Antiwrinkle injections have become a mainstay of noninvasive aesthetic treatments. It is a simple but effective nonsurgical procedure to improve lines and wrinkles. Treatment areas can include frown lines, Crow’s feet, forehead/expression lines, lip lines, gummy smile, neck bands, mouth droop and dimpled chin. The appointment is usually around 20 minutes in length, where the options will be discussed, procedures explained and photos taken.
Premium brand antiwrinkle product is used at Macquarie Skin Clinic, however, in Australia the TGA does not allow us to disclose brand names.
The product is injected with a fine needle and the results are evident after 1–2 weeks.
Patients usually return every 3–6 months for treatment. The aim to use ‘as much as you need, but as little as possible’ encouraging a natural result, and to avoid looking ‘overdone’.
Risks of antiwrinkle injections include bruising (common), adjacent muscle weakness and asymmetry.
A patient can return to usual activities immediately, however, it is recommended not to exercise excessively or touch the injections sites for four hours post.
Avoid facials and facial waxing in the treated area for one week post treatment.
You cannot be treated if you are pregnant/breastfeeding or plan to do so in the immediate future or have an active cold sore or an infection in the treated area.
Other uses of antiwrinkle injections include management of:
tension headaches
jaw clenching
excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance in the body) and are injected into/under the skin to replenish volume, soften lines and wrinkles, correct asymmetry and transform irregularities of the skin.
Many people are hesitant to have fillers as they are concerned about the appearance following such a treatment. We aim to provide a patient with a natural result, which is tailored to suit the individual. During a consultation we will discuss a patient’s concerns and their desired outcome.
Treatment may then be scheduled over a few appointments allowing time for the filler to settle between visits. Subtle refinement allows a patient to feel rejuvenated without looking obvious.
Filler appointments can be anything from 20–60 minutes in length.
Filler injections can be delivered with either small needles or a cannula. A patient will experience mild discomfort during the procedure. Ice and local anaesthetic cream can be used if required.
Patients can return to usual activities immediately following dermal filler treatment, however, no strenuous activity is advised for that day.
No facial treatments (peels, microdermabrasion, needling) or laser treatments are advised for two weeks following treatment.
Prior to treatment, patients may be asked to stop certain medications.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks with dermal filler injections, which will be discussed prior to treatment. Bruising and discomfort are the most common side effects. Rarely, skin changes, infection and visual changes can occur. Dissolving filler may occasionally be necessary, if there is a significant risk to the patient or an unfavourable aesthetic outcome.
Double chin injections
Submental fullness (double chin) is a significant concern to many people and can be due to several factors, including genetics. An injection treatment using active ingredient deoxycholic acid (a naturally occurring substance in the body) has been developed to cause destruction of the fat cells in the treated area (adipocytolysis), leading to improvement in moderate to severe submental fullness.
Several tiny injections are placed under the skin, in the treatment area each appointment. Local anaesthetic cream is used for comfort, and the procedure is usually well tolerated by patients.
A minimum of two, and a maximum of six treatments are recommended for patients, at four to six weekly intervals, until their desired result is achieved. Once this has happened, the results are permanent as the fat cells in the area cannot regenerate.
Following each treatment, a person can expect to be swollen but is able to go about usual daily activities. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 24 hours. A patient may also notice bruising, lumpiness, tenderness and altered skin sensation for a few days.
A patient usually requires two or three vials of product each treatment session, depending on the surface area to be injected. The cost is calculated on the number of vials required.
Injection treatment is not appropriate for everyone, and an appointment is necessary to assess your suitability prior to having treatment.
Dr Amy O’Brien General Practitioner BMedSci MBBS(Hons) FRACGP
Dr Amy O’Brien leads the aesthetics team at Macquarie Skin Clinic. She is an experienced injector, providing antiwrinkle, filler and double chin treatments. Amy also works with a number of lasers, managing both medical and aesthetic concerns. Patients can book directly with Amy for review and advice regarding their skin concerns. She also works closely with Sally and Mel to support their practices and provide advice as needed.
Sally Walters Aesthetic Nurse/Practice Nurse
Sally is a Registered Nurse and an experienced cosmetic injector. Her expertise includes antiwrinkle injections and dermal fillers. She provides skin consultations and treats patients needing medical grade peels and laser. Sally assists the doctors with procedures and postoperative care. She brings a caring and cheerful nature to her work.
