ARE ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS SAFE?
Cosmetic injections have become a popular choice for people who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on their face and around their mouth.
While these treatments are usually safe and free from problems when provided by a suitably qualified professional, it’s important to be aware of the possible risks and complications when deciding if anti-wrinkle injections are right for you.
Am I suitable for cosmetic injections?
Wrinkle and lip enhancement injections contain various chemicals and toxins that can sometimes be hazardous to health. If you’re having the treatment at a dental clinic, your dentist will check whether you have any allergies or health conditions or if you’re taking any medication that could make you unsuitable.
You should not have cosmetic injections if:
- you may be allergic to any of the substances used in the injection
- you’ve recently had an infection or swelling in your face
- you’ve ever had facial surgery
- you have a muscle disorder or heart condition
- you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
What are the risks of cosmetic injections?
Even if you are a suitable candidate for anti-wrinkle injections or other cosmetic injections, there can still be side-effects or complications. Your dentist will make sure you understand these so you can make a fully informed decision about your cosmetic treatment.
Most complications of anti-wrinkle treatments are temporary and localised around the treated area. It’s common to experience swelling, bruising, numbness, weakness or aches and pains for a short while after treatment.
If your symptoms last for longer than expected, or you notice bleeding, skin discolouration or signs of a possible infection, make an emergency appointment with your dentist or doctor.
If you have a more serious reaction such as skin turning pale or loss of vision, call 000 for emergency services or visit your nearest hospital emergency department.
How to lower the risks
While it’s not possible to eliminate clinical risks entirely, you can reduce the chance of things going wrong by choosing a qualified and experienced practitioner for your treatment. Anti-wrinkle injections and other cosmetic injections are a prescription-only medication and should not be administered by someone who is not registered to do so.
Ask your dentist or other health professional about their experience providing cosmetic injections so you can feel more confident about their ability. You should also feel free to ask questions so you can get all the information you need to decide if a treatment is right for you.
If you decide to go ahead with the treatment, you can lower the risk of complications and improve your results by avoiding extreme temperatures, keeping the treated area clean and not touching the injection sites. Your dentist may provide pain relief or other medication to help you manage your symptoms.
Find out more about cosmetic injections in Erskineville
Our dentists at Sydney Park Dental are registered to provide anti-wrinkle injections and other cosmetic injections. We’ll explain everything that’s involved in the treatment during your consultation to make sure you’re happy to proceed.
Call our dentists in Erskineville on (02) 8084 7170 or make an appointment online.
References
Better Health Channel. Cosmetic treatments – injectables [Online] 2018 [Accessed January 2019] Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cosmetic-treatments-injectables