Anti-wrinkle injections

What are anti-wrinkle injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections utilize botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This treatment is both safe and effective, working by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles and fine lines. The result is a smoother, more youthful appearance. Its remarkable effects have made it the most sought-after cosmetic procedure worldwide.

Which areas can be treated?

Most individuals seek treatment for horizontal forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, and frown lines between the eyebrows. However, anti-wrinkle injections can also address concerns in the neck and lower face, as well as areas prone to excessive sweating, such as the palms and underarms.

How does the treatment work?

Using a fine needle, small amounts of the anti-wrinkle solution are injected into the muscles just beneath the skin in areas where wrinkles are most prominent. The treatment temporarily blocks nerve signals to the targeted muscle, causing it to relax and move less. As a result, the muscle can no longer create wrinkles in the overlying skin.

Over time, the lack of stimulation causes the affected nerve to shrink. However, after approximately three to four months, a new nerve connection forms, restoring muscle activity. To maintain the results, injections need to be repeated at this point.

How soon will I see the effects and how long do the effects last?

The initial effects of anti-wrinkle injections typically become noticeable within 48 to 72 hours, with full results appearing over the next 14 days. A follow-up consultation is usually recommended after two to three weeks to evaluate the outcome and, if needed, administer a complimentary top-up.

The effects generally last for three to four months, though this can vary between individuals. Fine lines can often be virtually eliminated, while deeper lines may require multiple treatments for optimal smoothing.

However, excessive or overly frequent injections may increase the risk of the body developing antibodies to the substance, potentially reducing its effectiveness over time.

Is it safe and does it hurt?

Millions of people worldwide have safely undergone anti-wrinkle injections, and the product’s safety is well-documented and widely trusted. However, certain rare muscle-related medical conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, may prevent individuals from receiving this treatment.

The procedure is virtually painless, with only minor stinging discomfort reported by some. The use of ultra-fine needles minimizes the risk of bleeding or bruising. Once the effects of the toxin wear off, the treated muscle gradually returns to its normal activity, leaving no lasting impact.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects from anti-wrinkle injections are rare and typically temporary. Some individuals may experience minor bruising or soreness at the injection site, a slight headache, or, in uncommon cases, treatment failure due to immunity to the substance.

When injecting near the eyes, there is a very low risk (less than 1%) of temporary eyelid drooping. If this occurs, it can be managed with eye drops and usually resolves on its own within about four weeks.

A common concern is the fear of a “frozen” facial appearance. However, this is almost always the result of improper injection techniques and is entirely avoidable with skilled application.

The product’s literature also lists extremely rare side effects, and a complete list will be provided for review prior to obtaining consent for treatment.

What can I expect after the treatment?

After treatment, it is important to remain upright and avoid touching or scratching the treated area for at least six hours. For 24 hours, refrain from consuming alcohol, taking hot baths, or engaging in strenuous activities. On the day of the procedure, it is also recommended not to wear makeup.

To enhance the effects of the treatment, it is advised to actively engage the treated muscles (such as squinting or frowning) as often as possible during the first hour after the procedure.

Dermal fillers 

What are dermal fillers?

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are substances that are used in order to volumise and contour the face. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that is already found in the skin. It helps keep the skin plump and hydrated. HA fillers are typically soft and gel-like. Crosslinking is a process by which the molecule is manipulated by the manufacturer in order to produce fillers that differ slightly in their consistency and mechanical properties. These properties determine their indication for treating an array of aesthetic concerns and areas of the face. Most HA fillers also contain a local anesthetic, enhancing comfort during the treatment.

Which areas can be treated?

Dermal fillers can be used in various areas of the face, neck and hands in order to restore volume, contour the face and refine the skin. Commonly treated areas are the lips, temples, cheeks, tear troughs, chin, jaw, nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and mouth) and the marionette lines (between the mouth and chin).

How does the treatment work?

