Treatment Function
Anti-wrinkle injections prevent muscle contraction whereas dermal filler replaces lost volume. Anti-wrinkle injections are used to help prevent new wrinkles and to reduce the appearance of old or emerging wrinkles. Dermal fillers are used to fill out depressed areas of the face, plump up cheeks or lips, and rejuvenate the skin.

Treatment Area
Both anti-wrinkle injection and dermal fillers are injected underneath specific layers of skin, with each product designed uniquely for a certain set of tasks.

Longevity
Neither anti-wrinkle injections nor dermal filler are permanent - both are reabsorbed over time. Dermal fillers may last between 6-12 months depending on the characteristics of the filler product and the area of the body where it is used.

For many years, anti-wrinkle injections have been used for many medical problems such as uncontrolled muscle contraction in cerebral palsy and blepharospasm.
It is now commonly used around the world for cosmetic enhancement of the face. These include:

• Forehead to reduce forehead frown lines.
• Around the eyes to reduce crows feet and glabellar frown lines between the eyebrows.
• Around the lips to reduce fine wrinkles.
• The chin to reduce wrinkling over the chin.
• In Asian countries, it is commonly used to reduce the bulk of the jaw muscles to create a more aesthetically pleasing facial contour.

The duration of the effect depends on the amount used, the number of courses of treatment applied and also previous treatments.

In general, we would expect the effect to last between 3-6 months, although there is significant individual variation.

Anti-wrinkle injections have been used for several decades for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes.

Like any medication there is a risk of reactions but in general side effects are uncommon.

Occasionally, there may be very small areas of bruising or swelling but generally there is very minimal “downtime” associated with treatment.

Infections and other more serious complications are rare. It is important to undertake a thorough medical and aesthetic assessment with an EST Clinic specialist doctor prior to having any injectable or aesthetic treatment.