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Anti-wrinkle injections & Volume Restoration Treatment

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Volume Restoration Treatment

Biostimulatory Collagen Treatments for Facial Volume Restoration

Dr Haipeng Wang offers advanced non-surgical treatments designed to address age-related facial volume loss. These procedures work by restoring facial structure and improving the appearance of firmness and elasticity. In addition to providing immediate support to areas affected by thinning skin and volume depletion, some of these treatments also stimulate the body’s own collagen production over time, contributing to longer-lasting results and a refreshed skin appearance.

Unlike traditional treatments that rely solely on short-term hydration effects, collagen-stimulating injectables help to gradually rebuild and support the deeper layers of the skin. This leads to improved skin texture, firmness, and structure over time.

Facial volume naturally decreases as early as our mid-20s, with approximately 1% loss per year due to a gradual decline in collagen and skin hydration. This contributes to the formation of fine lines, hollowing, and changes in facial contours. Treatment approaches in this area aim to support natural tissue regeneration while restoring facial harmony.

While temporary volumising products (such as hyaluronic acid-based treatments) typically provide results lasting up to 6 months, collagen-stimulating options may offer longer-lasting effects, with some patients experiencing visible improvement for 18 months or longer. The duration and outcome will vary depending on individual factors and a comprehensive face-to-face consultation is essential before proceeding with any treatment.

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Wrinkle Relaxation Treatments for Facial Rejuvenation

As we age, repeated muscle movements in the face—such as frowning, squinting, and smiling—can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. These are particularly common around the eyes, forehead, and between the brows. Injectable treatments designed to reduce muscle activity in these areas may help soften existing lines and prevent new ones from forming.

At our clinic, these treatments are carefully tailored to each individual's facial structure and aesthetic goals. Dr Haipeng Wang, a highly experienced medical practitioner, performs all injectable procedures following a thorough face-to-face consultation. Treatment plans are always customised, ensuring natural-looking outcomes while prioritising safety and patient satisfaction.

These injectable muscle relaxants typically work by gently reducing the activity of specific facial muscles, leading to a smoother appearance in treated areas. The effects generally become noticeable within a few days and may last around 3 to 4 months, depending on individual factors.

Some patients choose a lighter approach, often referred to informally as "low-dose wrinkle treatment," which targets early signs of aging while maintaining full facial expression. This method is popular among younger adults seeking subtle enhancement and prevention, often in areas where fine lines are beginning to develop.

Over time, consistent treatments may lead to longer-term softening of dynamic lines, as muscle activity gradually reduces. However, results vary from person to person, and the longevity and outcome depend on several factors, including the dose used, muscle strength, and lifestyle.

Important Note:

All wrinkle-relaxing treatments involve the use of prescription-only medications and are only offered following a face-to-face consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Treatment suitability, risks, benefits, and alternative options will be discussed with you during your consultation. Individual results will vary.

Educational Disclaimer – AHPRA Compliance

This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is intended to help the public better understand injectable treatments commonly used in aesthetic medicine. It does not constitute medical advice, nor does it promote or recommend any specific product or service.

In line with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) advertising guidelines, we have deliberately excluded the names of any prescription-only medications or commercial brands. All treatments mentioned involve prescription medicines, which can only be provided following a face-to-face consultation with a qualified medical practitioner to assess individual suitability.

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Understanding Injectable Treatments for Facial Rejuvenation: Muscle Relaxants and Volume Restoration

As part of the natural ageing process, the face undergoes changes in both soft tissue and bone structure. Wrinkles may form due to repeated muscle movement, and facial volume gradually diminishes due to a loss of collagen, fat, and bone support. To address these concerns non-surgically, qualified medical practitioners often use injectable treatments that either relax targeted muscles or restore lost volume.

These treatments fall into two broad categories: muscle relaxant injectables and dermal fillers (volume restoration agents). This article aims to provide an overview of both types, their mechanisms, uses, and the clinical rationale behind their application.

