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About Wrinkle Relaxer Treatments

Wrinkle relaxers are most frequently used for the treatment of worry lines on your forehead, crow’s feet and the vertical frown lines between your brow which can often make you appear upset or angry, even when you’re not!

They are a very effective treatment for reversing and delaying the visible aging process. As you age your skin quality diminishes as the levels of collagen and elastin in the skin decrease. As a result when you contract your facial muscles to create your facial expressions the skin’s ability to recover from being folded with each of these movements reduces. The more facially expressive you are, the more you risk the emergence of deep dynamic facial lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, treatments such as wrinkle relaxers are an easy, fast non-surgical method of reducing and preventing the onset of dynamic wrinkles without losing your facial expressions. Wrinkle relaxers work by reducing the movement in the muscle that is injected minimising the appearance of wrinkles and creating a more relaxed, youthful appearance.

The Benefits

A younger, more attractive appearance can have a huge impact on your self-esteem and confidence. From a purely aesthetic perspective, wrinkle relaxers can smooth forehead lines, minimise “crow’s feet” and frown lines, soften smoker lines around the mouth and even lift the eyebrows back into their previous youthful position.

In addition wrinkle relaxers are an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which can have a huge effect on confidence for both men and women alike.

The Treatment

Generally the consult process takes about 15 to 20 minutes and involves discussing what to expect during and after the procedure, working out what results the patient would like to achieve and going through the consent process.

The actual injecting is fairly quick and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Wrinkle relaxers are administered in a syringe with a very fine needle into the muscle of the area being treated. In some cases such as the treatment of excessive sweating wrinkle relaxers are injected even more superficially into the skin.

Generally ice is given to numb the area before injection and the injection sensation feels like a bee sting, but only lasts for a second. If patients are very concerned about the pain factor, local anaesthetic creams such as Emla can be applied 30 minutes before the injections.

After The Treatment

There is mild redness and swelling in the area that lasts for approximately 20 minutes and in rare cases a pinprick bruise can occur. Patients can apply make-up immediately post treatment and leave looking no different. It takes 3 days until the effects of the treatment become apparent and 2 weeks for the full effect. The effects of wrinkle relaxer treatments can last anywhere from 2 to 6 months with average duration of effect being 3 months. Many patients who repeat their treatments as soon as movement in the area starts to return find they get longer and longer out of each subsequent treatment.

The Many Wonderful Uses of Injectable Wrinkle Relaxers…

Although wrinkle relaxers are most commonly known as a cosmetic treatment, hence being referred to as ’wrinkle’ relaxers, they do have many medical applications other than anti-aging.

• Face slimming and cheekbone enhancement
• Brow lifts
• Elimination of “popply” or dimply chins
• Injection of neck bands and subtle jaw lifts
• Treatment of excessive sweating
• Tension headache and migraine treatments
• Treatment of bunny lines (side of the nose)
• Peri-oral or ‘smoker’s’ lines around the mouth
• Lifting down-turned corners of the mouth
• Masseter muscle injections to reduce teeth grinding
• Reducing the severity and frequency of migraine and tension headaches
• Relieving tempo-mandibular joint dysfunction and pain

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Wrinkle Relaxers: Costs?

The cost will vary depending on the individual patient’s requirements and treatment wishes and a consult with the doctor is necessary for an exact quote. [For general price estimates please contact us on (08) 9384 1737 or reception@viceaesthetics.com]

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Common Questions

What are the typical results a patient could expect?
Studies have shown that up to 89 per cent of patients feel they have moderate or better improvement of their lines with wrinkle treatments (obviously this is all relative to how deep the lines are to begin with and depends on patient perception).

Once I start wrinkle relaxing injections do I have to keep them up forever?
Certainly not. We liken the treatment to a new haircut. It’s non-permanent and if you never do it again your wrinkles and face will return to how they were after the 3-month period. But we’re yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love the results….

Taking a conservative approach also means that the highly publicised side effects of wrinkle relaxers are avoided.

How regularly would you recommend a top-up?
Initially three-monthly treatments are recommended, however this does depend on the age of the patient, the severity of their lines and the size and strength of their muscles. Many patients find that with repeated treatment the effects particularly in the frown area, start to last a bit longer each time and after a couple of years most patients find they only need to have treatments two to three times a year.

In younger patients who start treatment with wrinkle relaxers early before the lines are too deep we recommend a top-up only when they start to notice the lines returning which can sometimes be from six to 12 months post treatment.

Commencing treatments before the lines are too deep will save more costly and invasive treatments down the track and will reduce the frequency of wrinkle relaxer treatments required in the future.

