What areas can be treated?

As well as treatment on frown lines forehead creases, crows feet and wrinkles. Wrinkle reduction is useful for the treatment of platysmal bands (‘Turkey neck’) as well as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

What happens during treatment?
 

You will discuss your expectations of the outcome of treatment and whether this is the best treatment for you. The Calluna Medical Doctor will take a history to make sure that wrinkle reduction treatment is suitable for you. Before and after photographs may be taken (with your permission) with your face relaxed, smiling, and frowning to show you how successful your treatment has been.

Prior to the injection you will be asked to read and sign a pre/post treatment advice form and consent form. The area to be treated will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe, before being injected with a fine needle and disposable syringe. A cool pack may be applied to the area to reduce redness and swelling.

Most patients find that the injections cause only a little discomfort or sting, as the needles used are very fine and the treatment is very quick. A few patients do, however, prefer to have a cream called EMLA applied half an hour or so prior to the treatment to help numb the pain.
 

What should I expect after treatment?

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Successful therapy is indicated by muscle weakness that begins between 48 and 72 hours after treatment, and peaking at 7 to 14 days. Minor reactions may include brief pain or a mild headache.

The affected area may look a little red for up to 6 hours after treatment. After 6 hours, makeup may be applied. (Mineral make-up may be able to be applied straight away).

Bruising may occur but can be minimised but avoiding blood thinners and anti-inflammatories within 5 days of treatment, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, avoiding strenuous exercise and air travel for 2 days. This is covered in more detail in the pre- and post-treatment forms which will be provided to you if you choose to go ahead with treatment.

How long does the treatment last?

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Depending on the area treated, the dose used and how well each individual responds to the injections, each treatment usually lasts between 3-4 months. You will normally expect to require maintenance injections approximately 3 to 4 times per year to retain the required effect and over time you may be able to reduce the number of treatments as the muscles retrain and cease contracting in the previous manner.

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What are the contraindications?

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Generally wrinkle reduction treatment is not recommended if you are pregnant or breast feeding or have a neuromuscular conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis or Bells Palsy.

If you are taking medications such as Penicillamine, Aminoglycoside antibiotics and calcium channel blockers then you should not have the treatment. Please discuss with your Calluna Medical Doctor about medications that you are taking.

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What are the potential side effects?

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This is covered in more detail in the ‘Consent form’ but it is outlined briefly below:

Long term harmful effects are very rare. Temporary swelling and bruising are to be expected. A mild weakness or paralysis of the upper eyelid (ptosis) or brow may occur in patients and will disappear over a period of 2-10 weeks. A more common side effect is paralysis of the muscles of outer edge of the eyebrow. This elevates so changes shape. Treatment used above the raised area of the eyebrow will bring the eyebrow back down.