Muscle Relaxant Injectables

Muscle relaxant injections are based on botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein that has been used for decades in both therapeutic and aesthetic medicine. When injected into specific muscles, it temporarily reduces movement in those areas by blocking nerve signals. This helps to soften dynamic lines such as frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet.

The effects usually begin to appear within 2 to 5 days and typically last 3 to 4 months, depending on individual factors. This treatment is performed after a full in-person consultation to assess suitability, risks, and desired outcomes.

Dermal Fillers: Types and Clinical Uses

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. There are several types of dermal fillers available, each with different characteristics and ideal applications. All dermal fillers used in Australia for cosmetic purposes are Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicines and must be administered by a qualified medical professional.

Types of Dermal Fillers

  1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)-Based Fillers

    • Mechanism: These are the most commonly used type and mimic a naturally occurring substance in the skin that retains moisture.

    • Duration: Results typically last 6 to 12 months, though longer-lasting versions are available.

    • Use: Well suited for fine lines, lip enhancement, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, and light facial contouring.

  2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite-Based Fillers

    • Mechanism: Contain calcium-based microspheres suspended in a gel carrier; provide immediate volume and stimulate collagen production.

    • Duration: Effects may last around 12 to 18 months.

    • Use: Often used for deeper lines, cheek augmentation, and jawline contouring.

  3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers

    • Mechanism: A collagen stimulator that works gradually to improve skin thickness and structure.

    • Duration: Results build up over time and can last 18 to 24 months.

    • Use: Typically used for broader facial volume restoration, especially in cases of moderate to severe volume loss.

  4. Polycaprolactone-Based Fillers

    • Mechanism: Composed of smooth microspheres in a carrier gel, this type also stimulates collagen while providing immediate structural support.

    • Duration: Effects can last up to 2 years.

    • Use: Best suited for midface contouring, temple hollowing, and deep-set volume loss.

Common Treatment Areas for Dermal Fillers

  • Cheeks: To restore mid-face volume and enhance cheekbones.

  • Lips: For volume, definition, or correction of asymmetry.

  • Nasolabial folds: To soften deep lines between the nose and mouth.

  • Marionette lines: To reduce the appearance of downturn lines around the mouth.

  • Tear troughs (under-eye hollows): To reduce a tired or sunken appearance.

  • Chin and jawline: For profile enhancement and contouring.

  • Temples: To correct hollowing due to fat and bone loss.

  • Hands: To rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of veins and tendons.

Each area requires careful anatomical assessment to ensure safe and effective outcomes, and the type of filler selected will depend on the location, skin quality, and individual goals.

Safety and Consultation

All injectable treatments must be preceded by a detailed consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. During this consultation, the patient's medical history, expectations, and individual anatomy are assessed. Risks, benefits, and alternative treatments are discussed to enable informed consent.

Possible side effects of dermal fillers include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and, in rare cases, vascular complications. Only appropriately trained and licensed practitioners should perform these procedures in a clinical environment.

© Perth Cosmetic Clinic 2023

Tel:(08) 9277 3999

 321 Abernethy Road, Cloverdale, WA. 6105

Call us to Book a Consult today!

In Australia, health advertising is closely regulated by AHPRA. This means we do not advertise brand names of cosmetic injectables, or make promises about results. The reason is simple: treatments affect people differently, and no outcome can ever be guaranteed. Instead, we provide clear, factual information about how procedures work, the possible risks, and the limits of what they can achieve. Any decision about treatment should be made after a personal consultation with a qualified doctor, where your individual needs, medical history, and options can be discussed safely and honestly.

Understanding Botulinum Toxin – An Educational Overview

Important note: This information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not advertising, does not recommend treatment, and should not replace a personal consultation with a qualified health practitioner.

What Is Botulinum Toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine derived from a purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In medical practice, it is used in very small, carefully controlled doses. The medicine works by temporarily blocking nerve signals to targeted muscles, which reduces their ability to contract.

This effect has a range of medical and cosmetic applications. In cosmetic practice, botulinum toxin is sometimes used to reduce the activity of facial muscles that contribute to certain lines that appear with movement, such as when frowning or squinting.

