Nearly everyone who comes in wanting their lips done say,  “I don’t want to look like Angelina Jolie”.  A lot of people think their lips are going to be too large after the enhancement however usually their lips are smaller than they imagined they would be.
The standard amount injected to enhance lips is around 1 ml.  It is very unusual for a person to want two mls of filler. However, you can always build up on what you have had at any time after the swelling has settled down in two weeks time (most of the swelling goes after two to three days however there is a small amount of swelling for two weeks).

I occasionally like to do an half ampule to give a lovely, subtle and natural look to the lip, which is cost effective for people on a budget. (The cost is $400).

A small amount is injected into the lip line border and the Cupid’s bow is enhanced with a subtle ‘micropearl’ drop into the top of the central columns of the Cupid’s bow.  The central portion of the bottom lip is often augmented to give a slightly more voluminous look. Often this smaller amount requires no lip or dental block (some numbing cream beforehand is used) and the swelling is usually  minimal with a half ampule.  Indeed, people often can get this done at the end of the working day and be back at work the next morning.

Sometimes people come in showing us photos of movie stars or models whose lips they admire.  To be perfectly honest, it is not really possible to dramatically change the shape of a lip with filler. You can modify the shape of your lip and enhance certain features.  You can lift up the corners and add volume, increase the Cupid’s bow and make the lip border more distinct and increase the volume of the body of the lip, however you cannot truly drastically alter the shape.
(more…)

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Excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis affects about 1% of the population.  This generally begins around puberty.  Although not a disease in itself, it does cause acute social embarrassment for many people who are affected with excessive sweating.

Excessive sweating causes social embarrassment due to the sweat marks which are evident on their clothes.  Often people find they can only wear certain coloured clothing because of the ‘tide marks’ of sweat.  Also for some, a malodour associated with perspiration is problematic. Others report an acute problem when they are publicly speaking or when they are under stress.

It is always prudent to undergo a thyroid function blood test to ensure that the thyroid hormone is not overactive as this can cause excessive sweating.  Many people try numerous types of anti-perspirants without success. Also some consider undergoing an operation called a ‘Lateral Sympathectomy’ which is a surgical laparoscopic procedure that severs some of the nerves running along the spine which control the sweating reflex.  Many people find this option rather intimidating and prefer to use botulinum therapy (Botox or Dysport) to minimize their sweating.

Excessive sweating can occur under the arms, on the hands, on the forehead and on the feet.  The simplest area to treat with botulinum therapy is the under-arms.  The Allergan (the company that produces Botox) recommended standard dose for this area is 100 units. Less can be used and some elect to have a half dose, however it is not as strong and the anti-perspirant affect does not last quite as long. The average duration of treatment is approximately seven months.  It takes three to five days for the Botulinum therapy to begin to work, and two weeks before it has fully kicked in.  Generally people notice hardly any sweating whatsoever for the first couple of months after treatment however thereafter some mild perspiration is noted. This is generally less than what an average person would experience with respect to sweating under the arms.

Usually people elect to have numbing cream applied to their under-arms prior to their Botulinum therapy injections.  This is generally applied approximately half an hour prior to the procedure.  Often a ‘starch iodine’ test is used prior to the injections to assess where the sweat glands are concentrated.

Side effects from the treatment of hyperhidrosis under the arms are usually mild.  There are some raised mosquito bite marks for approximately an hour after treatment.  Also mild bruising is often encountered at the injection site.  A very rare side effect is muscular weakness however the muscles are very deep in relation to the under-arm area and this is highly unusual.  Allergies to Botulinum therapy are rare.  There are also rare occurrences of antibodies or immunity developing to Botulinum therapy but this unusual phenomenon and usually only occurs when doses of more than 100 units are used.

There is no aftercare required for treatment of excessive sweating under the arms.  It is recommended antiperspirant is avoided for 24 hours prior to treatment and for 24 hours after.

Botulinum therapy is a simple and effective treatment for excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis and can improve affected people’s quality of life.

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This is another cutting edge treatment for hair loss which stimulates your own hair growth using growth factors harvested from a simple blood test taken in our clinic.

These natural growth factors are injected into your scalp after an application of numbing cream, using a fine ‘needle free’ cannula which irrigates your scalp with your own plasma to stimulate and thicken your own hair. The procedure takes about an hour.

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‘Follicular unit extraction’ is a first for QLD in the art of hair transplantation. No more cuts or stitches- this procedure provides a natural looking result using simple fine biopsies instead of surgically removing strips of skin and hair.

Our Cosmetic Doctor has brought this latest procedure for restoring hair loss in men and women from Dubai to Cosmetic Image Clinics in Brisbane and provides an artistic approach to creating a natural result using local anaesthetic only.

This method replaces hair follicle units one by one to avoid the clumpy, artificial hair transplant look and is virtually pain-free. The procedure is done as a day case in our clinic in Mary St, Brisbane. You can relax and watch a movie while your hair is being restored.

