before you know it.
Should I receive anti-wrinkle injections if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Anti-wrinkle injections are entirely safe, but clinical studies cannot be ethically conducted with pregnant or breastfeeding women. For this reason, Victorian Dermal Group advises against anti-wrinkle injections until after the birth of your baby, when you are no longer breastfeeding.
What is the difference between dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections?
Dermal fillers plump up skin that has lost its tautness from collagen reduction and adds volume to sunken areas, whereas anti-wrinkle injections stop muscles contracting to display wrinkles.
Can I consume alcohol after anti-wrinkle injections?
You can consume alcohol following anti-wrinkle injections, although it does increase the likelihood of bruising. We recommend waiting at least until the next day. Beyond that, moderate drinking remains important in protecting your health and your skin.
How can I best prepare for an anti-wrinkle injection?
- Verify that the practitioner is a certified and qualified medical professional.
- Book a consultation prior to receiving an anti-wrinkle injection.
- Request a plan for treatment to discuss what you need, costs and how often you want to return.
- Mull your decision for a few days before you book an appointment.
