Overview

Probably the most common cosmetic treatment in the world, anti wrinkle injections can drastically reduce even the deepest laughter line with a simple, non surgical procedure. Wrinkles are the result of the lost elasticity of skin over time and the impact of years of facial muscle contractions. Wrinkles are further deepened by over exposure to sunlight and smoking, and are a concern for many within our society. To combat the signs of ageing, there are a variety of non-surgical procedures available in the form of various different injection methods, for those aiming for a smoother, younger complexion. One particular method intercepts nerve impulses that cause contractions to 'freeze' facial muscles and tighten the nearby skin, with gradual implementation and effects over seven to fourteen days.

Another effective technique to minimize wrinkles involves using injected fillers to 'fill out' crow 's feet, wrinkles, sunken scars , laughter lines and lips. The filler is injected until the desired facial lines and wrinkles are filled through a fine needle with no need for anesthetic or surgical procedure. Various substances are used as fillers; some synthetic, some relying on the body's own tissues such as fat or collagen.

A common technique in minimizing wrinkles is Isolagen. This involves removing skin from behind the ear and using it as a basis from which to grow skin cells in a laboratory. The resultant cells are then injected into the skin where they grow and create more collagen. The new collagen will be used to fill wrinkles, and may require a number of treatments to see effective results.

Specifics of Treatment

The filler injection is administered through an ultra fine needle directly into the muscles responsible for the wrinkle. An ice pack is applied to the area before and after the procedure to numb the surrounding area, although the process is in general relatively painless and lasts a mere matter of minutes. Patients can expect to experience redness and soreness around the injection site, although this will generally die down shortly afterwards.

The injection takes effect two to ten days following the procedure and the effects last for about three to six months. As the effects wear off, wrinkles may reappear, although additional ;top-up' treatment can result in more prolonged results. It is critical that following the treatment, patients remain in an upright position for about four hours and exercise the specific muscles to promote circulation It is also necessary to exercise the muscles concerned to ensure adequate circulation of the substance. Physical manipulation of the specific muscles is to be avoided as far as possible as this may cause the injected substance to transfer to and affect surrounding muscles.

Risks

The risks involved in this form of treatment are comparatively lesser than those of other similar procedures. That said, there are still, as with any medical procedure potential complications and side effects which must be taken into consideration. Despite being a relatively simple and effective solution to reduce wrinkles, the improvement is only temporary and therefore any treatment must be repeated frequently to maintain results. It is recommended that before embarking on a course of treatment, you should consult your medical specialist to discuss the options and advantages and disadvantages of each, in order to highlight potential difficulties before they arise. Consult your medical professional for advice on the potential risks associated before consenting to any surgical or non-surgical procedures.

Bruising and numbness may occur surrounding the injection sites and there is also a slight chance of related headaches. In around two percent of cases, the eyelid may droop when forehead lines are targeted, although this can be easily corrected if it does occur. This potential complication is short-lived, usually lasting for a few days to two weeks in exceptional cases.

The treatment is most effective around the eyes and forehead, although this may disable muscle movements around these areas.

By nature, all medical procedures carry an element of risk. Before embarking on any medical procedure, it is advisable to consult fully with the Mclean Academy so that our qualified staff can suitably discuss any risk or concerns that your procedure may pose. The Anti Wrinkle Injections are a non surgical procedure with very minimal risks.