Anti Wrinkle Injections FAQ

What are Anti-wrinkle Injectables?

Anti-wrinkle Injectables are a natural, purified protein that relaxes wrinkle causing muscles, giving you a more rejuvenated, younger look and feel. The active ingredient in Anti-wrinkle Injectables treatment is derived from bacteria in much the same way as penicillin is derived from mould. It is manufactured in a sterile hospital grade environment.

What is BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the glabellar lines, otherwise known as eyebrows, in people 18 to 65 years of age on a temporary basis.
It works by actively blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles. This reduces muscle activity that causes the formation of frown lines whether they be moderate or severe. Individual results may vary, please contact your health care professional for more information.

How long have Anti-wrinkle Injectables been used?

It has been well over 15years that Anti-wrinkle Injectables treatments have been used in Australia and New Zealand. It has been used in Australia for movement disorders (eye & face) since 1993 and for eye spasms and crossed eyes in New Zealand since 1991.

What qualifications are you supposed to hold to administer this work?

Ideally they will be a registered nurse in clinical practice who has undergone specialist training in aesthetics and advanced aesthetics including anti wrinkle treatments, Dermal Fillers and Medical Facial Peels. Anti-wrinkle Injectables are only to be administered by qualified medical professional in a clinical environment

How long do treatments take?

The full consultation you will have before the treatments takes 30 to 60 minutes as it is very thorough. Anti wrinkle injectables (commonly known as Botox®) take 5 -10 minutes to administer and fillers take 10 to 20 minutes depending on the individual.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Botox is injected into the muscle tissue surrounding a wrinkle through a small needle. The discomfort is minimal and usually lasts a few seconds. Botox relaxes the muscle tissue by blocking nerve impulses to it. Within a couple of days the results are visibly seen and will last for several months, after which the procedure can be performed again.

Are Anti-Wrinkle Injectables safe?

Botox® has been widely used by the medical profession to treat a variety of conditions. It is licensed for use in the UK and is one of the proven  safest cosmetic treatments. Prior to administration of dermal fillers or obtaining a prescription for anti wrinkle injectables a full medical history is taken to ensure patient safety.

Can I Still Make Facial Expressions After Treatment?

One of the common myths with Botox is that the face will have a frozen appearance after treatment. The patient can expect to see visible results, but the injection of Botox will not dramatically change the appearance of the complexion or make the face look frozen. You will be left feeling fresh and relaxed with a very natural look about you.

When will I see results from a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment?

Within days, you may see a marked improvement in the moderate-to-severe frown lines between your brows. Lines continue to improve for up to 30 days, and results can last for up to 4 months. Individual results may vary.

Will I have more wrinkles if I stop Anti Wrinkle Injections?

The most basic answer is no,  Botulinum does not cause more wrinkles to form. Although un-treated muscles near the treated area may occasionally be affected by the other muscles around the treated areas. This very rarely occurs.

Is it true that if you have too many Anti Wrinkle Injections they will stop working?

There are a small percentage of patients who are resistant to Botulinum (only about 2%) and they may develop resistance after repeat treatments. Such resistance cannot be predicted.

Are there any people who cannot use Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

• Women who are pregnant, or planning pregnancy
• Women who are breast-feeding
• Anyone on certain medications such as prescription antibiotics should consult with a doctor prior to receiving these injections
• Anyone allergic to BOTOX®
• Anyone who has a neuromuscular disorder

Is Botox used for non-cosmetic reasons as well?

Yes, Botox has been in use for decades and has been shown effective and safe for treating serious medical conditions such as:
• excessive sweating in arm pits or hands (Hyperhydrosis)
• Migraine and tension headaches
• eyelid spasm (Blepharospasm)
• crossed eye problems (Strabismus)
• Bladder incontinence
• Back pain and spasm
•  neck spasms (Cervical dystonia)
• Spasticity after strokes
• Equinus foot deformity in cerebral palsy children

When shouldn't I use botulinum toxin injection?

Botulinum toxin injection must not be used if:
• you have an infection in the muscles where it would normally be injected
• you have any muscle disorders in other parts of your body, including myasthenia gravis, Eaton Lambert Syndrome or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• you are taking amino glycoside antibiotics
• you have inflammation or severe weakness in the muscles where botulinum would be injected
• you are pregnant or have the intention of becoming pregnant
• you are breast feeding or planning to start breast feeding
• you have angle closure glaucoma
• you are taking drugs that may interfere with muscle function

What are the possible side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic?

BOTOX® Cosmetic can cause serious side effects such as:
• dry mouth
• discomfort or pain at the injection site
• tiredness
• headache
• neck pain
• eye problems such as double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids, and dry eyes
• allergic reactions; symptoms of an allergic reaction to BOTOX® Cosmetic may include: itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you are wheezing or have asthma symptoms, or if you become dizzy or faint.
• Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
• These are not all the possible side effects of BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.