Small amounts of filler are injected into various skin layers using a needle or cannula to restore volume, reduce wrinkles, lift, and shape the face. Being very hydrophilic, hyaluronic acid attracts water to the skin, hydrating and enhancing its condition. According to in-vitro research, fillers may increase the production of collagen by mechanically stimulating (stretching) fibroblasts, which are skin cells that produce collagen.

How soon will I see the effects and how long do the effects last?

The results are seen straight away but it can take up to 2-4 weeks to see the full effect as the filler draws water in and enhances the volumising effect. Results last between 6 and 18 months, or even longer, depending on the type of filler, the area being injected and lifestyle factors such as smoking and sun exposure. The body gradually and naturally breaks down the filler. 

Is it safe and does it hurt?

Millions of people worldwide have had these injections and the safety of the product is well established. The treatment is usually well-tolerated, and although minimal discomfort is expected, it should not be painful. Most dermal fillers also contain local anaesthetic which makes the treatment more comfortable. Slight soreness may develop after the local anaesthetic wears off. This can easily be relieved with simple painkillers such as paracetamol. If pain develops at any point during or after treatment, the practitioner must be notified straight away as this is not expected and needs to be investigated.

Are there any side effects?

The injections may cause mild stinging, redness, itching, or discomfort, but they are painless. After treatment, there may be some discomfort, swelling, and bruises, but these are normally mild and go away on their own.

Infection and persistent lumps at the injection site are uncommon side effects that need to be reported for evaluation and treatment. .Dermal filler injections, especially those administered to the lips, have the potential to cause an outbreak in people who are predisposed to cold sores. To avoid this, a brief course of antivirals might be initiated prior to treatment. Dermal fillers have been linked to further uncommon side effects, which will be disclosed prior to obtaining consent.

What is the pre and post-treatment advice ?

To reduce the chance of bruising, avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs (such ibuprofen and naproxen), alcohol, fish oils, St. John’s Wort, gingko biloba, and vitamin E for three days before treatment. Arnica tablets can help reduce the risk of bruising. These can be purchased over-the-counter from the pharmacy and can be taken for a few days starting just before treatment.

For 24 hours after treatment, you must abstain from drinking and strenuous exercise. Avoid putting pressure on the region. For two weeks following treatment, stay away from sunlight, sunbeds, and extremely high or low temperatures as these can exacerbate the risk of swelling and bruises. At least four weeks should pass before and after any dental work or facial procedures, including chemical peels and laser treatments. If you are feeling ill, please reschedule your appointment.

Chemical peels

What are chemical peels?

Chemical peels are treatments that exfoliate the skin and promote the formation of new skin on the face, hands, and neck. They are ideal for a number of concerns such as rough texture, fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, blemishes and scars.

What types of chemical peels are there?

Depending on how far they penetrate the skin, chemical peels come in three main varieties:

• Alpha-hydroxy acid and other mild acids are used in superficial peels to exfoliate skin softly. They are effective at treating fine lines and smoothing out rough, lifeless skin because they only penetrate the skin’s outermost layers.
• The intermediate layers of the skin are reached by medium peels. When it comes to eliminating deeper flaws like wrinkles, discolourations, and scars, these work better.
• Deep peels penetrate deep into the skin. They commonly consist of phenol and TCA. Although they are more effective at treating deeper scars and wrinkles, their depth of penetration is associated with higher risk of complications. They require sedation or general anaesthesia and therefore they are not suitable as an office-based treatment.

How is a chemical peel done?

Once the skin has been cleaned, the peel is applied evenly throughout the treated area using a cotton ball, gauze, or brush. The skin may begin to feel heated and tingly after a few minutes. After spraying the area with a neutralising solution to neutralise the peel, it will be patted dry and a mild moisturiser will be applied. For a while, the skin might get a little red and crusty, but it should get back to normal after about a week. Until it is fully healed, avoid wearing makeup and use a mild moisturiser and sunscreen.

What are the risks and possible side effects of a chemical peel?

Common side effects of superficial and medium peels are mild and temporary. They include redness, dryness, stinging or burning, and slight swelling. Deeper chemical peels can have more serious side effects, such as skin discolouration, scarring and skin infections.