Anti Wrinkle Injections

A little bit of history…

Currently, Australia has two brands of anti-wrinkle injections, both termed as a ‘toxin’ or “tox”. It is likely that a third brand will emerge in Australia next year. They are actually a purified protein that has been diluted many times so that the fraction you receive for treatment is not toxic to your body at all. Small amounts of the product are administered so that your body will easily break it down after a period of time when it has had its desired result.

The original brand of anti-wrinkle injections has been used for medical conditions like muscular sclerosis for over 60 years. Doctors then noticed its value in treating patients with overactive muscles. Then, through extensive research, it was found to be highly successful in treating children with cerebral palsy.

The toxin’s cosmetic use was discovered by Ophthalmologist Dr Jean Carruthers in 1987, when she used the product to treat eye muscle spasms and saw that crow’s feet around the eyes also improved significantly. She spoke to her husband, a Dermatologist, about her observations and he decided to investigate further by trying it on his receptionist. Hence the first “tox” anti-ageing treatments were born.

How It Works…

Anti wrinkle injections block the chemical signal that the brain sends to the muscle telling the muscle to contract. This means that when the brain says ‘squint, it’s sunny’, the muscles are saying ‘I can’t hear you’. In effect the treatment relaxes and lifts the muscle, softening the look of lines and giving a tighter, smoother appearance.

It generally takes 3 to 10 days after the treatment for the maximum to develop fully and re-treatment should not occur within that period. The effect generally lasts 3 to 4 months, although with regular treatments it may be possible to reduce the dosage. The treatment may be less effective for people over 60 due to poorer muscle tone.

About The Treatment…

The most common treatment areas for wrinkle reduction are crow’s feet (lines around the outer eyes), glabella (between the eyes) and the forehead. Other areas including ‘bunny lines’ (lines on the nose), jaw-line, chin and neck may also be treated and at Australian Skin Clinics, we have experienced practitioners who treat even the most complex areas. Muscle relaxants can even be used to treat excessive sweating and jaw grinding.

Following treatment, a review appointment is advised to assess the effectiveness of the dosage given. Although side effects are very rare, patients may experience drooping (ptosis) of the eyelids or eyebrows. This is temporary and may last a few weeks, but will resolve once the effects of the treatment wear off. Being treated by an experienced practitioner will reduce your risks of side effects.

The aim of anti-wrinkle injections is to give a natural result to help patients look their best for their age and to assist in preventing further lines emerging. It is not an exact science and a competent injector will always err on the side of caution for the first treatment – it is easy to add extra “tox” but we cannot remove over-treatment.

The Myths…

“I won’t have any facial expression”

This only happens if too much of the product is used. A skilled, experienced practitioner knows how to use small, correctly placed doses to create a natural softening of unwanted lines without compromising facial expression. Our doctors and nurses are fully trained and qualified in expertly administering the product.

“Muscle Relaxants will poison my body”

As we mentioned earlier, muscle relaxants have been used medically for decades for medical disorders including migraines, spastic limbs, cerebral palsy, hand tremors, tic disorders and excessive sweating, and have been used cosmetically since 1987. The product is extensively researched by the manufacturer and is safe. The quantity used in cosmetic treatments is also minute so it is not dangerous to your health.

“I’m afraid it will hurt”

The treatment involves a few tiny injections using a very fine needle which some describe as feeling like a small pin-prick or sting. Only the very tip of the needle actually penetrates the muscle so it’s not like having a vaccine or other injection where the needle goes deeper into the body. No anaesthesia or numbing is required and the treatment is very quick.

Pre-Treatment

• Medications and supplements designed to increase blood flow may increase your risk of bruising, as will alcohol.
• Do not take blood thinning medications such as Aspirin and Nurofen for 3 – 4 days prior to treatment.
• Avoid herbal or vitamin supplements for 7 days prior.

Post-Treatment

• Maximise facial activity for half an hour after treatment (facial gestures such as frowning, raising your eyebrows and squinting). This will attract the muscle relaxant to the tissue receptors.
• Do not have facial treatments, rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours after your injectables. You may cleanse gently with cotton wool.
• Avoid lying face down for 4 hours.
• Do not undertake strenuous exercise on the day of treatment.
• Some clients experience a mild headache after anti-wrinkle injections. If this occurs, take Paracetamol as needed, but avoid Aspirin, Nurofen, Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication which could increase the risk of bruising.