What are anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle cosmetic injectables consist of a purified version of a naturally occurring protein.
When injected into wrinkle-causing muscles, these proteins work by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the muscle. This controlled weakening reduces muscle movement, causing the wrinkles over the muscles to become smooth and disappear.
They have been safely used for over 30 years on over 100 million patients.
Why do wrinkles appear?
Wrinkles appear over time because of persistent tension in the small muscles of facial expression.
Contraction of these muscles cause the skin to bunch up over the muscle, causing wrinkles.
- Frown lines (the lines between one’s eyes) are caused by tension in the procerus and corrugator supercillii muscles
- Crow’s feet (smile lines around outside of eyes) are caused by tension in the outer portion of the orbicularis oculi muscles
- Forehead lines are caused by tension in the frontalis muscle
Who can perform anti-wrinkle injections?
In Australia, only a doctor or registered nurse under the supervision of a medical doctor may inject muscle relaxants and most dermal fillers. For a safe procedure and optimum results, only a fully trained, highly experienced practitioner should administer cosmetic injectable treatments.
At Contour Clinics, all treatments are performed or supervised by a fully qualified specialist doctor.
Our Medical Director Dr. Josh Wall is the head trainer for the world’s largest dermal filler and anti-wrinkle training provider, Derma Medical. He is one of Sydney’s most experienced and expert injectors, graduating top of medical school, speaking at all major cosmetic conferences, and is published in multiple peer-reviewed medical journals.
What is a good age to start anti-wrinkle injections?
Most patients start anti-wrinkle treatments in their late 20s or early 30s. This ensures lines never form in the first place.
Some patients start earlier, but this is for aesthetic reasons rather than anti-ageing. Some of our patients feel that their frown lines make them look angry when they are not.
Treating this area removes lines, giving a generally happier and more youthful appearance. Treating the frown lines also prevents squinting when in outdoor photos.
Other reasons patients may start young include:
- Lip flip – improves show of upper lip
- Brow lift – augments the shape of the brow
- DAO – decreases downturned corners of mouth
- Gummy smile – reduces the show of gums when smiling
To learn more, read this article from the Daily Mail UK where our Medical Director Dr. Josh Wall discusses the best age to begin anti-wrinkle cosmetic injectables.
What age should you stop getting anti-wrinkle treatments?
There is no age limit for anti-wrinkle injections. However, as we age (particularly after the age of 55), our brow and upper eyelid region can get heavier. Excessive use of anti-wrinkle injections in these regions can cause an already heavy brow and upper eye area to droop.
Comprehensive facial assessment prior to injections in especially important in older patients. In expert hands, these patients can be treated successfully, but extra caution needs to be exercised to prevent facial heaviness.
Can you stop anti-wrinkle treatments once you have started?
Yes.
If you stop, your face will return to as it was prior to starting anti-wrinkle injections. It will not cause facial sagging or drooping.
Those who diligently continue treatments will notice the benefits of anti-wrinkle; their existing wrinkles stay softened, or new ones don’t form at all.