I’m worried about looking frozen?
We start with a conservative dose for initial treatment to avoid the frozen look that occurs in patients who have been “overdosed” with wrinkle relaxers. Our philosophy is that we can always add more if you feel you would like to have the effect increased but the vast majority of patients prefer a more natural look.

Taking a conservative approach also means that the highly publicised side effects of wrinkle relaxers are avoided.

Is there anyone who can’t have a wrinkle relaxer procedure done?
Anyone who has an allergy to any of the ingredients in wrinkle relaxers, patients with neuromuscular diseases such as myasthenia gravis or Eaton Lambert Syndrome or if there is any infection or signs of infection at the injection sites.

If patients are unwell or recovering from surgery, their treatment can sometimes not work as well as it should so it’s best to be in a good general state of health. Patients on certain antibiotics and muscle relaxants should avoid treatments with wrinkle relaxers and treatments are not advised for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there is no data regarding its side effects in these situations.

How long does the wrinkle relaxer stay in my system for?
Wrinkle relaxer remains in the injected muscle for about three months post treatment after which it is broken down very the body and excreted. If injected correctly the wrinkle relaxer remains only in the treated muscle and has no systemic effects

How safe is it?
While wrinkle relaxers have the potential to cause severe side effects and even death if used improperly, when used by a skilled injector with the appropriate small doses needed for cosmetic use, the risk of severe side effects are extremely rare. Redness, swelling and bruising can occur, but resolve within 20 minutes to a few days.

Rarely side effects such as eyebrow drop, drooping eyelid, puffy upper or lower eyelids or headaches can occur. Extremely rarely dry eyes; double vision, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, difficulty talking, muscle weakness or numbness can occur.

What if my treatment doesn’t work?
The most common reason that wrinkle relaxer treatments do not have their best possible result is in patients who may have muscles that require higher than normal doses. We advise all new patients to return at 2 weeks post treatment for a review and a top-up if required so they have the best possible, longest-lasting result they deserve. There are a small proportion of people who do not respond well to treatment (less than 5 per cent). However, in most cases where the treatment fails, this is often due to inadequate doses, the location of the injections or underlying anatomy that would prevent treatment success. Rarely some individuals can develop a resistance to bodies by producing antibodies, which attack and destroy the wrinkle relaxer.

Note: Due to TGA regulations the name of the injectable wrinkle relaxers used at Vice cannot be mentioned on this website but please contact us for further information.

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About Dermal Fillers Treatments

As we get older natural substances such as elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid that are responsible for your skin elasticity and volume decrease, causing your youthful skin to wrinkle and sag. To compound this process further sun and other factors such as cigarette smoking speed up this depletion of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Dermal fillers are most commonly used to treat lines around the mouth, such as smoker’s lines and smile lines and to add fullness to the lip (lip augmentation). Dermal fillers can also help enhance facial features by adding definition to cheek bones and the lip line and diminish the appearance of a down-turned mouth and puppet lines.

If any of the below are causing you concern, you’ll be pleased to know that dermal fillers can dramatically improve many of these problems.

Downturned mouth
Smoker’s lines
Thin Lips
Deep frown creases
Saggy cheeks
Acne Scars

The Treatment

The wrinkle filler products used at Vice all now come with an inbuilt anaesthetic, which eliminates the need for a local anaesthetic. Instead numbing cream is applied to the area prior to treatment and the dermal filler is then injected into the target area to lift and plump.

After The Treatment

There is minimal redness and swelling post treatment and makeup can be applied immediately post treatment. By the following day these side effects have generally completely resolved. There may be minor bruising in the area, which can also be covered with make-up.

Effects last 6 to 12 months on average depending on the filler used.

Luscious Lips

Dermal Fillers are an excellent non-invasive lip augmentation treatment. The filler acts as a lip plumper, adding fullness and definition to the lips and provides long lasting results (up to 1 year).

Vice are experts in providing lip augmentation treatments. If you are looking for full lips with amazing, natural results (not trout pouts) we can assist you. We advise our patients to think about the shape, definition and volume of the lips they want to achieve. Photographs of lips you’d love to have are a great reference.

Lips will tend to swell significantly on the day of treatment and have normally settled by the following day apart form minor bruising which may take up to 4 days to resolve.

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Vice Cosmeceuticals

Vice offers an exclusive cosmeceutical service providing our clients with tailor made preparations that are available only on a doctor’s script.

Prescription only cosmeceuticals provide you with an opportunity to treat your skin with pure & concentrated active ingredients.Dr Alana Rowick will analyse your skin and provide you with a prescription specifically suited to your needs.

How do I get my hands on these wonder creams?

A doctor’s consultation is required to analyse your skin and determine the best prescription for your needs.A standard consultation fee of $75 applies for Cosmeceutical only appointments, however this is waived if you are attending the clinic for another treatment such as dermal fillers or wrinkle relaxers.

