Anti-Wrinkle Aesthetic Risks and Side Effects
What is an Antiwrinkle Treatment?
An antiwrinkle treatment refers to a treatment with Botulinum Toxin (BT). There are 3 TGA approved brands of BT in Australia; Botox®, Dysport® and Xeomin®. BT is a naturally occurring neurotoxin in nature and is produced by the bacterium Clostridium A.
How does Botulinum Toxin (BT) work to reduce wrinkles?
BT temporarily relaxes muscles by blocking the release of chemicals involved in a normal muscle contraction. This relaxation can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles that are directly associated with muscle movement (Eg. Frown Lines). Although the medicine does not directly treat resting lines, it does minimise the repetitive wrinkle creasing, which can over time soften these lines.
Is it safe?
Yes. The use of BT in medicine has been widely researched and is currently used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as spasticity in children and adults with cerebral palsy, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and bladder dysfunction in adults.
Results:
The result of an antiwrinkle treatment is temporary and will last, on average, around 3 months. Results are dependent on factors such as your anatomy, treatment expectations and the dose used. It is important to express any concerns you may have with your practitioner during your initial consultation. For those wanting a more natural expression, a lower dose may be more suited. However, it is important to understand that the lower the dose used, the less longevity you will have with your results. Many patients are opting for more natural results that allow them to have some movement in between treatment sessions.
Deciding on a practitioner
All aesthetic practitioners need to be a registered Australian health care practitioner to be able to perform cosmetic injectable treatments. It is important before booking your appointment that you visit the AHPRA website. It is a requirement that you are to have a consultation by a Medical or Nurse Practitioner before undergoing treatment. This can be done in person or via video call. Often the aesthetic practitioner may suggest something different to your initial expectation, so it is important to be given time to think this information over before deciding on treatment. You should never feel rushed or pressured in any way. AMET strongly encourages patients to find a practitioner they feel comfortable and most importantly safe with. This will be evident in how your practitioner consults you as well as how they conduct their business. You should feel comfortable to ask any questions throughout the consultation and your practitioner must discuss the risks and side effects of botulinum toxin treatment (including but not limited to those listed below). Many of the side effects will be related to the chosen treatment area, so any concerns must be raised with your practitioner before deciding on treatment.
| Common | Uncommon | Rare or Very Rare |
|---|---|---|
| Bruising | Severe bruising | Severe muscle weakness |
| Headache | Eyelid Ptosis | Difficulty swallowing |
| Bleeding – mild at injection site | Eyebrow Ptosis | Blurred Vision |
| Swelling – mild at injection site | Facial Paresis | Double vision |
| Redness | Muscle weakness | Prolonged altered sensation |
| Tenderness | Flu like symptoms | Double Vision |
| Discomfort | Nausea | Allergic reaction |
| Itchiness | Altered sensation | |
| Eyebrow drop | Injection haematoma | |
| Severe swelling |
NB: Ptosis refers to a drop/droop.
*The above information reflects only some of the more reported adverse events related to Botulinum toxin within aesthetic medicine. AMET encourages all patients to read the product and consumer medical information of each product (see below links)*
Botox Information: https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/PICMI?OpenForm&t=&q=botulinum
Dysport Information: https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/PICMI?OpenForm&t=&q=clostridium
Xeomin Information: https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/PICMI?OpenForm&t=&q=incobotulinumtoxina