Anti-wrinkle injections are a great way to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and even prevent future wrinkles from forming. Dr Allison will work with your unique beauty, creating a balanced look that allows some expression. This non-surgical treatment takes only minutes to administer and has long-lasting results.
What anti-wrinkle injections can treat
Forehead Wrinkles
Anti-wrinkle injections for forehead lines are one of the most common procedures. Horizontal forehead lines can be treated by injections into the forehead muscles to decrease muscle activity and treat wrinkles.
This can be tailored to the individual so that lines are only softened, allowing natural movement to be maintained. However, some patients would prefer no movement.
Over time these wrinkles that are only present with movement will become permanent. These are known as static wrinkles. Once they are present, they are more challenging to treat, but they can often be addressed with anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, skin boosters or lasers. This treatment of forehead wrinkles is generally combined with frown lines so that the shape and position of the brow are not adversely affected.
Frown Lines
Frown lines can be treated by performing injections into the frown muscles to decrease the activity of the muscle and therefore treat wrinkles. This can be tailored to the individual so that lines are only softened, allowing for natural movement can be maintained. However, some patients would prefer no movement, which can also be achieved.
Initially, these will only occur with facial expressions (known as dynamic wrinkles).
However, if left untreated, they will develop into lines present even at rest (known as static wrinkles). We often use a combination of muscle-relaxing injections and dermal fillers to bring about a natural result for patients.
This treatment is generally combined with the treatment of forehead wrinkles so that the shape and position of the brow are not adversely affected.
Crows Feet Wrinkles
Crows’ feet wrinkles are formed by overactivity of the ring muscle surrounding the eye, known as orbicularis oculi. Over time, and with excessive squinting, these muscles become hyperactive and cause crow’s feet lines. Anti-wrinkle injections to soften these lines create a natural eye appearance.
These injections are performed into the ring-like muscle around the eyes to soften these lines. When treating the crow’s feet, it is most desirable to leave some movement to maintain natural expression (in particular, smiling).
This procedure is often combined with the cheek and lateral tear trough filler.
Lip Flip
A standard procedure is to relax the upper lip muscle and create more eversion (outward show) of the upper lip. They are commonly combined with lip filler to produce a fuller upper lip.
Chin Dimpling & Mental Crease
As we age, the chin muscle (known as mentalis) becomes hyperactive. This is due to a combination of loss of bony support and overuse. The result is an up-turning and dimpling of the chin, both of which contribute to shortening the lower third of the face.
This muscle is treated with muscle relaxing injections to soften its action. This reduces the dimpling and crease of the chin and allows it to lengthen naturally.
Suitable candidates for anti-wrinkle injections
Ideal candidates for anti-wrinkle injections typically seek to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Potential candidates often want to treat wrinkles that show from repetitive muscle contractions and facial expressions. Common skin concerns include frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines.
A suitable candidate will have realistic expectations regarding the temporary results and be willing to undergo regular maintenance treatments to maintain the results in the longer term.
Candidates should be in good health. Those who undergo treatment with wrinkle relaxers mustn’t have any contraindications or underlying medical conditions. To be considered suitable for the treatment, candidates should also be aware of the possible risks and complications and be prepared to follow aftercare instructions.
To ensure treatment suitability, all candidates must have a consultation to make an informed decision.
Benefits of the treatment
Anti-wrinkle injections offer a host of benefits. They can effectively minimise dynamic wrinkles by temporarily relaxing the facial muscles that make them appear. They are non-surgical and minimally invasive, as opposed to treatment options like facelifts that can reduce the appearance of skin ageing but with more associated risks and downtime.
The treatment can be performed quickly, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. This can be another advantage, as treatment is less extensive yet can deliver noticeable results quickly.
Another notable advantage is that results are not permanent. This lets you make any tweaks in the placement or dosage in future treatments if needed. It also gives you the freedom to decide whether or not you want to continue undergoing the treatments in the long run.
What to expect during your treatment session
To begin the procedure, Dr Scott Allison will cleanse the treatment area to ensure the skin is thoroughly rid of dirt or bacteria.
With a fine needle, he will precisely administer the injections to the predetermined areas in the specific muscles responsible for the formation of wrinkles. The amount of the anti-wrinkle solution you will need will be tailored to your unique treatment plan, put together before your session.
