Wrinkle Relaxers

Generally the consult process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and involves discussing what to expect during and after the procedure. Dr Rowick will discuss with you the results you would like to achieve and guide you through the consent process.

The actual injection of the wrinkle filler is fairly quick and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Wrinkle relaxers are administered in a syringe with a very fine needle into the muscle of the area being treated. In some cases, such as the treatment of excessive sweating, wrinkle treatments are injected even more superficially into the skin.

Generally ice is given to numb the area before injection of the filler and the sensation feels like a bee sting, but only lasts for a second. If patients are very concerned about the pain factor, local anaesthetic creams can be applied 30 minutes beforehand.

There is mild redness and swelling in the area that lasts for approximately 20 minutes, and in rare cases, a pin prick bruise can occur. Patients can apply mineral makeup immediately post-treatment and leave looking no different. It takes three days until the effects of the treatment become apparent, and a further two weeks for the full effect. The results of these anti-wrinkle treatments can last anywhere from two to six months—the average currently sits at three months. Many patients who repeat their treatments with Vice Aesthetics Perth find each subsequent session extends the length of time that results last.

The cost will vary depending on the individual patient’s requirements and treatment wishes. Additionally a consult with Dr Rowick  is necessary for an exact quote. For general price estimates, please contact us on (08) 9384 1737 or reception@viceaesthetics.com.

What are the typical results a Perth patient could expect?

Studies have shown that up to 89% of patients feel they have moderate or better improvement of their lines with anti-wrinkle treatments (obviously this is all relative to how deep the lines are to begin with and depends on patient perception).

Once I start wrinkle relaxing injections do I have to keep them up forever?

Certainly not. The treatment is like a new haircut. It’s non-permanent and if you never do it again, your wrinkles and face will return to how they were after the three-month period; but we’re yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love the results.

Taking a conservative approach also means that the highly publicised side effects of wrinkle relaxers are avoided.

How regularly would you recommend a top-up?

Initially three-monthly treatments are best, however, this does depend on the age of the patient, the severity of their lines and the size and strength of their muscles. Many of our patients find that with repeated wrinkle relaxer treatment, the effects start to last a bit longer each time. After a couple of years, most patients find they only need to have wrinkle treatments two or three times a year.

Younger patients who start treatment with wrinkle relaxers early, before the lines are too deep, are recommended to top-up only when they start to notice the lines returning—which can sometimes be from six to twelve months post-treatment.

Commencing anti-wrinkle treatments before the lines are too deep is the best approach, as it will save more costly and invasive treatments down the track. Additionally, they will reduce the frequency of wrinkle relaxers required in the future.

I’m worried about looking frozen?

We start with a conservative dose for initial treatment, to avoid the frozen look that occurs in patients who have been “overdosed” with wrinkle relaxers. Dr Rowick’s philosophy is that we can always add more if you feel you would like to have the effect increased, but the vast majority of patients prefer a more natural look.

Is there anyone who can’t have a wrinkle relaxer or filler procedure done?

Anyone who has an allergy to any of the ingredients in wrinkle relaxers, patients with neuromuscular diseases—such as Myasthenia Gravis or Eaton Lambert Syndrome—or if there is any signs of infection at the injection sites.

If patients are unwell or recovering from surgery, their filler treatment can sometimes not work as well—you should be in a good general state of health to get the best wrinkle treatment results. Patients on certain antibiotics and muscle relaxants should avoid wrinkle relaxers, fillers and injections. All anti-wrinkle injections are not advised for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there is no data regarding its side effects in these situations.

How long does the wrinkle relaxer stay in my system for?

Wrinkle fillers remain in the injected muscle for about three months post-treatment, after which it is broken down inside the body and excreted. The best wrinkle relaxers remain only in the treated muscle and have no systemic effects.

How safe is it?

While wrinkle relaxers have the potential to cause severe side effects and even death if used improperly, when injected by one of our Perth professionals, the appropriate small doses needed for cosmetic use mean the risk of severe side effects are extremely rare. Redness, swelling and bruising can occur, but generally resolve within 20 minutes to a few days.

Rarely—side effects such as eyebrow droop, drooping eyelid, puffy upper or lower eyelids and headaches—can occur. In extreme cases, dry eyes, double vision, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, difficulty talking, muscle weakness or numbness can occur.

What if my treatment doesn’t work?

The most common reason that wrinkle relaxer treatments do not have their best possible result is in patients who may have muscles that require higher than normal doses. We advise all new patients to return at two weeks after the treatment for a review and a top-up if required so they have the best possible, longest-lasting result they deserve. There are a small proportion of people who do not respond well to anti-wrinkle filler treatment (less than 5 per cent). However, in most cases where the treatment fails, this is often due to inadequate doses, the location of the injections, or underlying anatomy that would prevent the best treatment success. Rarely, some individuals can develop a resistance to these fillers by producing antibodies, which attack and destroy the wrinkle relaxer and filler.

Contact Dr. Alana Rowick at our Perth treatment rooms on (08) 9384 1737, to discuss the best wrinkle relaxer treatment customised to suit your needs. Alternatively, drop us a line via our online contact form.