What is Anti-Wrinkle treatment ?
The product is a protein derived from botulinum toxin type A. The early use of this product is for medical conditions such as active bladder, active eyelids and crossed eye. This is used in large doses. However in the last decade, it has been shown that the Anti-Wrinkle Product in small amounts can be safely injected underneath skin in order to minimize or smooth out lines and wrinkles on the face. When low doses of this product are used, it actually paralyzes or relaxes facial muscles, giving the recipient a clean, smooth facial appearance. This is antiwrinkle treatment.
How does Anti-Wrinkle Product work ?
The active ingredient is botulinum toxin. It stops acetylcholine (substance required for muscle activation) to bind onto the target muscle at the neuromuscular junction. This causes paralysis of the muscle which is the end effect that you want.
How do you inject Anti-Wrinkle Product and how much do I need ?
It is administered using a very fine sterile disposable syringe and a very fine-gauge needle. Our clinic uses ice to reduce the stinginess of the needle and the injection. Some people might also request anaesthetic cream prior to injection.
the following is a guide for average woman, men require 10 - 20 % more Anti-Wrinkle Product depending on muscle bulk:
Forehead: 6-16 units
Glabella region : 12 - 16 units
Crow's feet : 6 - 10 units on each side
Is it safe?
Anti-Wrinkle Product is approved by the TGA (Australia) and FDA (America). These are two supreme governing bodies for pharmaceuticals in the respective country. It has been in use for more than 30 years and a large number of studies has shown that Anti-Wrinkle Product is safe and there has not been any documented systemic complications.
How long does the injection take and Do I feel anything?
This is a very quick procedure. For 1st time patients you would usually spend 15-20 mins in our clinic so that we can thoroughly go through the intricate part of Anti-Wrinkle treatment. Regular patients who has had one or more treatments, the procedure is usually limited to 5-10 mins.
The needle is very small. Most people are quite comfortable. Some doesnt even feel the needle. If you do feel something, it is a quick prick sensation.
Most patients feel the actual injection into the muscle, they have a a mild sensation of "fullness" and or "pressure". This can last for a little while afterwards and some may get a headache. This usually settles down with a pain killer such as panadol.
We usually give our patients ice to ease the stingness and reduces bruising. Some patients however are afraid of needle and they might need some local anaesthetic cream to help them overcome this. We understand this completely and we are fully prepared for it.
Possible side effects
Swelling
Rare, settles within days
Bruising
Rare, we always try to avoid blood vessels when we inject, however there are some that we cant see with our naked eye. Settles within days.
Headache
Settles with simple pain relief
Upper Eye Lid Ptosis
Very rare. By unknown mechanism, sometimes the eyelid muscle is paralysed and one develops a ptosis of that eye. This has been hypothesised as diffusion process from the injection site into the lid muscle and causing paralysis. Unfortunately there is no reversing medicaion for this complication. It will better by itself as the B'Tox wears off. There is an eye drop that can be used to raise the eyelid. It is not recommended for its long term use as it affects your accomodation of the eye which affects your ability to read and driving is prohibited.
Brow Ptosis
Rare, we avoid the lateral frontal muscle as much as possible to minimise this complication, however again Anti-Wrinkle Product can diffuse into the adjacent portion of the muscle.
Double Vision
Rare.
Anti-Wrinkle Product Resistance
Small proportion of clients have little response and requires repeated treatment. A subgroup, even with repeated treatment has little response.
Other Rare side effects
allergy to B'Tox, respiratory infection, flulike symptoms, nausea, facial pain, redness at the injection site and muscle weakness.
Contraindications?
Pregnancy
Neuromuscular Disorders : ALS, Myasthesnia Gravis, Lambert-Eaton Syndrome,
Cardiovascular conditions
Please disclose all medical informations including medications in order for us to better take care of your overall health.
How long does it last?
You will see an effect within days. Within 1 -2 weeks, you should see the maximum relaxation, this usually lasts about 3-4 months. Usually within the first year we recommend you to have fixed frequent intervals for your B'Tox injection. Thereafter we can stretch out the interval as the Anti-Wrinkle Product seems to work longer.
Cost?
$20 per unit. An average treatment for glabella region would be $240 - 360, crow's feet $120 - 200 each side and frontal $120 - 320. The price fluctuation totally depends how much you need and how many areas you needed treating.
Product
We purchase Anti-Wrinkle Product from Allergan Australia. They are the gold standard for anti-wrinkle injection. We endorse their product.
Contact Details
Contact our professional consultants on 02 9251 3688 for more advice and an appointment.
Warm wishes from our team at City Cosmetic Surgery.
We are conveniently located in the city at Level 3 139 Macquarie St Sydney 2000 |
