Wrinkles on the forehead and crow's feet (around the eyes) make you look older, and the area between the brows, known as the glabella, can make you look angry, stressed, worried or tired.

Wrinkles may be dynamic or non-dynamic. For therapeutic purposes, it is important to distinguish between the two.

Dynamic lines & wrinkles develop due to the movement of muscles of facial expression, and the wrinkling of the skin appears perpendicular to the direction that the muscle moves. They are formed by muscle contraction and respond very well to muscle relaxant therapy. By weakening these expressive muscles, the lines become less evident with movement.

Non-dynamic lines & wrinkles result mostly from the volume loss of the underlying tissue. The best prevention is to keep the skin in good hydration and avoid activities that crease it. Treatments to replace volume loss can restore and provide good aesthetic results.

The product used at Sydneywest Aesthetics is classified as a medication for the following indications:

• Treatment of urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity resulting from a defined neurological illness (such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis).
• Prophylaxis of headaches in adults with chronic migraine.
• Treatment of strabismus (squints) in children and adults.
• Treatment of blepharospasm associated with dystonia in patients twelve years and older.
• Treatment of cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis).
• Treatment of focal spasticity of the upper and lower limbs, including dynamic
• Equinas foot deformity, due to juvenile cerebral palsy in patients two years of age and older.
• Treatment of severe primary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the axillae.
• Treatment of focal spasticity in adults.
• Treatment of spasmodic dysphonia.
• Temporary improvement in the appearance of upper facial rhytides (glabellar lines, crow's feet and forehead lines) in adults.

It is important to note that this chemical is classified as a Schedule 4 substance of the current Poisons Standard so it is therefore regulated as a Prescription Only substance- the use or supply of which should be by, or on the order of medical practitioners on a prescription.

When the chemical is injected into muscles, it enters nerve endings and blocks the release of acetylcholine, which causes the muscle to contract.  It takes up to five days for the paralysis to occur, and it peaks after 2 weeks in most cases. 

Dr. Ho also also treats muscles:

• in the eyebrow for a brow lift
• around the mouth to help relax the vertical lines around the lips caused by tight clenching and pursing of the lips
• in the upper lip so that it won't raise as high and show too much of the gums when smiling (the gummy smile)
• in the chin to reduce the droopy mouth corners and smoothen out the pebbly chin
• in the jaw to sharpen the jawline and reduce the squareness of the face (non-surgical jaw reshaping)
• in the neck to reduce the appearance of platysmal bands (vertical cords) that form when someone clenches their neck and jaw too tight

Dr. Ho also treats severe underarm sweating (axillary hyperhidrosis), severe sweating of the palms (palmar hyperhidrosis), and clenching of the jaw caused by TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorders).

As with any procedure, there is a risk of certain side effects. Among these are headaches, flu-like symptoms, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. More rare side effects include pain in the face and muscle weakness. Patients who experience side effects should inform their doctor. Those who have an allergy to any of the ingredients of the treatment should not undergo the procedure. What's more, those with certain neuromuscular disorders may be at a heightened risk of clinically significant systemic effects from the procedure. It is important that patients speak with a doctor to determine if the procedure is right for them.

There is no recovery or downtime associated with these treatments. The results can last three to six months, although this varies. Afterwards, the patient will seek repeat treatment to maintain the results.  With regular use, the effects can eventually last longer due to the muscles being trained to relax.

Contact Sydney West Aesthetics at Merrylands, just next door to Parramatta, and arrange an appointment with Dr. Hugo Ho to discuss your treatment options today.