Frequently Asked Questions

Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription medication with a strong evidence base for temporary improvement in the look of frown lines between the eyebrows and around the eyes. There are two commercial formulations of Anti-Wrinkle Injections available in Australia, Dysport and Botox

Muscles contract when nerve stimulation causes release of a chemical into the Neuromuscular Junction (junction between nerve and muscle). This chemical (Acetylcholine) binds to receptors on muscle cells and causes contraction, which in turn produces dynamic lines or wrinkles. Anti-Wrinkle injections introduce an agent which reversibly prevents release of Acetylcholine and prevents repetitive contraction of local muscles, thereby reducing wrinkle formation.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections are a preventative treatment for wrinkles, working by preventing repetitive folding of skin. Evidence has shown that Anti-Wrinkle Injections are the only treatment available that prevents dynamic lines also called wrinkles.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections are not a muscle tightening treatment. They may make existing deep wrinkles less noticeable, however do not remove them. In this case, a combination filler may be very successful. Anti-Wrinkle Injections do not plump the lips or work as a face lift. Anti-Wrinkle Injections are used as preventative treatment for dynamic lines and are therefore worth considering earlier rather than later.

Anecdotal evidence shows that Anti-Wrinkle injections work to decrease the incidence of tension headaches and migraines. Medical studies are ongoing to further investigate this therapeutic action, and most likely this procedure will become a common treatment for chronic headache sufferers in the near future. If Anti-Wrinkle injections work for your headache, yet another good reason to utilise this medication.

Dermal Fillers are primarily a solution of normally occurring physiological hyaluronic acid which is placed just under the skin. These fillers are used to accentuate facial anatomy that atrophies during the normal ageing process.
Dermal Fillers are widely used in cheeks, lips and nasal lines to remove wrinkles and restore skin tone and turgor that changes with age.

Normally occurring physiological hyaluronic acid is placed just under the skin. Dermal Fillers are widely used in cheeks, lips and nasal lines to remove wrinkles and restore skin tone and turgor that changes with age.

Dermal Filler products are long lasting but not permanent.
Clinical trials and practitioner experience demonstrates that the duration of dermal filler increases the more frequently you repeat your treatment.
Most patients choose to have follow-up treatments 6 to 12 months after an initial treatment. Lips are generally retreated after approximately 6 months. Further treatment within 2 to 4 weeks after the initial treatment may be necessary to achieve an optimal correction.

These fillers are used to accentuate facial anatomy that atrophies during the normal ageing process. Dermal Fillers are widely used in cheeks, lips and nasal lines to remove wrinkles and restore skin tone and turgor that changes with age.

Dermal Fillers are incredibly versatile modern cosmetic products that allow skin hydration, volume replacement and reversible contour sculpting to provide youthful facial features. There are some regions in the face and elsewhere that may benefit from a combination of cosmetic products or alternative approaches. Your Cosmetic Physician will discuss these options with you in depth if they are required.

Immediately after treatment, there may be a slight redness, swelling, tenderness or an itching sensation in the treated area. This is a normal result of the injection and generally disappears in a few days.
The initial swelling after a lip treatment may last longer. If symptoms persist or other reactions occur please contact your physician.

Where possible, please use the 3C’s of post-treatment outlined below, as well as any other instructions given by your physician.

COOL

• Apply a cool compress for 10 minutes every hour on the day of treatment (do not apply ice directly on your skin)
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Do not expose the area to intense heat (e.g. solarium or sauna).

CALM

• Avoid pressure on treated areas for the first few nights (sleep on back if possible)
• Pain relief such as paracetamol may be taken if needed
• Consider a topical treatment such as Recover Cream to reduce bruising

CLEAR

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
• Do not use AHA, Retinols/Vitamin C therapy or oil based make-up for 24 hours
• Avoid facials, facial waxing, Glycolic or AHA peels, IPL or energy based treatments and microdermabrasion for two weeks after treatment. Please check with your physician before undergoing other facial treatments within this time
• Do not massage the treated area unless instructed by your physician
• There is a small chance that a treatment may induce an outbreak of facial cold sores in patients with a previous history

There is a small chance that a treatment may induce migraines. Pain relief such as paracetamol may be taken if needed. If symptoms persist please contact your physician.