WRINKLE TREATMENT
Skin wrinkles are a fact of life particularly given the high UV exposure our skin is subject to in Western Australia. Thankfully, there is now an affordable, effective and safe solution in Wrinkle Relaxer Injections. Dr Kate Jameson is trained in the assessment of wrinkles and in the safe administration of these muscle relaxing injections. Common problems that are readily amenable to treatment with these injections include frown lines, smoker's lines and crow's feet.
The wrinkle relaxing agent used at Central City Medical Centre is a natural protein derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum (as doctors we are prohibited from including drug names on our website). It is a highly purified medication that must be prescribed by a doctor. At Central City Medical Centre all injections are carried out by Dr Jameson.
When booking your appointment please inform the receptionist that the appointment is for wrinkle injections; Dr Jameson can discuss the wrinkle injections during a routine appointment but is only able to administer the injections on certain clinic days.
How do Wrinkle Relaxers work?
Wrinkle Relaxers work by blocking the transmission of a nerve impulse between a nerve and muscle. This results in reduced muscle contraction and consequently lessens the appearance of existing wrinkles and prevents the formation of new ones.
What does the treatment involve?
At your consultation Dr Jameson will assess your wrinkles and discuss the treatment options. This will include an assessment of how many units will be needed for each area and, therefore, the costs involved. "Before and After" photographs are taken. The treatment involves a small volume of fluid injected through a very fine needle. Discomfort from injections is minimal but can be further reduced by applying an ice pack to the area prior to injecting.
The treatment starts to show benefit over a few days but can take up to a fortnight to acheive its full effect.
How long does the treatment last?
Generally most patients find the benefits last for 3 to 4 months. With repeated treatments the effect is often longer lasting as the muscles weaken with time. When treatment is stopped the muscles gradually relax returning to their pre-injection state and consequently the wrinkles return but only to their pre-treatment level (not worse).
Are there any precautions I need to take after treatment?
Normal activities can be resumed soon after treatment, however, there are some basic precautions that should be taken to reduce risks of side effects and obtain the best results from your treatment.
-
Ice may be applied to the treated area to help reduce discomfort, swelling and bruising
-
Try to exercise your treated muscles for the first hour after treatment.
-
Do not lie down or do strenuous exercise for 4 hours after treatment
-
Do not have a facial, nor rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours after treatment
Are Wrinkle Relaxers safe?
The safety of Wrinkle Relaxers has been established over 20 years. The injections are commonly used, usually at higher doses, in a variety of medical conditions including:
-
Severe underarm sweating
-
Cervical dystonia - a neurological disorder that causes severe neck and shoulder muscle contractions
-
Blepharospasm - uncontrollable blinking
-
Strabismus - misaligned eyes
-
Chronic migraine
-
Overactive bladder
Side effects are uncommon; in less than 1% of patients temporary drooping of the eyelids may occur. Headaches may occur but will usually resolve with simple, over the counter painkillers. Dr Jameson will, of course, discuss possible side effects with you prior to your treatment.
What are the costs involved?
There is a one-off consultation fee of $85 for the initial assessment and planning appointment. The cost for the procedure depends upon the number of units of wrinkle relaxer used. We charge $15 per unit. A week after the procedure Dr Jameson offers a free review appointment.
Frown or Glabellar lines:
10-30 Units
Forehead Lines:
10-30 Units
Smile Lift
3-6 Units
Eyebrow Lift:
2-5 Units
Crow's Feet:
5-15 Units
Bunny (Nasalis) Lines:
5-10 Units
Dimpled Chin:
2-6 Units
As a guide the number of units required for the different areas is typically:
