Cosmetic Injecting

Part 1:- Anti-Wrinkle Injections

What are Antiwrinkle injections?

Antiwrinkle injections use a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, a chemical toxin that is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although this is the same toxin that causes botulism — a type of infection that can result in life-threatening muscle paralysis — it is safe to use as an injectable medicine because it is used in such small quantities and injected directly into specific sites. The most well-known brand of botulinum toxin type A is Botox. Another popular brand is Dysport. While many people think of botulinum toxin type A as a treatment for wrinkles, it has actually been used for many years to treat certain medical conditions. In fact, its use as a cosmetic treatment was only realised when people using it to treat facial muscle spasms noticed an improvement in their facial wrinkles.

What are Botox injections used for?

Botox injections are used to treat medical conditions such as:

• blepharospasm (twitching or spasm of the eyelid);
• cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis (a type of muscle spasm in the neck);
• facial or other localised muscle spasms;
• muscle spasticity due to cerebral palsy;
• strabismus (a condition where the eyes are not properly aligned); and
• certain cases of incontinence due to overactive bladder.
• block the action of the nerves that controls your sweat glands. It can be used in this way to treat excessive localised sweating in the hands and underarms.
• prevent migraine headaches in certain people with chronic migraine.
• help treat TMJ Syndrome by weakening the strong muscles of mastication used when people clench or grind their teeth.
• Correction of gummy smiles.

How does Botox treatment work?

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Dysport) blocks the release of a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) known as acetylcholine from nerve cells. Acetylcholine normally transmits nerve impulses to muscle cells, causing them to contract. Without acetylcholine, the affected nerve is unable to send a signal to the muscle, resulting in a weakened muscle. The effect of Botox injections is restricted to the area being treated, and because the nerve fibres usually regenerate after a couple of months, the effect is only temporary. When muscles contract they cause wrinkling of the skin above them so if the muscles can’t contract the wrinkles are eliminated.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (the Australian drug regulatory agency) first approved Botox injections for medical use in 1999. It was approved for cosmetic use (specifically, the treatment of vertical frown lines) in 2002. Botox injections are now also approved for the cosmetic treatment of horizontal forehead lines, and lines radiating from the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet).

How are Botox injections used to treat wrinkles?

Botox injections are used to weaken specific facial muscles that pull on your skin and cause wrinkles, allowing the skin to flatten out. About 4 to 7 days after the injections, the lines and wrinkles that are normally caused by certain facial expressions start to disappear. Since Botox therapy targets specific, individual muscles, the ability to form most facial expressions are not affected.

How long does the effect last?

The improvement in the appearance of your wrinkles usually lasts for 3 to 6 months, and repeated injections are required to maintain the effect. With continued use, the effects may last longer.

Are Botox injections safe?

Botox injections are relatively safe when administered by a medical professional who is trained in its use. As with all treatments, there are some side effects associated with its use, but most of these are mild and temporary. Pain, tenderness and bruising may be associated with the injection, and some people have reported a slight headache after treatment. Nausea and a flu-like syndrome are also rarely reported.

There is only a small risk of significant side effects from Botox treatment, such as a drooping eyelid (which usually only lasts a few days, but can last longer). Botox injections should not be used in women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

Where can I get Botox treatment?

Botox therapy is only available on prescription from a doctor or a dentist, and should always be given by a trained medical professional who is familiar with the correct technique. Your doctor or dentist will be able to let you know whether Botox injections are suitable for you.

Dr Stephen Suster at Vision Dental, Menai is an accredited Cosmeting Injecting provider.

Call (02) 9543 4222 for a no obligation Cosmetic Injection appraisal.