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Age is a reality we all face but why not squeeze the most out of your life.
My philosophy is a full on proactive approach. Do whatever you can to stay young.

Of course, age is a process that involves much more than our appearance. Staying young and vibrant also requires that you make an effort to keep fit, eat healthy and maintain your energy and sense of fun. Learn new things, accept new challenges and keep a balance in life… spend time doing the things you enjoy.

As for the way we look…well yes, that’s important too but it’s not simply a matter of vanity. I honestly believe that making the time and effort to present yourself well and looking fresh isn’t so much about vanity as it is about feeling confident and feeling good about yourself…and this really helps to keep that upper edge in the workplace.

Age gracefully…but not without a fight…. take a stand!! :)
I see first hand the results that a little bit of cosmetic touchup can achieve….not just to freshen a person’s look but even more importantly to lift their self esteem, their spirit and their aura of vibrancy. If you feel younger than you look… then look as young as you feel.

Dr Ingrid Tall

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Botulinum injections are by far the most popular cosmetic treatment performed throughout the world. To give you some idea, according to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) statistics, in 2009, there were more than 5 million procedures performed in the USA alone. The reason for this boom in popularity is that, generally, the results are good, it’s minimally invasive, it’s quick and there are very few problems with side effects.

Essentially the injections work by relaxing and partially immobilizing muscle in the area where it’s injected. It works particularly well in areas where we develop, so called, “character lines” …that is, crow’s feet, frown lines and forehead lines. Our levels of collagen diminish as part of the aging process and the areas I mentioned age even more quickly because repeated muscle movement and the continual creasing and folding of the skin accelerates the breakdown of collagen further. By the way I often use dermal fillers and or collagen boosting injections in conjunction with the muscle relaxing botulinum for a more complete (whole face) rejuvenation treatment.

It’s also worth considering that there’s a valid argument for getting botulinum injections relatively early. Breaking the cycle of repetitive muscle movement early has a preventative value, since relaxing the muscles will actually inhibit the formation of “character lines” and stave off the progression of fine lines becoming deeply etched lines.

Another effect of botulinum that’s been in the news lately is that botulinum therapy can actually make you feel better and in fact there’s a  theory currently in research, that it can be used to treat depression.

People often say they feel better after receiving injections and it was generally assumed that this was simply a consequence of looking fresher and younger which in turn gives your spirits and confidence a lift. However, some researchers are hypothesizing (and there is evidence to support their view) that because we physically relax the muscle mechanics that we use to frown and scowl we are also reducing the underlying emotions of stress and anxiety that we are conditioned to associate with those facial expressions. Go ahead…just try frowning ….and you do feel kind of stressed …it may well be that if you’re frowning your brain “tells” you that you’re stressed! …if that’s true ii should also follow that if we smile more we’ll be happier :)

Here’s a link to a TV story on botulinum use to treat depression.

http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/play/-/8845130/botox-treats-depression/

While we’re on the wonders of botulinum, some of you may not realize that it is also a very effective (and clinically proven) treatment for hyperhidrosis (the clinical term for excess sweating). Unless you’re someone that suffers from problem you probably don’t appreciate what a profound negative impact sweating can have on your social and professional life.  The treatment is simple and consists of a number of tiny injections into the skin around the problem area (most commonly the armpit). This blocks the action of the nerves that control the sweat glands responsible for producing perspiration.

The treatment takes about an hour (by the way we’re currently offering $100 off sweating treatments if you book this week and mention this blog)  Call 3003 4000 now for an appointment.

BTW in case you wondering why I use the term botulinum instead of just calling it Bot – x like everyone else…here’s the story.

Some confusion exists regarding the various terms used for injections of botulinum toxin. Most people commonly refer to the product as
Bot – x, which is actually a product trademarked by Allergan Pharmaceuticals. However because it is a Schedule 4  substance, in other words, only available by prescription by a qualified medical practitioner, the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)  prohibit the use of the product name in anything that they deem to be an advertisement. Their definition of advertisement is very broad and therefore even in an article like this, which is intended to provide useful information ( and some light reading!) I am obliged to use a generic term such as botulinum therapy (the active ingredient of this product is botulinum toxin type A).

Bye for now. Let me know if you have any questions

Dr Ingrid
wrinkleinjections.net.au

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Obviously your lips are a focal point of your face during any social interaction. Not only do they do all the talking but they play a central role in conveying your emotions and according to research, they have significant influence on your sexual attractiveness.  Generally.. fuller lips are associated with youthfulness, vibrancy and sensuality.

For most people who are considering lip enhancement, the main concern is a result which is commonly referred to as the “trout pout”. This happens in cases where the filler is used excessively, is badly placed, or both. The reality is that in the hands of an experienced practitioner, most people would never guess you’ve had any treatment at all.  In fact, the primary objective of the treatment is to reshape the lips while retaining a totally natural look.