Duration of Effect

The changes produced by botulinum toxin are temporary. Muscle activity generally returns over several months, usually within 3 to 4 months, at which point a repeat treatment may be considered if clinically appropriate.

Evidence and Research

Botulinum toxin has been studied in both medical and cosmetic contexts. Published research suggests that reducing repeated muscle activity can reduce the appearance of lines that are related to movement. The degree of effect, however, varies between individuals.

It is important to emphasise that while some studies have shown measurable changes, outcomes are not guaranteed. A person’s response depends on factors such as muscle activity, skin condition, age, and other health variables.

Risks and Limitations

Like all medical procedures, the use of botulinum toxin carries potential risks. Reported side effects include:

  • Localised pain or bruising at the injection site

  • Headache

  • Temporary weakness of nearby muscles (for example, drooping of the eyelid or brow)

  • Rare allergic reactions

These effects are generally short-lived but can vary in duration. The safety and suitability of treatment can only be determined after a face-to-face medical consultation and clinical assessment.

Regulatory Position

In Australia, the use of botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes is strictly regulated. It is a prescription-only medicine and may only be administered by a registered health practitioner with appropriate qualifications.

This article does not endorse any specific product, brand, or practitioner. It is intended only to provide general information about how this class of medicines works and the considerations involved in their use.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin is one of several prescription medicines that may be considered in cosmetic practice. It acts by temporarily reducing targeted muscle activity, but the effects are not permanent and vary between individuals. All medical procedures carry risks, and any decision to proceed requires a personal consultation with a registered health practitioner who can provide individualised medical advice.

Educational Guide: Fillers– General Information

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information only. It is not an advertisement or recommendation. Dermal fillers are prescription-only medicines and medical procedures that carry risks. Suitability and safety can only be determined through a consultation with a qualified health practitioner.

Why the Face Ages – A Scientific Overview

Facial changes over time are influenced by several natural processes, including:

  • Volume changes in fat pads: Redistribution and thinning of fat that normally provides support.

  • Bone remodelling: Gradual changes in facial bone structure, contributing to altered contours.

  • Skin changes: Thinning of the skin and reduction in collagen and elastin, leading to decreased elasticity.

These processes may contribute to the development of folds, hollows, or contour changes.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are substances that can be injected beneath the skin to provide temporary support or structure. Different types of fillers work in different ways:

  1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

    • Composed of a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the body.

    • Effects are temporary and reversible with an enzyme (hyaluronidase).

  2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

    • Contains microspheres in a gel carrier.

    • Provides structure and can stimulate collagen over time.

  3. Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)

    • Stimulates collagen production gradually.

    • Effects develop over several months.

  4. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

    • A semi-permanent filler type.

    • Less commonly used due to difficulty of removal and higher risk of complications.

Areas Where Dermal Fillers May Be Used

Fillers may be considered for areas such as lips, cheeks, jawline, or folds around the mouth. The choice of filler and the duration of effect vary depending on the product used, the treatment area, and individual patient factors.

Most fillers gradually break down in the body over months to years. Hyaluronic acid fillers are naturally metabolised, while other types (such as CaHA or PLLA) degrade through different biological processes.

Risks and Possible Complications

As with all medical procedures, dermal filler treatment carries risks. Possible side effects include:

  • Bruising or swelling at the injection site

  • Lumps, nodules, or asymmetry

  • Discolouration (including the “Tyndall effect” in superficial injections)

  • Infection or inflammation

  • Vascular occlusion (a blocked blood vessel), which is rare but can lead to tissue injury or, in very rare cases, blindness

These risks may occur regardless of the type of filler or practitioner experience. The likelihood can vary between individuals.

Safety Considerations

  • Dermal filler procedures should only be performed by registered health practitioners with appropriate training.

  • Only a qualified prescriber can provide hyaluronidase, which may be required in emergencies to dissolve filler.

