Anti-wrinkle Injections (Botulinium Muscle Relaxant - "Product B")
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What is Product B?
Product B is typically used with the aim of reducing lines and wrinkles, however it also has other applications such as reducing underarm sweating and grinding of teeth. Product B cosmetic is a protein (derived from botulinum toxin), which is medically injected underneath skin to relax muscles.
What are the areas that could be treated with Product B?
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Forehead lines
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Frown lines (glabellar lines)
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Smile Lines (Crow's feet)
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Eyebrow elivation
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Hyperhidarosis (under arm sweating)
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Gummy Smile:This case type is where a smiling patient shows much more of the gums than would normally be seen. Normally smile would only show the upper teeth and only a small amount of the gum. A small amount of Product B injected close to the nose can relax the muscles that elevate the upper lip which allows the lip to drop slightly to cover the upper gum.
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Gummy smile treatment. |
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Marionette Lines: These lines occur at the outer corners of the mouth and tend to cause the mouth to turn downwards “mouth frown”. They are usually treated with dermal fillers. However, Product B treatment in the outer mouth depressor muscles can give a pleasing result. This can also augment the results of fillers.
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Dimply chin: Excessive muscle activity in the chin area can give an orange skin type appearance.This appearance can be softened by injecting a small amount of Product B.
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Masseter Muscles: Treatment with Product B can:
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Create a more feminine, less square shaped jaw.
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Reduce teeth grinding and
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In some cases, reduce tinnitus (ringing in ears).
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Nefertiti Lift: This procedure refers to injecting Product B along the angle of the jaw and in the playsmal bands. This can create a subtle lifting of the neck.
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Accordion lines: Please refer to photo gallery.
Generally, results of lower face treatments often last longer than those in the upper face. It is not unusual to achieve a result for six months or more for the Nefertiti Lift and masseter muscle treatment.
How long does Product B last? Is it Permanent?
No, Product B is not permanent. It lasts between 3-4 months on average but everyone is different. If you have your first 3 treatments promptly every 3-4 months (without waiting in between), subsequent treatments should last longer.
Most patients who get their first 3 treatments done "back to back" every 3-4 months, find that:
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Their next treatment lasts 4-5 months
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Then the next treatment lasts 5-6 months
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And the following treatment lasts 6 months
Patients who adhere to this treatment schedule can stabilize their treatments at approximately twice a year (thus saving you money!).
Does it hurt?
Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, although everyone is different. We usually hear patients say, "Is that all?"
We usually use ice to numb the skin prior to injections, although there is a topical anaesthetic cream which can be applied 20 minutes prior to injection if you wish, with no extra cost. However in our experience it is not required.
Is it going to be worse when it wears off?
No! Your face will never get worse if you stop using Product B Cosmetic, or when it wears off. At worst, you will simply return to where you started. In fact, if you use Product B Cosmetic for a number of years and then stop, your muscles learn to relax and therefore, you will end up looking a little better than when treatment was initiated.
How much does it cost?
The cost of treatment varies by each patient and a personal consultation can give you a specific cost. It all depends on your individual functional anatomy, muscle mass and the desired clinical outcome. You can ring our receptionists and they will be able to help you. During the consultation Dr Sue will discuss the cost prior to injection.
I don't want to look like a mask without expression - will that happen?
No. Dr. Sue will ensure you get the look you want – as natural as you want. Most people simply want to look NATURAL, RELAXED and REFRESHED, without looking "done". In the experienced hands patients typically say that no one knows that they had anything done. Friends simply say that they look well rested and great!
What is a unit?
A unit of Product B Cosmetic is simply a very tiny measurement of drug. The exact number of units you require (to achieve the look you want) will be discussed with Dr. Sue, although our staff can give you cost estimate.
What are the side effects?
Side effects are RARE and are NOT PERMANENT. Rarely, there can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered up with makeup) or a slight short-term headache. Most patients do not experience any side effects at all.
I have heard that you can get a drooping eyelid - is this true?
Side effects are rare and are not permanent and this can include a drooping eyelid. The incidence of these side effects is less than 1 % and will last from only a few days to a few weeks. Eye drops could be used to raise the eyelid till it returns back to normal. Again, most patients do not experience any side effects at all.
Where does it go in my body?
Product B Cosmetic stays local to the muscle where it was injected. After the injection, Product B is simply metabolized & broken down into natural byproducts within a few hours.
What are the medical conditions in which Product B treatment is contraindicated?
Dr Sue will go through your history including medical conditions, medications and allergies. Generally there are few contraindications:
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A medical condition called Myasthenia Gravis.
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A syndrome called Eaton Lambert Syndrome.
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Presence of infection at the proposed injection site.
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Also we prefer not to treat pregnant women or lactating mothers.
Are there any specific instructions after Product B treatment?
Product B takes anywhere from 2-14 days to work and is different with each person, each time. Don't worry if you don't see anything in a couple of days - it will come. We would like to see you back in a couple of weeks to make sure that you are happy.
Please do not touch or rub your face for 4 hours after you have been treated. Additionally you should not lie down or sleep for 4 hours after treatment. We don't want you to inadvertently move the injected Product B into a muscle we did not want to inject. We do however, want you to contract the injected muscles e.g. "Frown, raise, frown, raise" 30 times or so over the next hour after treatment, as it helps the muscle pick up the Product B and enhance its effect.
Would there be any follow up after Product B treatment?
Product B has what is called a "Dose-Response curve". This means we need to inject a certain amount of product to get your desired result. We base the dose on our experience and the size and strength of your muscles. We are aiming to have your results last 3-4 months. If we are slightly under the dose response curve, you will not see the result you want. That's why we want to see you in a couple of weeks because you may need a slight "top up". We could dose you higher from the beginning but then you might spend too much money.
In Australia the TGA prevents the advertising of prescription only products used for cosmetic wrinkle treatments. For more information regarding these products, or if you have any questions, please contact our friendly staff.