Wrinkle and sweat reduction

Muscle paralysing injections are one of the simplest most effective quick fixes to improve your looks. Simple yet effective it can really make a difference, especially when used by a doctor who knows just how to get the best out of this unique product.

The substance used has an interesting history, in fact, one of its major uses initially was to treat spasm in the upper lid of the eye. It is not surprising then that it was an opthalmologist (Dr. Jean Carruthers) and a dermatologist (Dr. Alastair Carruthers) from Canada that discovered many of the cosmetic uses for this medication.

Very small doses of this clear liquid substance are injected into specific sites of the face either in or near the target muscles. It inactivates the muscles and wrinkles can disappear like magic in a predictable way. Initially, there is little response, but within a few days the small area of muscle contracts less. After two weeks the result is at a maximum and stays that way for a number of months.

Dr. Goyen at the ALIA CLINIC has performed thousands of these injections over the years and was one of the first doctors in Australia to use this medication for cosmetic purposes. At the clinic, all injections are performed by practitioners trained by Dr.Goyen. Wrinkle injection treatment success is very dependent on the experience of the injector, someone with a thorough understanding of the medication used and the anatomy of the facial muscles. Also, Dr. Goyen has developed special techniques to make injection as safe and as comfortable as possible, techniques only available at the ALIA CLINIC.

The commonest cosmetic use for this medication is to reduce (often by 70-80% or more) the really deep furrows and lines that many people have in between their eyes. These can make people look quite angry. These deep lines are not a problem of the skin, but are caused by the repeated contraction of the muscles underneath the skin (the glabellar and procerus muscles). Constant squinting in the Australian sun makes this worse. The change in appearance after a single treatment is dramatic. The face can look fresher and years younger. Men and women can benefit from these treatments.

Examples

Likewise, the 'Crow's feet' or wrinkles to the sides of the eyes can be improved by a single well directed treatment just to the outside of each eye.

Some people have deep brow ridges over the top of their forehead and reduction of these can make the forehead less heavy. These simple injections can even be used to raise the outside of the eyebrow without surgery or any incisions. The face is more youthful and attractive.

And those bands in the neck, that many people develop with age can be lessened with these injections. This can be an integral part of liposculpture to the neck or the three day facelift alternative.

This remarkable medication also has another major use. Many people suffer from excessive sweating in the armpits and hands whether it is hot or not. Clothes are often ruined and people are embarrased by this problem. In the past and still today, surgery is used to reduce this problem, leaving scars and often not solving the problem completely. Excess sweating is caused by a reflex reaction of the nervous system and is beyond voluntary control. A single 10 minute treatment can be used to stop this reaction from occurring and a single treatment can last for up to 12 months.

Common questions

Who is a candidiate for 10 minute treatments to reduce facial lines?

Anyone who has deep frown lines in any area of their face will often respond well to this treatment, men or women. The deepest lines in the skin are often caused by muscle action. An easy way to tell if it is the muscle which is causing the problem is to contract the facial muscles around the line. If they become deeper, the treatment can almost certainly be used to help reduce them. Anyone with excessively sweaty armpits or hands can benefit.

Who is not a candidate for treatment?

Pregnant women should not have the treatment, though the chances of any problem occurring with localised injections is unlikely.

Careful assessment of your particular problem by a doctor or nurse practitioner with extensivve experience is very important. Good results depend on accurate dosing and technique.

What is injected anyway?

The substance used is a very effective muscle inactivating substance. It is produced by a bacteria, but is highly refined and purified to ensure freedom from impurities and accuracy in dosing. Small quantities only are used and these will not have effects on the rest of the body. The medication works by preventing transmission of impulses between the nerve and the muscle. It is permanent, but function of the muscle does return as new nerve endings grow from the nerve to the muscle over a period of months.

Is it permanent?

As a general rule to maintain the effect, three treatments would be needed each year, though some people would require more. For treatment of sweating, a single session can be effective for up to a year.

Are there any side effects?

Very few. There are a few pinpoints from the injection sites and occassionally some bruising. It is possible to cause a drooping eyelid, but this is very rare and temporary.

What restrictions are there after treatment?

Jogging, gym workouts and saunas should be avoided on the day of the procedure. It is a good to eep your head slightly elevated on the first night.

When can I return to work?

There is no restriction on working, many people have the treatment before work, at lunch or after work.

How long does the procedure take?

Most procedures take 10-15 minutes.

Can these injections be used with any other treatment?

It is commonplace now to use these injections before and after resurfacing of the skin of the face to get rid of the maximum amount of wrinkles and maintain the benefit of the re-surfacing for as long as possible. It can sometimes be used with neck liposculpture, to reduce some of the vertical lines caused by the platysma muscle.

Wrinkle injection treatments are performed at the clinic's locations at Crows Nest, City, Kogarah, Baulkham Hills, North Ryde and Bankstown.

Consult online or phone the clinic on 99061555 for exact pricing and appointments.

All of the " before and after" images used on this page have not been manipulated or enhanced in any way. There is no guarantee that other people will experience similar results to those shown here.