POTENTIAL RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
associated with anti-wrinkle injections

With any medical procedure there are risks associated with it. Understanding these risks helps you to make an informed decision about the treatment and if it is the right treatment for you.

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These risks are discussed during the consultation and again before the treatment when reviewing the consent form. The prescribing doctor also discusses these risks at the time of authorising the treatment.

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We recommend following our post care instructions to give you the best aesthetic results, and to minimise the risk of any post treatment complication. 

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All post care instructions are emailed to each patient immediately after the treatment, emailed by the prescribing doctor who authorised the treatment, given verbally, as well as brochure/ leaflet format.  The contact details of the injector and prescribing doctor are also given to the patient.

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Patient safety and minimising complications is so important to us at Restore My Glow. We have a team of medical professionals who are our prescribing doctors available 24 hours a day in the unlikely event of a post treatment complication. We are also a member of AMET (Australia’s first aesthetic medical team) which provides medical support 24 hours a day with a team of specialists and medical professionals who are experienced in managing adverse events and complications.

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Please contact the clinic if you do experience these and need further clarification.

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What are the potential risks and complications of anti-wrinkle injections?

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• Bruising:  This is one of the most common side effects as the small injections are breaking the skin surface.  They usually resolve in a few days up to a week, but some patients do bruise easily.  To minimise the risk of a bruise, see the pre- care recommendations to follow in the lead up to your appointment.

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• Redness and discomfort:  This is temporary.  Some injection sites can instantly appear red but usually resolve quickly. Some injections will be felt, and others may not be felt at all. Any discomfort is resolved relatively quickly without the need for intervention.

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• Headache: Will resolve but we suggest avoiding ibuprofen or aspirin in the 24 hours following injections and suggest paracetamol if needed (to avoid an increased risk of a bruise). Headaches are usually transient.

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• Swelling: Mild or moderate swelling can occur at the site of the injections and some areas e.g. the forehead can appear to look like mosquito bites as this is an area that is injected superficially. Subsides in a few minutes but at the most in a few hours or days. 

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• Allergic reactions: Although quite rare some patients can experience an allergic reaction.  These may include itching, rash, swelling, hives and more severe- difficulty breathing.  These require immediate medical attention and review so please attend your closest emergency department without delay.

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• Flu like symptoms, fatigue and body aches.  A small percentage may experience these symptoms mildly.  They will resolve on their own in a few days.

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• Infection: Rare but is a possibility at the injection sites. We maintain a clean clinic, always cleanse the skin first, wear appropriate PPE and always optimise patient safety throughout the entire treatment.

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• Temporary muscle weakness or paralysis: Sometimes an adjoining muscle may also be affected resulting in a temporary weakness or drooping that is not permanent and will resolve in time.  As the anti-wrinkle wears off the muscle will return to its pre -treated state.

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• Numbness or tingling: This is rare and temporary at the site of the injections and usually resolves with no intervention.

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• Ptosis: An eyelid or eyebrow ptosis or drop carries a small risk following anti-wrinkle injections. It is temporary and may last a few weeks, but wears off as the anti-wrinkle wears off and the muscle returns to its pre treated state.

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• Asymmetry: This can be present before the treatment and occasionally a slight asymmetry after the treatment.  A ‘spocking’ or raising of one eyebrow can sometimes occur. This can be a result of pre-existing asymmetry, individual facial anatomy and the strength of the muscle on a particular side or area.  A 2-week review and follow up appointment is always recommended to adjust the dose if needed, see the expected results, and sometimes can be corrected. Sometimes the desired look may not be achieved after that treatment.

 

Who is suitable for anti-wrinkle injections?

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• Must be 18 years old.

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• Not be pregnant, breast feeding or trying for a baby.

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• Must be in good physical and mental health.

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• No Covid or flu vaccinations 2 weeks before your scheduled appointment.

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• Not have reddened, broken, or inflamed skin in the treatment areas- this includes rosacea. Also includes no recent laser or skin treatments to the treated area where redness or inflammation may still be present.

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• Any sensitivity to the prescribed ingredients.

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• Anyone with an autoimmune disorder such as Myasthenia Gravis.

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• No neuromuscular disorders.

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• Please contact us for further information and clarification if you are unsure of your suitability. 

 

Pre-treatment precautions and care:

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• Some medications are known to have a blood thinning effect and cause an increase in bruising and swelling. Medications and vitamins such as aspirin, fish oil and omega 3’s, ibuprofen, NSAID’S, St John’s Wort, ginseng, gingko biloba, evening primrose oil, vitamin e, caffeine and green tea can increase the risk of bruising, bleeding and swelling. We recommend avoid taking these for 7-10 days before your treatment (unless advised to continue for medical reasons).

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• If you do bruise easily avoid any exercise, alcohol and caffeine the day before your appointment and the day of your treatment.

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• No covid or flu vaccination for 2 weeks before your treatment to avoid any inflammatory reactions.

 

Post Care instructions of your anti- wrinkle injections:

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• No exercise/ strenuous activity for a minimum of 24 hours.

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• Avoid any swimming (plus wearing swim goggles) and wearing a helmet as the pressure may move the product from where it was injected.  This also includes lying face down and not placing your face into a hole in a massage table.

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• If you do a lot of high intensity exercise such as heavy weights, or high intensity exercise classes we recommend no exercise for at least 48 hours post treatment. This is to give you the best aesthetic result.

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• Avoid touching or rubbing the area or sleeping on it.

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• No lasers, facials, radiofrequency, facial treatments and waxing to the treated area for 1 week afterwards.

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• Avoid make up: Oxygenetix post procedure foundation is the only makeup recommended as it allows your skin to heal, covers up any bruises and aids recovery.

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• No active skincare the day and night of your treatment e.g., Retinol, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Glycolic.

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• No extremes of temperature (sun/ snow), solariums, saunas, hot yoga for 24 hours. 

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• Keep your head upright for 5 hours. 

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• It can take up to 1 week for the muscle to begin to relax but you may see it starting to take effect in 3 days.  At this time, you might notice one side working faster than the other.  Give it further time to work.

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• A follow up appointment at 10-14 days afterwards is recommended, to see the full effect of the treatment.  This also gives us the opportunity to adjust your dose if needed. This is a complimentary review and especially important for new patients so we can determine your correct dose and correct placement and add more if needed.

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