Generally, minimal discomfort is experienced during the treatment, with typically a slight pinching or stinging sensation during the injection process. Some patients may prefer the application of topical anaesthetic to numb the area before the injections. If so, this will need to be done before your treatment.
The treatment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, but it will depend on your personalised treatment plan.
The effects of anti-wrinkle injections may not be immediately apparent. The wrinkle relaxer may take a few days to relax the treated muscles and make the results noticeable gradually. The treatment’s complete outcome generally manifests within one to two weeks.
Aftercare guide
As a minimally invasive treatment, anti-wrinkle injections are associated with minimal aftercare. Temporary mild swelling or redness around the injection sites may occur after the procedure.
Applying a cold compress can help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. Although rare, bruising will naturally fade within one to two weeks. You must avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least four hours. You will also need to avoid strenuous exercise for 12 hours and avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
During the initial 24 hours, avoiding activities that increase facial blood flow, such as facial massages, intense exercise, and saunas, is recommended. Maintaining an upright position in the first few hours after the procedure helps prevent the migration of the injected relaxer. You’ll need to protect the treated area from excessive sun exposure, avoid tanning beds and wear sunscreen.
It may take several days for the full effects of the treatment to become noticeable as the wrinkle relaxer gradually relaxes the muscles in the treated area.
After your treatment, you should wait at least one week to assess your results.
Your consultation for anti-wrinkle injections
Understanding your concerns, goals, and medical history is the priority during your consultation with Dr Scott Allison. This comprehensive approach allows him to assess your suitability for the treatment and develop a personalised plan tailored to your needs.
Exploring your objectives
Dr Allison will assess the areas of your face you want to treat. He will carefully analyse your facial anatomy, paying close attention to the dynamic wrinkles that show up with specific muscle movements and expressions. This will determine the optimal injection sites and the precise amount of wrinkle relaxer required for your unique needs.
You will also discuss your expectations from the treatment so that Dr Allison can manage your expectations and tailor your personalised treatment plan accordingly.
Evaluating your medical background
Dr Allison will ask about medical conditions, allergies, or previous medication reactions. This will help to assess your suitability for the procedure.
You will need to mention any previous cosmetic procedures you have undergone or ongoing medications you are taking, as these factors will influence the approach taken to perform your treatment.
Providing a clear overview
Dr Allison will take the time to explain the entire procedure, providing a detailed understanding of how the injections will be administered and what sensations to expect. You will receive an overview of aftercare, such as specific activities or products to avoid and the potential risks and side effects associated with the treatment.
You can also discuss the anticipated timeline for results, including when you can see them and how long they may last. Based on your response and expectations, he will discuss the recommended frequency of maintenance treatments you may need in the longer term.
If you’re ready for your consultation, please book at a time that suits you at our Brisbane location.
Costs anti-wrinkle injections with Dr Scott Allison in Brisbane
The cost of anti-wrinkle injections depends on several factors. These include the size of the treatment area, the severity of the wrinkles, treatment goals, individual metabolism, and the amount of wrinkle relaxer needed.
Treating multiple areas or more extensive treatment areas may require more units of wrinkle relaxer, resulting in a higher cost compared to treating a single area. T
he severity of wrinkles will also influence costs, with deeper wrinkles potentially requiring a higher dosage and contributing to a higher price.
Some individuals may require higher doses of wrinkle relaxer, while others may need less, which can influence the overall cost as the dosage is customised for each person.
Potential side effects
Wrinkle relaxer treatments, like any medical procedure, carry certain risks. Mild discomfort or bruising may occur but can be minimised by following post-treatment recommendations. Serious side effects such as heavy brows or drooping eyelids are rare and usually resolve within a few weeks.
Headaches or some discomfort can be experienced but are usually managed with mild pain medication. Severe headaches or muscle weakness may require medical attention in rare cases.
Slight asymmetry or uneven results can occur due to individual facial anatomy, but these can often be corrected in subsequent treatments.
While severe complications like allergic reactions or infections are rare, informing Dr Allison of known allergies or previous adverse reactions is essential. He will assess your suitability for the procedure to prevent some of these complications.