There are few lunchtime procedures as effective, youth-enhancing and morale boosting as a quick shot of an anti-wrinkle injection. Who would think that a few tiny injections, performed relatively painlessly (after a touch of anaesthetic cream) could make such a difference? But it most certainly does. Wrinkles smooth, eyes widened, brows lift, signs of tension disappear and you are left looking rested, rejuvenated, and with smoother skin. And yes – a touch younger!
Although on the market for over 20 years now, anti-wrinkle injections are still a favourite amongst Melbourne women. In fact, even men are now turning to the procedure. For those that have still not discovered this age defying favourite, here’s a bit more info on how it works and what you can expect.
Anti-wrinkle injections
Whenever we make any facial expressions such as smiling, squinting, laughing, frowning – even thinking – our muscles contract. This continual contraction forces our skin to crease or fold. The more we make these expressions, the less chance the skin has of repairing, causing the formation of more permanent lines in the skin.
Using a powerful but harmless muscle relaxant (neurotoxin) known commercially by a small handful of brand names, your practitioner carefully injects particular muscles of the face and neck. It is important to choose a skilled practitioner so that ideal results are received. An extremely fine needle is used – in fact, the finest needle that’s available today. This results in particular muscles relaxing and losing the ability to contract. Consequently, the skin appears smoother and younger-looking. The relaxation of these muscles has an added benefit: the skin has time to heal from the damage caused by continual contractions, giving the chance for wrinkled skin to repair.
Sometimes, when a skilled practitioner performs anti wrinkle injections, particular muscles are deliberately targeted to stop working, enabling other muscles to become more active. For example, an anti-wrinkle treatment brow lift will inhibit select muscles, which encourages other muscles in the forehead to become more active, pulling the brow up, opening the upper eye area and again achieving a more youthful appearance.
Where are anti-wrinkle injections placed?
Certain muscles of the face respond exceedingly well to neurotoxin injections, particularly the upper area of the face. Other areas of the face can also be targeted, such as around the upper lip or the corners/edges of the mouth; addressing ‘pebbly chin’; contouring cheeks (particularly to contour a square cheek, commonly seen in Asian women); and even in the neck, to relax the vertical muscles at the front of the neck prone to making an individual look gaunt or strained.
Possible negative side effects of anti-wrinkle injections
Fortunately, any potential unwanted side effects of the anti-wrinkle neurotoxin treatment are rare. Symptoms experienced are usually short lived. Temporary redness or mild swelling due to the injection may appear but will disappear within the hour. A small amount of bruising can occasionally appear. At worst, this will last for a week but is usually barely noticeable and easily concealed with makeup. On rare occasions, ptosis, a condition that causes a droopy eyelid may present. Ptosis may last for up to a month. However, medical eye drops can successfully reduce symptoms.
How long do anti-wrinkle treatments last?
Generally speaking, injections last up to 4 to 6 months. Results differ between individuals.
Anti-wrinkle treatments before and after
Here is a photo illustrating the youth-enhancing effects of anti-wrinkle injections
Dermal fillers Melbourne women use in conjunction with anti-wrinkle treatments
At Dr Feldman’s rooms in Melbourne, dermal fillers are recommended to some clients with deep lines to smooth the skin further. Many women are exceedingly happy with the result and can usually have the procedure done at the same time as the anti-wrinkle injections.
Dermal fillers (also known as facial fillers) are made of a safe, clear gel. They are a non-animal-based natural sugar compound called hyaluronic acid. Also used in some skin creams, hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body but amounts decrease as we get older.
There are several dermal fillers on the market: some are made specifically to fill lined areas while others are to create volume in the cheek or as lip fillers for lip enhancement.
Anti-ageing creams and eye creams
Dr Feldman recommends that to maximise the healing benefits while the anti-wrinkle treatment is allowing your muscles to relax, a good skin care regime is carried out at home, to help repair the wrinkled areas of your skin A good quality anti ageing cream, as well as an active eye cream, is recommended.
To find out more about anti-wrinkle injections, contact Dr Joni Feldman today.
Dr Feldman has been administering anti-wrinkle injections to women in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth for nearly 20 years and is renowned for her natural-looking work.