What Skin Tightening injections?   
It is an injectable treatment that is used to improve the appearance of the face. The term non-surgical total facial restoration refers to the fact that all areas of the face can be treated. It is particularly helpful in patients with laxity of the skin of the face with associated thinning and fine wrinkling. It is also used in patients that have developed hollowing of the cheeks due to ageing, illness or disease.

What is the name of the product we are talking about?
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration forbids the advertisement of the name of the product we are talking about. Should you wish to know the specific name of the product, for your information, please e-mail us on product@abccs.com.au

What do Skin tightening injections contain?
A sterile suspention of Poly-L-Lactic acid which is a biocompatible (does not harm the body), biodegradable (broken down or metabolised by the body), synthetic polymer from the alpha-hydroxy acid family (fruit acids). The product has been used since 1999 in more than 150,000 patients, in more than 30 countries, primarily for cosmetic use.  Im Australia it is approved for aesthetic medicine and reconstructive use.

What is non-surgical total facial restoration?  
When the product is injected into the deep layer of the skin, it stimulates the skin to become thicker, more elastic and tighter. Results are not immediate and may take weeks or perhaps months to develop. When the texture of the skin improves, the improvement will remain for two years or longer. Skin tightening injections can be administered to all areas of the face resulting in restoration of the whole face. The procedure is performed in a well-lit room, with the assistance of magnification to assist accurate placement.

What is the difference between Skin tightening injections and other fillers?  
Because we are relying on the skin's repair processes, results occur slowly.

How much do treatments Cost?
The cost depends on the amount of product used. One vial costs $770. One vial is enough to treat one third to half of the cheek area on both sides of the face. Please remember that progress treatments will be necessary at four to eight week interval. Most patients will see a result four weeks after the second or third treatment.

What are the risks of Skin tightening ? 
The most important complication is that treated areas can become lumpy. The risk of lumpiness is reduced by proper preparation of the product, accurate placement and regular massage of the treated areas. Most lumps will break down within a few days or weeks. If lumpiness persists, the lumps may require laser treatment, injections of cortisone and surgical removal. Visible bumps may occur in rare instances. They may be associated with redness, tenderness, skin discolouration or textural alteration. These bumps, termed granulomas, may require treatments with injections, freezing or surgical excision. This may result in some visible scarring. 

The best way of avoiding lumpiness is to follow the following protocol.

1. Give 24 hours notice of your intention to present for skin tightening treatment. The product will be premixed and will be properly dissolved when you arrive.
2. Please do not miss your appointment
3. For the first week after treatment massage the treated areas at least once per day in the manner demonstrated.
4. If any lumpiness occurs, massage more frequently. Perform massage two to three times per day.
5. Massage but do not squeeze the lumps.

Allergic reactions have been reported, however, they are extremely rare. Swelling, redness and bruising can also occur. 

Who should not undergo Skin tightening?
Patients with the following conditions are advised to avoid treatments:

1. Prone to chronic infections
2. Prone to skin conditions of the face
3. Prone to severe allergic reactions 
4. Pregnant or breast feeding
5. Active cold sores
6. Taking cortisone 
7. Taking anti-coagulant medication

If there is any doubt, please discuss all matters with the treating doctor.

How is Skin tightening performed?   
The product is injected into the skin with very fine needles. Injection of the product causes minimal pain and burning sensation. Treatments are performed in a well-lit room and magnification is used for accurate placement. Some swelling of the treated area will be present which will settle overnight. At the end of the treatment, the treatment area will be massaged for 5 to 10 minutes.

How long will treatment take?
Treatments take about 30 to 45 minutes.

When will I see the result
Needle marks will be visible but will disappear overnight.  Most patients will see no result after the first treatment session. Most patients will see a result four weeks after their second or third treatment session.

How often will I require treatments?   
The effect of the injections will usually last two years or longer.  

Is my treatment guaranteed?
There are many factors that determine the final result.  No guarantees can be given of a particular result or how long the result will last.

What are the alternatives to Skin tightening?
For a full discussion regarding the treatments available for wrinkles, please see the wrinkles page. 

Can Skin tightening be combined with other cosmetic procedures?  
No.

SKIN TIGHTENING
POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

What will happen?
The result of your treatment will take some weeks to become evident.  During the first two days, the needle marks will settle and disappear.  Redness and swelling in the treatment areas will also disappear.  You can apply ice compresses to the treatment areas if you experience any discomfort or to speed up recovery.

How do I apply ice-compresses?
The most important thing to remember is to never apply ice directly to the skin of the face because it can cause burning of the skin.  Always place a barrier between the ice and the skin.  A suitable barrier is a cloth like a tea towel.  Ideally the cloth should be lightly damp.  Place the ice or ice-pack inside the damp cloth and apply to the treatment areas for 5 to 10 minutes two to four times per day.  Apply ice compresses only if necessary, most people do not need them.

What should I avoid?
It is recommended that, for the first 2 days, you avoid all activities that can increase lines and wrinkles on your face.  Keep your face as still as possible to allow the product to absorb as evenly as possible.  Try to sleep on your back so that the skin on your face will drape evenly.  

What can I do to improve my result?

1. Take a multi-vitamin to promote better healing 
2. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the treated area
3. Generally leave the area alone for 2 days

What must I not do?
For the first 24 hours....

1. Don’t apply make-up
2. Don’t shampoo your hair 
3. Don’t swim or exercise vigorously
4. Don’t expose yourself to extreme heat or cold 
5. Don’t kiss 
6. Don’t drink very hot beverages or alcohol 

How do I massage my face?
Perform this routine at least once per day

1. Wash hands thoroughly
2. Apply a face cream of moisturiser to the treatment area
3. Apply a soft cloth or tissue to the treatment area
4. Massage  slowly with small, rotatory, rythmical movements for 5 to 10 minutes

What shall I do if I feel lumps?
Do not panic. Wash your hands with soap and massage the area gently. Do not squeeze the lumps. Allow a week or two for the lumps to settle. If the problem persists, return to the clinic.

If you are concerned about anything always call the clinic.