CPCA-certified doctors
are highly qualified,
experienced and ethical
practitioners.
Anti Wrinkle Injections
The primary use of anti-wrinkle injections is to reduce lines and wrinkles associated with facial expression or ‘dynamic lines’.
These injections work by interrupting the communication from nerves to muscles and thus prevent the muscle from contracting. This reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Anti-wrinkle injections generally take several days to take effect but it may be as long as ten days to see a maximum result. The effects typically last three to four months before a further treatment may be required.
Anti-wrinkle injections are often used for the reduction in wrinkles and lines that occur with frowning, smiling (crows feet) and those that effect the forehead. They can also be used to correct a ‘gummy smile’, ‘smoker’s lines’ and downturned corners of the mouth.
Other uses include the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), defining the jawline and the treatment of tooth grinding and overactive jaw muscles.
Several different brands are available for use in Australia and whilst the dosage may vary between them, their effects are the same and they can be used interchangeably. The onset of action as well as the duration of the effect is similar between the brands.
There is no set ‘recipe’ or ‘formula’ for anti-wrinkle injections. Every individual is unique; some individuals have a strong frown whilst in others it is weaker. Crows feet may be a problem area for one person whereas forehead lines may be the issue in another. Males and females usually require different doses. The dose used as well as the points treated needs to be customized for every patient. To be able to achieve the best results requires a thorough medical history as well as a physical examination to assess a person’s particular facial expression and muscle movements in order to give a natural result.
Possible side effects may include bruising at the site of injection or the weakening of an unintended muscle which may result in facial asymmetry eg. when smiling, or a drooping eyelid (ptosis). These complications are not permanent and resolve spontaneously.
A CPCA doctor has the training and experience to be able to make this assessment and prescribe the treatment most likely to deliver the desired results.
“Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers are prescription items in Australia. They must by law be prescribed by a doctor to a particular person for a specific treatment. For your safety, the CPCA advises that you ensure that you have a face-to-face consultation with a doctor appropriately trained in cosmetic medicine such as a CPCA member. The doctor may elect to delegate the treatment to an appropriately trained nurse working under their supervision. Only a doctor is authorised to prescribe these products.”