Anti-Wrinkle Injections have been around for decades and the substances have been vigorously tested.
- After many years of testing in controlled environments, in 2002, the American Food & Drug Administration approved the use of B-toxin injections for cosmetic use or cosmetic purposes; since then, it is increasingly popular for effective anti-wrinkle and line-reduction injection treatments, especially for the baby boomer generation (but not limited to people over 50, as it appears to appeal to many individuals in their 30s and 40s, in the format of ‘wrinkle prevention injections’.
- Initially used to treat forehead frown lines, these cosmetic “anti-wrinkle” injections can be applied to virtually any surface of the body for its smoothing effects.
- You’ll want to ensure your Injecting Clinician is highly skilled and thoroughly trained; and using only brand-name products (ask to see the bottle)!
The side effects associated with cosmetic injections tend to be mild and highly adverse reactions are typically rare, another reason why this miraculous substance is considered generally well-tolerated for suitable patients when injected by a highly skilled professional with the proper training.
Although no procedure or injectable is “no risk,” receiving cosmetic injections falls into the category of a low risk cosmetic procedure.
That doesn’t mean you should take it lightly, however, and be sure you choose a highly trained professional. And some people do have sensitivity to injections and might react more strongly than others, so ask your Injector for details including what might help reduce discomfort or potential bruising.
Side effects include temporary redness, swelling, headaches, bruising, mild numbness or a little nausea – and pass quickly for most healthy patients, if indeed they occur at all.
If you are considering receiving these cosmetic injections to reduce your facial wrinkles or lines, always:
- Carefully select your Medical Practitioner or highly trained Senior Nurse Injector
- Have a full consultation before receiving treatment
- Be honest about your health habits and your medical history (including whether or not you smoke)
- Don’t FLY within 2 weeks of getting facial fillers
- Do your research and get a few opinions on what effects are attainable to ensure that your expectations are realistic
- ONLY go with someone who you feel comfortable with and who will show you the brand name of the product they are injecting (ask to see the bottle or container).
It is a prescription-only drug (medication) and its use is licensed, although you want to be careful to get a qualified injector who uses BRAND name products rather than cheap injection imports that might not be authentic.
Geoff Lynns, president of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), confirms that here in Australia, injected neuro-toxins are typically well-tolerated when prescribed and used by doctors or trained Injectors. If it is not being administered by a trained and licensed practitioner – beware. At the very least, there should be a licensed practitioner overseeing the non-medical injectors and supervising them.
Other things you need to know.
- Results may vary. Every person is different, but your muscle relaxant treatment will typically last between 2 and 6 months.
- Look for that tell-tale twitch. To maintain your smooth results and prevent further wrinkles forming, schedule a visit to your practitioner when you start to see unwanted muscle movement – e.g. when your forehead lines start creasing again.
- Remember, some wrinkles give you character. If you want a natural look, remember that some wrinkles make your expressions uniquely yours. You want to soften lines and wrinkles without making your face look like a mask.
- Top-ups should be free. If you find your targeted wrinkles are still visible a week after your initial treatment, book in for a review and ask whether you might need a muscle relaxant top up treatment to get the final result you want. b clinic offers complimentary reviews and the top-up treatments for free.
- New and nursing mums steer clear. It’s best not to have muscle relaxant treatment if you’re expecting or a new mum.
Side effects are minimal with this procedure but can include bruising or infection at the injection site, temporary discomfort, headache and mild swelling. Allergic reactions are rare but have been reported. A temporary heaviness or even drooping of an eyelid or eyebrow is occasionally seen following treatment. These will resolve spontaneously as the effect of the treatment wears off.
Also very rarely, a slight asymmetry of the lower face may occur after treatment of the crow’s feet muscles. This effect is usually not obvious to other people and recovery can be anticipated within 3 to 5 weeks. Severe headache, allergic rash or reactions, feeling of skin tightness, flu-like symptoms, lack of feeling and nausea have also been reported. Treatment of the lower face may rarely result in reduced ability to pucker the lips, drooling, change in speech, smile or movement of the lower lip.
After your treatment for crow’s feet, frown lines, or horizontal lines, you may experience some minor side effects. Swelling, minor tenderness, and redness may occur, and you may also notice some bruising at the site of the injection which can be concealed with makeup.
To prevent the muscle relaxant from affecting surrounding areas, you should avoid lying down for 4 hours after your treatment, and do not touch the treated area for at least 12 hours. Serious complications following anti wrinkle treatment are rare.