  • The decision to proceed with treatment should only be made after an in-person medical consultation that includes a full medical history, discussion of risks and alternatives, and informed consent.

Summary

Dermal fillers are one category of prescription-only medicines used in cosmetic medicine. They act by temporarily adding structure beneath the skin. While they may provide certain effects, outcomes vary, are temporary, and cannot be guaranteed.

Importantly, fillers are medical procedures with real risks, including rare but serious complications. Anyone considering dermal filler treatment should first have a consultation with a registered medical practitioner who can assess suitability, explain risks and limitations, and provide advice tailored to the individual.

Educational Guide: Collagen Stimulation – Microneedling, LED, Radiofrequency, and Injectable Options

Disclaimer: This resource provides general educational information. It does not advertise or recommend specific treatments or products. Collagen-stimulating procedures are medical in nature, require appropriate qualifications, and carry risks. Suitability for any procedure can only be determined after a consultation with a registered health practitioner.

Collagen and Skin Structure

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that provides structure and resilience to the skin. Over time, collagen production reduces as part of the normal ageing process. This can contribute to changes in skin elasticity, thickness, and firmness.

A range of medical procedures aim to stimulate the body’s own collagen production. These approaches vary in method, degree of effect, and suitability for different individuals.

Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)

Microneedling involves the use of sterile, fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers a wound-healing response that can stimulate collagen and elastin production.

  • Mechanism: Activation of fibroblasts and release of growth factors.

  • Areas sometimes considered: fine lines, certain acne scars, general texture.

  • Evidence: Clinical studies have shown changes in collagen content following repeated treatments.

  • Risks: Bruising, infection, scarring, and pigmentary change are possible.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) Therapy

LED therapy uses low-level light energy at specific wavelengths. Different wavelengths interact with the skin in different ways.

  • Red/near-infrared light: has been studied for wound healing and dermal effects.

  • Blue light: has been studied in relation to acne-causing bacteria.

  • Risks: Mild redness, irritation, or temporary sensitivity.

Radiofrequency (RF)

Radiofrequency devices deliver controlled heat to the dermis. The heating effect can trigger tissue contraction and stimulate new collagen formation.

  • Evidence: Published studies report changes in skin laxity after repeated sessions.

  • Risks: Burns, altered sensation, scarring, or variable outcomes.

  • Note: Suitability depends on device type, treatment parameters, and individual factors.

Injectable Collagen Stimulators

Some prescription-only injectable substances can stimulate collagen production over time. These are different from hyaluronic acid fillers.

  • Examples of substances used internationally include poly-L-lactic acid and polycaprolactone.

  • Effects: These substances work gradually, with changes reported over weeks to months.

  • Risks: Bruising, nodules, infection, and in rare cases vascular occlusion (blocked blood vessel).

  • Important: These procedures must only be performed by qualified prescribers due to the risk of serious complications.

Thread-Based Procedures

Absorbable threads (such as PDO or PLLA threads) are another method used in some settings. They provide temporary structural support and may stimulate collagen around the inserted material.

  • Duration: Effects are temporary and vary by thread type and placement.

  • Risks: Bruising, swelling, infection, asymmetry, or thread migration.

General Considerations

  • Results vary: Collagen stimulation is a biological process. Outcomes are not immediate and can differ widely.

  • Multiple sessions: Most techniques require repeated treatments over time.

  • Temporary effects: All results are time-limited and maintenance may be required.

  • Risks: All procedures carry the possibility of side effects, from mild (redness, swelling) to serious (infection, vascular injury, scarring, blindness in very rare cases).

  • Consultation required: Only a registered medical practitioner can determine suitability after reviewing medical history, expectations, and potential risks.

Summary

Collagen stimulation refers to a group of medical approaches aimed at influencing the body’s own collagen production. Options include microneedling, light-based devices, radiofrequency, injectables, and thread procedures.

Each carries potential risks as well as possible effects. None are permanent, and outcomes vary between individuals. Anyone considering these procedures should seek a consultation with a qualified health practitioner, where risks, benefits, and alternatives can be discussed in detail.

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