Pittwater Life August 2023 Issue

with Dr John Kippen
Info on anti-wrinkle injections
I
am often asked about
the effectiveness of antiwrinkle
injections to obtain
smoother looking skin. The
following are some answers to
common questions:
What are they used for?
Anti-wrinkle injections are a
quick, non-surgical option for
smoothing out the lines of
the upper face area that are
created when you contract a
muscle. Tiny injections into
the muscles underneath ease
them into a state of relaxation.
This effectively softens the
appearance of lines and
creates smoother looking skin.
What areas can I treat?
Anti-wrinkle injections are
most commonly used for
treatment of crow’s feet,
frown lines, and forehead
lines, but can also be used to
lift the eyebrows, elevate the
corners of the mouth, reduce
‘gummy’ smiles and soften
obvious tendons in the neck.
They can also reduce muscle
bulk at the corner of the jaw
to refine and slim jaw lines,
help teeth grinding (bruxism)
and are the gold standard for
treating excessive underarm
sweating (hyperhidrosis).
How long does the treatment
take?
The procedure is performed
between 10-20 minutes.
How long will the effect of
the injections last?
Anti-wrinkle injections usually
show initial effects after a couple
of days with full impact visible
between 7 and 14 days. Effects
last between three to four
months and gradually wear off
over time. (If you have regular
anti-wrinkle injections the
effects may last a little longer.)
Will I look ‘frozen’?
A large dosage of anti-wrinkle
injection is required to make a
person look “frozen”. A skilled
injector knows how to produce
a natural look. It is always best
to discuss your expectations
with your injector prior to your
treatment.
Is it painful?
The treatment uses a small
number of very fine needles
that do not go deep into the
skin, so the feeling is more of
a small sting and is generally
well tolerated.
Who can’t have anti-wrinkle
injections?
If you are pregnant, or are
planning conception within
a few months, or are breastfeeding,
you cannot have
anti-wrinkle injections. There
are also some muscle and
nerve disorders which are
contraindicated.
Our columnist
Dr John Kippen is a qualified,
fully certified consultant
specialist in Cosmetic, Plastic
and Reconstructive surgery.
Australian trained, he
also has additional
Australian and International
Fellowships. He welcomes
enquiries; email
doctor@johnkippen.com.au
Health & Wellbeing
The Local Voice Since 1991
AUGUST 2023 45