As part of our expert panel series, we would like to introduce you to Dr Marco, our highly experienced Practitioner performing
Anti-Wrinkle Injectables. In part 1 of this 2 part blog, Dr Marco fills us in on when we should start having injectables as a preventative to ageing, and how to reduce the dangers involved.
Is there an age you should start getting Anti-Wrinkle Injectables?
Anti-Wrinkle Injectables have been around for a long time – they’re used extensively in medicine and therefore extremely safe. It was found out that in low doses, they had a cosmetic effect decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, women in their 20s make up 30 percent of Anti-Wrinkle Injectable users. I would personally not recommend injections for wrinkles in patients in their early 20s unless they wanted to improve facial symmetry (a droopy brow, for example). While no face is perfectly symmetrical, symmetry is one of the biggest factors in attractiveness.
It is in the late 20s when Anti-Wrinkle Injectables can start to be used as preventative measure. In this case, they will stop the muscles from moving in such an exaggerated way, preventing the formation of wrinkles or deep expression lines.
In the 30s Anti-Wrinkle Injectables can be used to improve the facial aspect by targeting specific areas. Often patients find themselves smoothing makeup that collects along a crease or line meaning that they are good candidates for Anti-Wrinkle Injectables.
In the 40s most people could benefit from Anti-Wrinkle Injectables. A lot of patients come to see me proud that they waited until they reached 40, but in reality if they had come in five years earlier, most probably they could have done with just a few injections to get the same result.
Can Anti-Wrinkle Injectables be a preventative to ageing?
Practically speaking, of course, the idea makes sense. Anti-Wrinkle Injectables will limit the repetitive muscle movements that cause wrinkles; therefore their formation will be delayed reducing the need of possible and/or more invasive procedures.
Anti-Wrinkle Injectables administered at the first sings of visible wrinkles can slow down the aging process, however, if there are no visible lines it is not preventative, and in my opinion, not recommended,
Starting Anti-Wrinkle Injectables prematurely could could lead to more harm than good, as repetitive and prolonged Anti-Wrinkle Injections could cause muscles to waste away.
Are there any dangers from having Anti-Wrinkle Injectables?
Anti-Wrinkle Injectables work by temporarily paralysing the muscles that create wrinkles. Side effects from the treatment are 'rare', as it is licensed in the UK for NHS use in a range of treatments.
We need to remember that Anti-Wrinkle Injectables are made from a neurotoxin protein which carries risk and possible side effects. These complications, although very rare, can range from nausea, headaches, illness, dizziness, swollen eyes, slight to severe pain, to difficulty in swallowing and breathing because of the toxin spread.
In my opinion, it is really important to educate patients so that they have a full understanding of the possible side effects or complications before the procedure
How can we reduce the risk of the dangers involved?
Always check the clinic and your Doctor’s credentials, ensuring that both are experienced and certified. The financial incentives that Anti-Wrinkle injections offer often lure physicians and non-physicians to cash in on the growing demand, causing serious issues when their lack of expertise and training cause medical complications for the patients.
The next step is for the patients to surrender their full medical history to the Doctor to ensure that there are no medical conditions which may lead to serious complication when Anti-Wrinkle Injectables are administered.
Lastly, always have a good talk with your Doctor and learn as much as you can about the procedure and associated complications involved. Make sure you fully understand what exactly you’re getting yourself into and only start the procedure when the appropriate safety and medical equipment is at hand.
To find out more about the Anti-Wrinkle Injectables perfomed by Dr Marco in our clinics, please call us on
0203 135 0246 or
book a complimentary consultation here.
