Cosmetic

At East Sydney Doctors we are able to provide cosmetic injections for the reduction of wrinkles and for facial fillers.  Our doctors can provide injections to relax wrinkles around the upper face and for fillers in the cheeks, smile lines and lips. 

What do anti wrinkle injections do?
We use Dysport for the treatment for smoothing wrinkles on the upper face and around the eyes. Essentially this is a type of botulinum which works by blocking the connection between the tiny nerves and the muscles which contract parts of the face. After treatment, as the muscle is not contracting , the overlying skin becomes more smooth and any wrinkles less marked.
Your face still moves normally in the untreated areas.
These injections can also be used for a variety of other conditions like excess armpit sweating.

What does treatment involve?
Using a tiny needle, the anti wrinkle liquid is inserted into multiple spots around the face. There may be a slight feeling of pressure or a mild sting . It’s often been compared to the feeling you get when you get an insect bite. No local anaesthetic or sedation is required. You can certainly go about your normal activities after treatment although we don’t recommend you do any strenuous exercise that day after treatment. It is also recommended that you avoid lying down and compressing your face in the four hours after treatment.

How long does it take to work?
The effects usually occur with in 2-3 days although it may take up to 2 to 4 weeks for the full effect. It usually lasts for between 3 to 5 months.

What are the side effects?
Most people have treatment without reporting any side effects. The most common side effect is mild bruising at the site of the injection . Occasionally the effect of the relaxing muscle injection migrates to a nearby muscle causing weakness of that muscle which may be noted with a drooping eyelid or some facial asymmetry. It’ s worth remembering that these side effects will be temporary as the dysport wears off and the muscle movement returns often within weeks. Other side effects which are not commonly reported include headache, double vision, dry eyes, nausea . Your Doctor can explain more to you during your appointment.
Dysport should not be used in pregnant or breast feeding women. It also should not be given if there is an allergy history to any of the components in dysport or if there is a history of neuromuscular problems like myasthenia gravis . Caution is also needed if you are taking blood thinning medication.

What can I expect if I have a treatment?
Everyone’s face is unique so it’s important to  first of all discuss with your doctor  your expectations and what you have in mind. An explanation of effects, cost and any potential side effects will be discussed and a consent signed. These are cosmetic procedures and they are not covered by Medicare but need to be paid for privately.
The injections may start to work within 2 to 4 days and it may take 2 weeks for the effects to be complete. They may work for a total of 3 to 5 months. Sometimes the treatment interval between sessions can be extended , so injections are needed less frequently.

Cost: Your doctor will discuss with you the number of units you require for treatment, this will be tailored to your own face and personal goals of treatment.

The cost per unit is $5.50 for dysport

Men may require more units than women due to larger muscles being treated.
Patients who want a subtle, natural effect may wish to try micro-dosing, which uses fewer units. This is good for people who wish to keep a more full range of facial expressions, eg actors.

You will be given a specific written cost prior to treatment.

Approximate costing guide for different areas listed below:

TYPICAL AREA	MICRODOSING	STANDARD DOSE	BULKIER MUSCLES                        (usually men, repeat treatments require less)
Frown lines (mainly between         the eyebrows)	$                  150.00	$                     275.00	$                      385.00
Forehead creases	$                    55.00	$                     110.00	$                      150.00
Smile lines beside eyes, also called crows' feet	$                  150.00	$                     220.00	$                      275.00

For the initial consultation there will be a standard consultation fee of $80, with no minimum units.

Our doctors who are able to provide wrinkle injections include:

 

Dr Catherine Insley (also able to provide facial fillers)

Dr David Baker (also able to provide sculptura filler )

Dr Caroline West