Injectables

What is this procedure?

Deep facial wrinkles and lines can be associated with ageing, sun exposure, hereditary factors and with repeated facial muscle movement over time. Anti-wrinkle injections are common non-surgical cosmetic procedures used to temporarily reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles and folds in the skin. Botulinum toxin type A and dermal fillers are prescription-only, higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures that are administered by injection and must be provided and supervised by appropriately qualified registered health practitioners.

Botulinum toxin type A (commonly known as “anti-wrinkle injections”)

Botulinum toxin type A is a muscle relaxant derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, used in carefully controlled doses for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. In cosmetic practice it can be used to reduce the appearance of some facial lines and wrinkles such as those around the eyes and on the forehead, as well as between the eyebrows, by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles. It works by blocking nerve signals to the injected muscles via very fine needles, which leads to temporary reduction in muscle activity in those areas. As a result, some expression-related (dynamic) wrinkles may appear less noticeable while the medicine is active, but individual responses and outcomes vary between patients. The effect of botulinum toxin type A is temporary and typically lasts around 3 to 4 months in many patients, although duration can be shorter or longer depending on individual factors and dose.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable products used to restore or enhance volume in specific areas of the face, such as the lips and cheeks, and to help reduce the appearance of some lines and folds (for example, smile lines) in appropriately selected patients. They may also be used in selected cases to help smooth the contour of the nose (sometimes referred to as “liquid rhinoplasty”) without surgery, noting that this is an off-surgical, higher risk, non-surgical cosmetic procedure that requires careful assessment and counselling regarding risks. The most commonly used dermal fillers are based on hyaluronic acid, a type of sugar that occurs naturally in the body and binds water, contributing to skin volume and hydration. Results from dermal fillers are generally seen soon after treatment; however, the degree of change, symmetry and longevity vary from person to person and depend on product type, treatment area and other individual factors. While often described as long-lasting, the effect of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers usually persists for a limited period (commonly between about 6 months and up to 2 years), after which further treatment may be required to maintain a similar appearance, and no specific outcome or duration can be guaranteed.

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers have potential risks, side effects and complications, including but not limited to bruising, swelling, asymmetry, infection, vascular compromise, visual disturbance and the need for further treatment or reversal in some cases. A full face-to-face consultation, assessment of your goals and expectations, discussion of alternative options (including not having treatment), and informed consent are essential before proceeding. Outcomes are influenced by individual anatomy, medical history, product choice, dose and technique, and results achieved in one person do not necessarily indicate the results that another person may experience.

Information about before-and-after images for face procedures, including non-surgical cosmetic treatments, must be provided in a way that is honest, balanced and not misleading, and any images used must be genuine, unedited clinical images of actual patients of the practice, with appropriate patient consent and clear statements that results vary between individuals.

Any such images, if viewed on our website or in clinic, are for general information only and do not guarantee that you will achieve the same or similar results.

What can be achieved?

Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers may be considered for selected adult patients following an appropriate medical assessment to address specific cosmetic concerns and, in some cases, certain medical conditions.

The information below is general in nature and does not replace an individual consultation, where potential benefits, limitations and risks will be discussed in detail.

Potential cosmetic goals with botulinum toxin type A

• Temporarily reduce the appearance of some lines and wrinkles associated with facial expression, such as crow’s feet, horizontal forehead lines, frown lines and some upper lip lines, in appropriately selected patients.
• Assist in softening the appearance of a strong or square jawline in some patients by reducing activity of specific chewing muscles (masseters), noting that outcomes vary and functional considerations must be assessed.
• Help reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile” in some cases by modifying upper lip elevation, after careful assessment of dental and skeletal factors.
• Reduce the appearance of dimpling or an “orange peel” texture in the chin area in some patients through targeted muscle relaxation.

Potential medical indications with botulinum toxin type A

Botulinum toxin type A is also used in medicine for several therapeutic indications that are distinct from cosmetic use and require appropriate specialist assessment, dosing and follow-up.

• Adjunctive treatment of chronic migraine in selected patients, usually under the care of a neurologist or suitably trained medical practitioner, following standard diagnostic and treatment guidelines.
• Treatment of certain muscle spasm conditions (for example, neck muscle spasm/dystonia) and specific neurological movement disorders, under specialist supervision.
• Management of severe primary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of areas such as the underarms, hands or feet when other treatments are inadequate, in appropriately assessed patients.

Potential cosmetic goals with dermal fillers

• Restore or enhance facial volume that may be reduced over time due to ageing, smoking, sun exposure or weight changes, particularly in areas such as the midface and cheeks.
• Augment or define the lips by adding volume or contour, in patients seeking fuller-appearing lips, while respecting facial proportions and individual anatomy.
• Enhance shallow or hollow contours, for example in some cheek, temple or chin areas, with an emphasis on balanced, natural-looking proportions where possible.
• Improve the appearance of certain indentations or depressed scars (for example, some acne or traumatic scars) by elevating the skin surface, noting that complete correction is not guaranteed and results can vary.
• Reduce the appearance of a tear trough (the groove under the lower eyelid) in carefully selected patients, acknowledging that this is a higher risk area that requires detailed assessment and discussion of risks, including swelling, discolouration and vascular complications.

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures are elective and should not be regarded as essential for wellbeing or mental health.

They are not suitable for everyone, and they are not the only option for concerns about appearance; alternative approaches, including no treatment, skincare, lifestyle modification and psychological support, may in some cases be more appropriate. If you are considering these procedures, an in-person consultation with a suitably qualified registered health practitioner is required to assess your suitability, discuss risks and realistic outcomes, and allow you time to consider your options before deciding whether to proceed.