Anti wrinkle injections use a highly purified preparation of a natural protein derived from bacteria. This protein inhibits the transmission of nerve signals from nerves to muscles, resulting in weakness or paralysis of those muscles. Its application to treat facial wrinkles has developed from initial use in eyelid disorders.
How does it work?
Anti wrinkle injections treat wrinkles caused by the contraction of facial muscles. Because these injections result in weakness or paralysis of these muscles, the wrinkle lines gradually smooth and may disappear. Treatment of the tiny muscles around the eye, for example, will lead to smoothing of crows feet. This treatment removes dynamic lines or wrinkles which appear only during animation of the face, within a week of treatment. Static lines or those that are present at rest require several treatments so the skin gets a chance to relax and these lines will then smooth and fade.
What areas are suitable for treatment?
The action of tiny, underlying facial muscles generally cause frown lines and crows feet. Dr Drielsma uses anti-wrinkle injections on areas of the face such as frown lines and crows feet. It has less effectiveness or use in the lower face. Anti-wrinkle injections paralyse the muscles that are causing wrinkles. Once the muscle that is causing the wrinkles relaxes, the lines soon become less obvious. It is more commonly and effectively used in the upper face although it can be judiciously used in the lower face around the mouth and neck.
After treatment the overlying skin remains smoother and less wrinkled while the untreated facial muscles contract normally. Treatment does not produce numbness or disturbance of sensation and is completely safe.
How Does Dr Drielsma Perform Anti-Wrinkle Treatment?
Dr Drielsma performs this treatment with a fine needle, injecting into the treatment area. Anti-Wrinkle treatments require no local anaesthetic. You may need several injections for each treatment.
Our anti wrinke treatment takes approximately 15 minutes. Dr Drielsma performs these treatments in his Sydney clinic and other locations in NSW and ACT. You can resume normal activities immediately.
How long does it last?
The effects last for 4-6 months. The results are usually evident about three days after treatment although can take up to 1 week to work maximally.
You will be informed of a few minor precautions following treatment such as not rubbing the treated area for a couple of days to prevent it getting into the upper eyelid.
Are there any risks?
Theoretically, treatment can improve any wrinkle caused by muscular contraction. Care needs to be taken for use in areas other than the forehead and around the eyes as it can produce an unwanted effect, for example, droopiness of the mouth.
Rarely, drooping of an eyelid or altered facial expression can be experienced. This will return to normal over a number of weeks. As the effects of the treatment are not permanent, any side effects should be temporary.
Minor short lived bruising and swelling may be experienced at the injection site.
Can You Perform Other Procedures At the Same Time?
Optimising other results is possible by using other concurrent treatments, such as dermal fillers.
** Individual results may vary. All surgery carries risks.
You should get a second opinion from a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before proceeding with surgery.
Dr Drielsma is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon.