Cosmetic Medicine by Dr Eddie Roos

COSMETIC MEDICINE
‘It is important
that the methods
used to refresh
and restore youth
to the face are
tailored to each
patient’
WRINKLE
INJECTIONS
T
he appearance of deep frown lines and wrinkles can result in a prematurely
aged appearance. Wrinkle injections are a popular facial rejuvenation
treatment and are an effective non-invasive treatment for reducing lines and
revitalising the appearance.
Wrinkle injections contain a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium
botulinum. It is a muscle relaxant that is commonly used for cosmetic facial
enhancement, particularly to treat crow’s feet around the eyes, the frown lines
between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) and the worry lines across the forehead.
The treatment works by blocking nerve stimulation to wrinkle-causing
muscles, which prevents the muscle from contracting and signifi cantly reduces
wrinkles and fi ne lines and can also help prevent the formation of new ones.
A few tiny injections are administered just under the skin, reducing nerve
stimulation to the targeted muscles. The procedure usually takes about 10
minutes but this can vary depending on the number of areas being treated.
Because men tend to have larger and stronger muscles, they often require more
injections to achieve satisfactory results.
Generally, no anaesthetic is required. The needles are very fi ne and only a small
volume of the product is needed, so the procedure is typically only associated
with mild discomfort. If the patient is particularly concerned, the practitioner can
numb the skin over the area before administering the injection.
After treatment for lines on the forehead, ultimately patients are physically
unable to frown. Over the fi rst few days, the muscles gradually relax, and it often
takes three to six days for results to become visible. The effects gradually wear
off, so in order to maintain results repeat injections are necessary every three to
fi ve months.
Common side effects are generally restricted to minor temporary redness
or bruising at the injection site. There is a very slight risk that it can cause a
temporary weakness in nearby muscles, which may result in a slight drooping of
an eyelid or eyebrow which may last from one to six weeks. Occasionally patients
may experience a slight headache or nausea.
Wrinkle treatments are not recommended for women who are pregnant or
breast feeding. All patients are advised to avoid the use aspirin, anti-infl ammatory
drugs or blood-thinning agents, unless they are medically required, for two weeks
prior to treatment to minimise bruising.
With careful placement, a more youthful appearance can be achieved while
maintaining natural expression and character.
DR EDDIE ROOS WWW.COSMETICELEGANCE.COM.AU // 11