Repeat scripts are available for existing patients (one per person per 3 months) and can be mailed out for a fee of $30.

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Never before has there been such an effective means of ridding the chest of unsightly lines. Dr. Alana Rowick and her team at Vice Aesthetics can provide you with the right advice and assistance to begin using Décolleté pads to improve chest wrinkles.

About Décolleté Pads

If you are self conscious about wearing a pretty blouse with an open neckline, a beautiful necklace or a stunning swimming costume due to unsightly wrinkles in your once fabulous décolletage?

Then Décolleté pads are the answer for you.

The Décolleté Pad was invented by twice Emmy award winning Hollywood make-up artist Camille Calvet.

Camille realized that whilst there were many products available to combat lines on the face, there was a noticeable gap in the chest area (décolletage) where wrinkles form as a result of lying on the side when sleeping, sun damage, ageing & gravity.

The pads were developed after seeing first hand how silicone had healing properties on scar tissue. They prevent chest muscles and skin from forming creases while sleeping, as well as smoothing existing wrinkles while awake.

The Décolleté Pad is made of 100% medical grade silicone and is typically placed on the chest at night and removed in the morning however it can be used at any time of the day. It is so very comfortable that it is unnoticeable when applied. The Pad is a non-invasive means of repairing chest lines & does not contain latex, urethanes or adhesives and is a safer and amazingly economical alternative to other more invasive procedures.

The Pads last between 30-60 days depending on the frequency of use and should be cleaned with warm soapy water after the first or second time it has been used and occasionally thereafter in order to remove a build-up of skin cells. Once dry, the plastic protective backing sheet should be replaced to prevent the breakdown of the silicone adhesive.[/tab]

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Do you suffer from dull tired looking skin, pigmentation, enlarged pores or facial blemishes? These are very common issues, and the great news is that they are easily treatable with a course of peels at Vice!

As we age our skin cell turnover rate begins to slow down resulting in a buildup of the outer damaged skin layers and a subsequent dull looking complexion. In addition fine lines, uneven skin tone and pigmentation all contribute to making us look older than we would like.

Peels are non-invasive treatments that can greatly improve the appearance of the skin by eliminating these outer skin layers revealing glowing, luminous skin and preventing further damage by enhancing the overall health of the skin.

Peels can be applied at fortnightly or monthly intervals for maximum results.

Achieving healthier skin through peeling will also prolong the results of your injectable and laser treatments.

What’s involved when you undergo a course of peels?
At an initial consult will determine your skin needs and the appropriate course of peels to address these concerns. A two-week skin preparation period with appropriate cosmeceutical products is required to minimise the risk of side effects and downtime after the peel. Cold sore prophylaxis may also be required for people who suffer from cold sores.

Do I need to hide away from the world after my peel?
Not at all! Downtime is minimal to none with the peels performed at Vice Aesthetic and after an application of mineral make-up by our in-house make-up artist you will be ready to go about your day-to-day activities. SPF coverage is essential after the peel and avoiding any major sun exposure is advised.

What sort of results should I expect?
Results will gradually become more apparent over your course of peels and can include improved skin texture and luminosity, reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, reduction in pore size and acne, smoother, brighter-looking skin and enhanced skin hydration.

Peels do not address concerns such as facial broken capillaries, rosacea or very dark sunspots however these concerns can all be addressed by our gold standard vascular laser the Candela Vbeam Perfecta Deeper lines and folds will require treatment with wrinkle relaxers and/or dermal fillers for optimal results.

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Peels – The nitty gritty details!

Initial consult: Complimentary

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Lactobotanical Peel

Treats: Dull lifeless skin, epidermal pigmentation, congested skin, blackheads and acne, dehydrated skin, sun-damage
Contains: L-Lactic Acid
Number of treatments: A course of 6 peels is recommended, with each peel 2 weeks apart.
Procedure time: 30 minutes
Downtime: None
Pricing:
$115 per peel
Course of 6 peels for $495

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Timeless Peel

Treats: Sun damage and pigmentation
Contains: Vitamin A, L-ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Lactic Acid
Number of treatments: A course of 3 peels is recommended with each peel 4 weeks apart.
Procedure time: 45 minutes
Down-time: Mild redness on day of treatment easily coverage with mineral make-up application
Pricing
$295 per peel
Course of 3 peels for $750

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Pigment Punch Clarity Peel

Treats: Hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, age spots.
Contains: Alpha & beta hydroxyl acids, Vitamin C and Tyrostat.
Procedure time: 30 minutes
Number of treatments: A course of 3 peels is recommended with each peel 4 weeks apart.
Down-time: Mild redness on day of treatment easily coverage with mineral make-up application
Pricing $150.00 per peel
Course of 3 peels for $350.00

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