Filler or anti-wrinkle injections can be used separately or in combination as part of a more holistically designed individual program.

Anti-wrinkle injections ease the underlying muscle contraction which creases or folds the overlying skin, thus smoothing and preventing wrinkles.

Dermal filler injections are used to fill wrinkles and creases in the skin.

The effect of the injections last up to 4 months in most cases. Effects may last longer if treatments are continued regularly.

This will usually take between 5-10 days to occur in most people.

Every cosmetic procedure involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand this. Your decision to undergo any of these procedures is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit.

Usually anti-wrinkle injections require no down time. Occasionally, minor bruising may occur, especially in those that are prone, which resolve quickly but can be easily covered with makeup. Other possible side effects may include some redness

PRE CARE

• Avoid medications that increase the risk of bruising (for example, Aspirin, Fish Oil, Nurofen) 3/4 days prior to treatment.

POST CARE

• No facial treatments, rubs or massages for 24 hours after treatment. You may cleanse gently.
• Avoid lying face down for 4 hours. Its best to keep face upright.
• Do not undertake strenuous exercises the day of the treatment
• Some clients may experience a mild headache after anti-wrinkle injections. You may take Paracetamol but avoid Aspirin, Nurofen or any other anti-inflammatory medication as they might increase the risk of bruising.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Although not common, as with all medical treatments there always risks. These include:

• Dropping of the brow or eyelid – rare and temporary
• Heaviness of the brows – occurs in some older patients due to poor muscle tone and can last 2/3 weeks
• Changes in smile around the mouth – quite uncommon
• Asymmetric smile after jaw injections – rare and temporary

HOW DO ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS WORK?

Anti-wrinkle injections work by preventing or reducing muscle movement which causes creasing of the skin (wrinkles). It generally takes 2/3 days to see an effect and take up to 10/14 days for the full effect.

The dosage required varies from person to person and according to the area treated – stronger muscles need more units and typically men require more units than woman. The forehead and crows feet are the most commonly requested areas for anti-wrinkle injections but other areas which can also benefit include:

• Around the chin and mouth to help relax lines caused by strong mouth muscles
• The platysma bands of the neck to smooth the elongate the appearance of the neck
• The bunny lines of your nose
• Underarm, under and between the breasts, hands and feet to prevent excessive sweating
• The jaw, to reduce teeth grinding

PRE CARE

• Alcohol and medications/ supplements designed to increase blood flow may increase your risk of bruising.
• Do not take blood thinning medications such as Aspirin or Nurofen for 3/4 days prior to treatment.
• Avoid herbal or vitamin supplements for 1 week prior to treatment (especially fish oil). You may take Arnica tablets for 3/4 days prior to treatment to reduce chances of bruising.

POST CARE

• During the first 24 to 48 hours you might experience redness, swelling and tenderness. These reactions are normal (especially for lip filler injections but common for all areas) and will resolve quickly and spontaneously after 2-4 days.
• Do not apply make up for 4 hours after treatment. After that, you may apply mineral make up where necessary using a clean brush.
• Bruising at the site of injections is possible and usually resolves within 10 days (or less).
• Swelling and bruising can give the appearance of unevenness in the area treated. This will settle but is there is any unevenness remaining after 10 days, please contact clinic for advice, or book a review appointment.
• Minimise alcohol, caffeine, blood thinning medications and supplements for 24 hours, as these may exacerbate bruising and swelling.
• Avoid sun exposure for at least 24 hours
• Avoid strenuous exercises for first 48 hours, changes in temperature and facial massages for 2 weeks post injections.
• If required, apply ice frequently (5-10 minutes every half hour) for up to 6 hours. This will help to prevent or minimise bruising and swelling.
• Arnica tablets and Arnica or Hirudoid cream (available from your local pharmacy) may help to reduce bruising.

PLEASE NOTE – if you have history of cold sore or herpes virus, viral infections may be reactivated by some treatments such as lip injections. You will be required to take Aciclovir or Panciclovir single dose (script to be obtained from your local GP) before of immediately after treatment. If cold sores are activated (uncommon) refer to your GP for treatment.

PRE CARE

• Alcohol and medications/ supplements designed to increase blood flow may increase your risk of bruising.
• Do not take blood thinning medications such as Aspirin or Nurofen for 3/4 days prior to treatment.
• Avoid herbal or vitamin supplements for 1 week prior to treatment (especially fish oil). You may take Arnica tablets for 3/4 days prior to treatment to reduce chances of bruising.

POST CARE

• During the first 24 to 48 hours you might experience redness, swelling and tenderness. These reactions are normal (especially for lip filler injections but common for all areas) and will resolve quickly and spontaneously after 2-4 days.
• Do not apply lipstick or make up for 4 hours after treatment. After that, you may apply mineral make up where necessary using a clean brush. You can use Lip Balm by Dermaviduals made from Natural waxes in form of shea butter, carnauba wax, bees wax and propolis (can be purchased from Cosmetic Injectables Victoria) or Bepanthen cream on the lips.
• ruising at the injection site is common and usually resolves within 3/4 days.
• void strenuous exercises for first 48 hours, changes in temperature and facial massages for 2 weeks post injections.
• void alcohol, caffeine, blood thinning medications and supplements for 24 hours, as these may exacerbate bruising and swelling.
• void sun exposure for at least 24 hours
• f required, apply ice frequently (5-10 minutes every half hour) for up to 6 hours. This will help to prevent or minimise bruising and swelling.
• Arnica tablets and Arnica or Hirudoid cream (available from your local pharmacy) may help to reduce bruising. Swelling and bruising can give the appearance of unevenness or lumpiness in the area treated. After 1 week, following a warm shower, give your lips a rolling massage between thumb and fore finger. This will help the derma l filler to integrate better with the tissue. If there is any unevenness or lumpiness after 3 weeks, please contact the clinic for advice, or book a review appointment.

To achieve optimal results you may need further treatment 2 month after your initial consultation and occasionally a touch up, especially when lips are asymmetric.

PLEASE NOTE – if you have history of cold sore or herpes virus, viral infections may be reactivated by some treatments such as lip injections. You will be required to take Aciclovir or Panciclovir single dose (script to be obtained from your local GP) before of immediately after treatment. If cold sores are activated (uncommon) refer to your GP for treatment.