Your anti-wrinkle treatment guide:

The treatment:

An anti-wrinkle treatment is a popular and transformative non-surgical procedure that reduces the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles. When the highly purified protein is strategically injected into the contracting muscles that form the expression lines, nerve signals are temporarily blocked, leaving you with a refreshed, smoother appearance.

The treatment can also be administered for other medical conditions, including excessive sweating, migraines, and muscle spasms.

Though the injectable protein is TGA-approved and generally safe, rare but significant side effects can occur, such as allergic reactions or unforeseen muscle weakness. For these reasons, I follow stringent protocols to minimise risks, set realistic expectations, and customise a treatment plan that aims to deliver a quality outcome.

Why is a consultation essential?

• Context-informed care is important because it yields optimal results and deep trust in my applications. Therefore, the treatment includes a consultation, during which I will discuss your medical history, cosmetic goals, and realistic outcomes to ensure your needs are met.
• Each treatment is performed in a purpose-built treatment room that offers privacy and comfort.
• There is no age limit, nor a specific age, to commence treatment. However, most of my patients started their anti-wrinkle treatment in their late twenties or early thirties.
• Every treatment carries risks, which I will also raise during the assessment.

How long does the procedure take?   

• The procedure takes about 15 minutes with little to no downtime, so you can feel reassured that your normal activities can resume quickly and comfortably, reducing any apprehension about the treatment.
• The treatment usually lasts 12 to 16 weeks, with the effects gradually decreasing over time, depending on the specific area where the purified protein was injected.
• You will typically enjoy the initial benefits of the treatment within 4–5 days, and the full effect will peak around 4 weeks.
• Regular treatments may also extend their effectiveness over a longer period.

Is the injectable product safe?

• Firstly, the treatments comply with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines, which test, approve, and monitor the prescribed products and devices used. 

How can the risks be minimised? 

• Minimising complications relies heavily on my training, experience, and techniques as a certified injector, as well as the sanitary environment I provide and your commitment to maintaining a strict aftercare regimen. 
• Your age and metabolic health, along with accurate muscle mapping, dilution ratios, and the overall integrity of the treatment, will also help reduce any risk.

Some side effects may include:

• A reaction at the injection site, which typically manifests as minor bruising, swelling or bleeding.
• A slight burning, itching, or stinging sensation; skin tightness; headaches; nausea; flu-like symptoms; or local muscle weakness that could cause drooping of the eyebrows or eyelids.
• Reviewing your medical history, overall well-being, and the effectiveness of past treatments will help determine the likelihood of side effects. If you encounter persistent swelling, unusual pain, or signs of infection, contact me promptly for guidance and reassurance.

Maintaining natural facial movement:

• It is important to maintain your natural facial expressions, such as raising your eyebrows or smiling. I will evaluate your facial symmetry and muscle contractions to adjust the dosage ratios, ensuring your expressions remain natural and expressive.
• My conservative approach will also prevent the over-injection of treatment areas.
•  Remember: It is safer for you to return for a “top-up” than to leave with a complication or frozen expression from having excess product administered. Common examples of incorrect dosing include a droopy eyelid or a raised eyebrow that is disproportionate or asymmetrical relative to the surrounding areas of the face.

Ongoing Treatments:

• For ongoing results, you should continue follow-up treatments every three to four months to help prevent the formation of new lines. This approach supports long-term anti-aging benefits, though the process may vary from person to person.

Preparing for the treatment:

• To ensure you are fully prepared for the procedure, avoid taking muscle relaxants, sleeping tablets, blood thinners, and allergy medications three days before treatment.
• Following the procedure, you will be advised not to massage or rub the treated area for the next 24 hours to prevent the protein from spreading to other areas of the face.
• Avoid supplements, anti-inflammatories, or prescribed medications, which could increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, or tenderness at the injection sites.
• You should also stay away from prolonged sun or heat exposure, including saunas, facials, chemical peels and other facial treatments, for up to two weeks after your treatment.
• Temporarily cease strenuous exercise or drinking alcohol before and immediately after your treatment.
• You should remain upright for the first 6 hours after your treatment and avoid sleeping on your stomach during the first night.
• To minimise the risk of infection, you should not reapply your makeup for several hours after your treatment.

Some Light Reading: 

Punga, A. R., Alimohammadi, A., & Liik, M. (2023). The influence of repeated frowning and smiling on corrugator muscle activity and wrinkles between eyebrows. Scientific Reports, 8, Pages 169-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnp.2023.05.005.