Non-Surgical Facial Line and Expression Treatments: What to Know Before You Decide
Many people consider non-surgical injectable treatments to address facial lines and expression marks that develop over time. This article provides factual information to help you understand what these treatments involve, their limitations, and the considerations that should inform any decision you make.
These procedures are classified as higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures under AHPRA guidelines. That classification exists because they carry real risks, require a medical assessment, and are not appropriate for everyone. Reading this article is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.
Injectable Treatments for Facial Volume
One category of injectable treatment uses gel-based substances to add or restore volume to areas of the face that have lost fullness with age. Commonly treated areas include the cheeks, lips, the area beneath the eyes, and the folds that form around the mouth.
The procedure involves injections administered by a medical practitioner. Results, where they occur, are temporary. They are not permanent and individual outcomes vary considerably. A review appointment is typically scheduled several weeks after treatment to assess the outcome.
Like all injectable procedures, there are risks involved. These include bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection site. More serious risks, while less common, include infection, vascular injury, and asymmetry. A thorough medical assessment before any treatment is essential to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Injectable Treatments for Facial Expression Lines
A separate category of injectable treatment uses neuromodulator medicine to temporarily reduce the activity of specific facial muscles. This can reduce the appearance of lines that form through repeated facial movement, such as lines across the forehead, between the eyebrows, and at the outer corners of the eyes.
The effects are temporary. Where they occur, they typically become apparent within a few days and last for several months, after which muscle activity returns to its prior state. Individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Risks include bruising, redness, headache, and temporary effects in areas adjacent to the treated muscles. As with all injectable procedures, the skill and experience of the practitioner has a direct bearing on safety and outcome.
Questions to Ask Before Proceeding
If you are considering either type of injectable treatment, a careful consultation with a qualified medical practitioner should cover the following:
What are the risks specific to your health history, medications, and anatomy?
What outcome is realistic for you and what is not?
What happens if you are dissatisfied with the result?
What aftercare is required?
What is the cooling-off period, and how does it apply?
You are entitled to take time to consider your options. Under AHPRA guidelines, a cooling-off period applies to higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and treatment cannot proceed until that period has elapsed. There is no obligation to proceed after a consultation.
The Role of Medical Oversight
These treatments are not purely cosmetic decisions, they involve the administration of prescription medicines and carry clinical risks that require proper medical assessment and management. It is important to verify that any practitioner administering injectable treatments is registered with AHPRA and has appropriate training and experience.
At MedexWA, injectable treatments are led by Dr Simon Weight (AHPRA Registration No. MED0001541401). If you would like to discuss whether these treatments may be appropriate for your circumstances, you are welcome to book a consultation.