Cosmetic injectables

It takes at least three to five days for the effects of anti-wrinkle injections to occur, and the maximal effect is often achieved after 10 to 14 days. The procedure takes no more than 15 minutes.

It is advisable that you do not lie flat for eight hours post-injections. The treated area should not be massaged or exposed to heat and you should not bend over to pick up heavy objects for 48 hours after the procedure.

Before getting anti-wrinkle injections, make sure you inform your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
• If you are taking any medications, especially antibiotic by injection, muscle relaxants, allergy or cold medicine, or sleep medicine.
• If you have had any problems with similar injections in the past.
• If you suffer from any type of bleeding disorders (haemorrhagic problems) or if you are taking substances that prevent blood from clotting (anti-coagulant medication).
• If you suffer from any disease that disturbs the interaction between the nerves and the skeletal muscles (peripheral neuromuscular dysfunction).
• If you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, breathing difficulties, or eye disorders.
• If you suffer from a pronounced muscular weakness or decreased muscle volume in the muscle where you will receive the injection.
• If you have any swallowing difficulties.
• If you are due to have surgery or have had previous facial surgery.

What you do after your treatment and how you take care of your skin is very important.

• Don't touch the injected sites.
• Avoid strenuous activity, saunas and humid environments for 24 hours.
• Avoid rubbing and massaging the treated area for four hours to avoid spreading the toxin to other muscles.
• Do not get facials, chemical peels and microdermabrasion for 24 hours.
• Use topical arnica and yellow or green concealers to treat and cover up bruises.

It is important that your skin is clear of rashes, infections or cold sores prior to your dermal filler treatment. If you are prone to cold sore outbreaks it is advisable that you mention this to the doctor at the time of your initial consult and commence a course of anti-viral medication a week prior to your appointment and for a week afterwards.

If you are taking any medications or supplements that promote bruising (and are not medically necessary), stop them at least two weeks prior to your appointment. Do not stop any medications without consulting your GP first.

Side effects

It is not uncommon to have bruising at injection sites for up to a week following treatment with dermal fillers. This can be alleviated using ice packs and topical arnica in the post-injection period. We advise all our patients to undergo 20 minutes of red light treatment (available at our centre) immediately afterwards, which helps decrease the bruising and promotes collagen remodelling.

A temporary sensational swelling can last anywhere between 12 hours to three days post-filler treatment. Most people return to work and their normal routine the next morning after treatment. It is our practice to review our patients at two weeks post-treatment for further product placement if desired. A reversal agent can be used to alleviate swelling.

Hyaluronic acid fillers can produce excellent results for a period of six months (for the more superficial fillers) and up to 12 months (for the deeper, more robust fillers) post-injection treatment.

There is little pain during anti-wrinkle injections and minimal bruising afterwards. We can apply a topical anaesthetic to the treatment area to help numb your skin if you are particularly sensitive to needles. We also provide stress balls and apply cooling aids such as ice packs and fans during the treatment to keep you cool and soothed. Our treatment rooms are comfortable and restful, with calming music for your relaxation. Our dermal clinicians are fully qualified and very experienced in ensuring you are well looked after with minimal discomfort.

The effects of anti-wrinkle injections will last for up to six months, depending on the site. The more often you undergo anti-wrinkle injections the less often you will need them. Over time, the wrinkles will dissipate and the interval between treatments will lengthen.

Anti-wrinkle injections are beneficial for treating a broad range of aesthetic and medical conditions such as ageing, wrinkles, teeth grinding, excessive sweating, and migraines. It is a very effective treatment providing long-term results with a less invasive technique than some other cosmetic treatments. When performed by a skilled clinician, anti-wrinkle injections can help you to achieve a natural, refreshed look and not only reduce the appearance of current lines and wrinkles but also work to prevent them in the future.

If you have hollowness in your cheeks, under-eyes, chin or jaw, it could be a result of lost tissue and fat volume. Dermal fillers, which are made from naturally occurring substances found in the human body, help to replace that lost volume. Dermal fillers are strictly administered by medical professionals in our centre who achieve great results in restoring a more youthful appearance to your face and enhancing your natural features.

Depending on the product used, dermal fillers usually last between 6-12 months, extending up to 18 months with more robust products. Regular maintenance treatments can help prolong the results of your dermal fillers and lengthen the time required between treatments.

You will start to see improvement within 2-3 days, with maximum full effect 10 – 14 days after treatment.