Procedure Spotlight
Anti-wrinkle injections (Neuro modulators) help relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles by blocking the nerve impulses that trigger their contractions. Therefore, they can give the face a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.
The most common areas to treat with anti-wrinkle injections are:
- Frown lines
- Forehead wrinkles
- Crows feet wrinkles around the eye area.
Over the course of ongoing anti-wrinkle injections, the muscles can be retrained and relax for longer periods of time meaning an increased interval between anti-wrinkle injections.
Anti-wrinkle injections are administered by Dr Safvat (not a nurse) in a few tiny injections with extremely fine needles. They create a refreshed look and can also be used to produce a moderate brow lift.
Technique
Anti-Wrinkle Injections cause minimal to no discomfort and are usually well-tolerated but Ice packs and anaesthetic creams are available to minimise the discomfort from the procedure.
It is important to remember that injectable treatments are medical procedures not simply beauty products, therefore Ethique Plastic Surgery ensures new patients have the opportunity to have a facial analysis performed by Dr Safvat before appropriate treatments are recommended, discussed and performed. Risks and benefits of treatment are also explained in your consultation at our Miranda, Bowral or Concord clinics.
The effect of the treatment becomes apparent after 3 to 4 days but full results may take up to 2 weeks. For the first couple of sessions, Anti-wrinkle injections usually last around 3-4 months but after regular treatments it can last longer due to retraining of the muscles treated.
Recovery
Normal activities can be resumed immediately after treatment. However, strenuous exercise should be avoided for 24 hours after treatment. Avoid putting any pressure on the treated area for 24-48 hours and do not massage the area of injection for at least 4 hours.
Overall, the product has a very safe and proven track record. There are very few side effects and if they do occur, they are usually minor and related to the injection site. There may be some slight local redness and swelling at the injection site but this usually settles very quickly. As with any injection occasionally a small bruise may occur and if it does it will heal within a few days and can be covered with makeup if necessary.
Overall, the product has a very safe and proven track record. There are very few side effects and if they do occur, they are usually minor and related to the injection site.
Preparation
It is best to have a clean face with preferably no makeup when you come to your appointment. Anti-Wrinkle Injections are not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women or for those intending to become pregnant or breast feed.
There are some medications that can interfere with the way anti-wrinkle injections work, therefore it is important to discuss any medications that you are taking with Dr Safvat during consultation, including over the counter and herbal medications.
Complications
Anti-Wrinkle injections are a generally safe and effective non-surgical method of facial rejuvenation when administered by the right practitioner. Plastic surgeons are recommended for administering anti-wrinkle injections because of their detailed and comprehensive knowledge of facial muscles and nerves. Dr Safvat himself will administer anti-wrinkle injections in our practice.
However, as with any sort of medical treatment there are some potential, although rare, side effects:
- There may be some slight local redness and swelling at the injection site but this usually settles very quickly.
- As with any injection occasionally some bruising may occur. If you get bruising, it will heal within a few days and can be covered with makeup if necessary.
- The effects are usually seen within 2-3 days, however in some cases it can take up to 21 days to show full effect.
- Infection ( is quite rare).
- You may experience a headache after the treatment, this is usually controlled with over-the-counter pain medications and subsides within 24 hours.
- Muscle weakness and eye symptoms may occur including swelling, dryness, watering, eyestrain and visual disturbances. All should be temporary and subside within a few days.
- Reactions to the injection are possible, however usually mild. Possible reactions include discomfort, burning, redness and bruising.
- Local muscle weakness – usually temporary.
- There is the Possibility of drooping of eyelids or eyebrows but this is usually temporary.
- Swelling of eyelids is possible but usually subsides within a few days.
Dr Safvat will discuss the potential complications and side effects with you during the consultation prior to administering the injections.
Cost
Pricing is per unit used and unit sizes vary depending on the brand of anti-wrinkle injectable used. Each patient varies in how many units they need for a particular area, therefore a customised plan will be formulated during consultation with Dr Safvat and pricing will be given prior to any injections taking place. As patients need different numbers of units, you will only be charged per unit you need, not per area. Men usually require more units of anti-wrinkle injection than women.
Frequently asked questions
Why do we get wrinkles?
Repetitive movement of facial muscles is one of the causes of lines and wrinkles. Over time, this results in folds and wrinkles that gradually get deeper and more noticeable as we age.
How long before I see the results of Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
It usually takes 2-3 days to start seeing weakness in the muscles that cause the wrinkles and lines but it would take longer for the lines to go away especially if they are long standing and deep. Sometimes you need multiple injections before you see softening or resolutions of the wrinkles/lines.
How long do the results of anti-wrinkle injections last?
Initially, the results of anti-wrinkle injections last around 3-4 months. However, with continued injections, most patients find that the results can last up to 6 months.
Are anti-wrinkle injections painful?
Anti-wrinkle treatments are administered using a very fine needle and take minimal time, depending on how many areas are to be treated. There is minimal pain involved, although some patients prefer to apply an anaesthetic cream prior to having the anti-wrinkle injections to alleviate any pain they may feel. Ice packs are also available if preferred.
What happens if I discontinue ongoing treatment?
Your muscle activity will gradually return and your wrinkles will slowly reappear. You wrinkles will not be worse than your pre-treatment state.
What are anti-wrinkle injections useful for:
Most commonly, anti-wrinkle injections are used for:
- frown lines
- forehead lines
- browlift
- crows feet
- upper lip lines
They can also be used for:
- Blepharospasm (twitching eye)
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Excessive sweating
Dr André Safvat – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Renowned for his dedication to his patients, his attention to detail and impeccable outcomes, Dr Safvat’s unparalleled expertise is reflected in the quality, professionalism and dedication of every member of our team.
