20 Jul Everything You Need to Know about Anti Wrinkle Injectables
Anti wrinkle treatments are some of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures on the market right now.
These cosmetic injectables fight the visible signs of ageing through the targeted treatment of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, between the brows, and on the forehead and neck muscles.
But how much do you know about injectables and are they right for you?
In this blog, we’ll answer all of your burning questions about anti wrinkle procedures, from benefits and effects, to safety and eligibility.
What Are Anti Wrinkle Injections?
Anti wrinkle injections (known professionally as neuromodulators) are a cosmetic treatment used to reduce muscle activity, and in turn, reduce the appearance of expression lines.
They contain a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, which temporarily paralyses muscles responsible for causing facial creases like forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines (wrinkles on the nose), and chin dimpling.
A fine needle of small, controlled doses is injected into facial muscles, blocking signals from the nerves that cause muscle contractions. The skin above the muscles then starts to smooth out, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and revealing a more youthful complexion.
Types of Anti Wrinkle Injections
Three main brands of botulinum toxin are TGA-approved and registered for cosmetic use in Australia:
- Botox: The anti wrinkle injections vs Botox debate ends here as they are essentially the same thing. Made by Allergan, Botox is the brand name for botulinum toxin type A and is the most recognised injectables brand in the world.
- Dysport: Produced by Ipsen, Dysport injections diffuse more widely, which can be useful for treating larger areas.
- Xeomin: Produced by Merz Pharmaceuticals, it contains a “naked” form of the toxin and has the potential to reduce the risk of developing resistance over time.
All of these brands offer the same types of treatment options – injections for neck wrinkles, injections for under eye wrinkles, forehead anti wrinkle injections, crow’s feet anti wrinkle injections, and frown line injections.
They can also help define the jawline and relax the jaw muscles that cause teeth grinding. This can prevent discomfort and dental issues.
Are Anti Wrinkle Injections Safe?
When administered by a qualified and experienced clinician, cosmetic anti wrinkle injections are generally considered safe.
However, like any medical procedure, they can come with risks. Potential side effects can include:
- Bruising, redness or swelling at the injection site.
- Pain or tenderness at the injection site.
- Mild headaches.
Occasionally, drooping eyelids or eyebrows can happen if the toxin spreads to other muscles. This usually resolves itself within a few weeks. In even rarer cases, temporary muscle weakness near the injection area can occur.
Patients who are allergy-prone or have underlying health conditions should check they aren’t allergic to the botulinum toxin before proceeding with the procedure. Anaphylaxis is extremely rare but the symptoms of an itchy rash, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing can be dangerous.
What Are the Benefits of Anti Wrinkle Injections?
An anti wrinkle injection has many advantages.
You can use it to focus on the most common anti wrinkle injection areas to prevent the formation of fine lines, or you can use it to soften and smooth the wrinkles you already have.
These days, anti ageing injections deliver natural-looking results, and not the “frozen” appearance many have come to expect. Improvements can be seen within a few days, with full effects visible in two weeks. If for some reason you’re not happy with the results, you can stop and your skin will gradually return to its pre-treatment state.
Many people like the fact that the procedure is non-surgical too (no incisions or anesthetics needed) and usually takes just 10 to 15 minutes. This minimal downtime means patients can resume normal activities right away.
In addition to its cosmetic benefits and boosting a patient’s confidence, anti wrinkle skin treatments can also be used for medical conditions like chronic migraines, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), and muscle spasticity.
How Long Do Anti Ageing Injectables Last?
On average, the duration of effects from anti ageing treatments lasts between 3 to 4 months.
However, this can vary depending on dosage, the area treated, frequency of the area treated, muscle activity, metabolism, age, skin condition and lifestyle factors like sun exposure and smoking.
Maintenance has to be considered too. To maintain optimal results, regular follow-up treatments and touch-ups are recommended to sustain the desired appearance.
Who Is Eligible for an Anti Wrinkle Treatment?
Adults over the age of 18 who want to treat fine lines qualify for anti wrinkle procedures. Although there is no upper age limit, injections may be less effective on advanced, deep wrinkles.
A thorough consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before starting any treatment. This should cover medical history, current health status, and goals to ensure the procedure is appropriate.
Potential patients should be in good overall health and have skin that is free from infection or inflammation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with neuromuscular disorders, and those with allergies to botulinum toxin should avoid these treatments. Realistic expectations and a commitment to aftercare are crucial for achieving satisfactory results.