For example, lips can look unnatural because too much filler is placed in the lip line border. This depends on the individual’s requirements.  Younger people rarely need enhancement to the line border, however, mature age people can benefit from replacing the shrunken lip line border which causes vertical lip lines and lipstick bleed.

Although many patients are concerned that their lips will be too big, in practice this is rarely the case. Patients often come in saying they don’t want to look like Angelina Jolie …however it would require about three vials of filler to achieve a similar size. Most treatments use 1 vial !

Most people are surprised to learn that filler does not usually significantly change the shape of the lips. Rather, it enhances the volume and voluptuousness of the lips… although it  can help to elevate the corners of the mouth to create a playful smile effect which can give one a slightly happier and relaxed  look rather than having the “down in the mouth”, unhappy look that sometimes comes with age and detracts from your aura of vibrancy.

It’s worth noting that the lips are red because they have so many blood vessels. This naturally increases the risk of bruising when injecting lips as compared to other areas of the face. Bruising often lasts for 5 days or so and can be minimized with darker lipsticks.
A little residual swelling can persist for up to two weeks. Interestingly, it is quite common for people to initially be unsettled by the swelling and even to temporarily regret their decision to have their lips injected.  Then, within a day or two, people “fall in love” with the swelling and increased volume and become disappointed when the swelling disappears.

It’s not unusual for it to take some time to adjust your self image to the new look. It’s like  getting your haircut at the hairdressers …often you want to go home and shampoo and blow dry it yourself …because it takes some time to adjust to the new look.
Of course, you can always top up your filler and increase the volume whenever you want. You don’t have to wait the 9 months it usually takes before the filler disappears. Interestingly, the filler can last 9 months but for some it can last up to 5 years …although these cases are few and far between .

Lip enhancing treatments are a quick, easy and cost effective way of restoring a youthful aura and vibrancy to your look.

- Dr. Ingrid Tall
wrinkleinjections.com.au

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Non surgical treatments are increasing in popularity while the traditional ‘knife or scalpel’ facelift is falling out of favour. Why?  Because techniques to help maintain a fresh and youthful appearance have progressed significantly and drastic measures, involving the cutting and removal of sagging flesh, are obviously best avoided if you can help it!

While spot treatments can result in a significant improvement to a particular problem area, a more global, multi faceted approach makes a lot of sense. The Trilogy Facelift neatly packages three treatment approaches that work in synergy to address the three underlying causes of aging.

1. Reshaping. – As we age, not only does our skin become less supple but there are underlying changes that take place in the structure of the bones, fat and muscles around the face. So the foundation to restoring a more youthful appearance is to use a dermal filler that have been developed specifically to fill out and reshape sagging and hollowed areas.  In particular the areas around the cheeks, mouth, brow, under the eyes and temple hollows can benefit significantly from this reshaping approach.

2. Rejuvenation – As we age, diminishing collagen production results in a loss of elasticity and thickness of the skin which in turn leads to sagging and wrinkling. So in conjunction with a reshaping treatment, a complete treatment regime also targets lines and wrinkle with other types of product. Some products act to fill out lines and wrinkle immediately while other are intended to stimulate your own collagen production.  An increase of dermal thickness of up to three fold can be achieved over a period of time and this thickening up your skin acts to gradually restore a youthful vibrancy and suppleness to it.  This can often results in improving the smile lines on your cheeks and the crepey skin around the eyes and mouth. These “collagen rebooters” are more effective the earlier you begin treatment (ideally start in your early 40’s).

3. Relaxing – Another factor that plays a role in the aging process is muscle memory and tension in the muscles around the face. Through a process of continual repetitive of facial expressions, we develop what are sometimes referred to as ‘character’ lines. This effect is most notable around the brow and between the eyebrows. Muscle relaxants can target these areas and relax these muscles. This not only relaxes the muscles but also breaks the muscle memory cycle which would otherwise lead to a gradual deepening of the existing lines.

The Trilogy Facelift reshapes the contours of your face to return more youthful curves, rejuvenates and restores the suppleness and vibrancy of your skin, and relaxes the tension in the underlying muscular map. So now, instead of looking in the mirror and seeing someone staring back who looks 10 years older than you feel, your outer self can reflect your dynamic inner self.

- Dr. Ingrid Tall
wrinkleinjections.com.au

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Bruising is relatively common after injectable treatments, even with experienced injectors, but the risk can be minimized by following some simple instructions.

Some people, such as the elderly or those of Celtic origin, are more prone to bruising. Also those on regular aspirin will bruise more as well.

To minimize the risk, avoid for up to 10 days prior to your treatment, any medication or herbal or complementary medicine that ‘thins’ out your blood or increases your risk of bruising. These include  aspirin, ibuprofen (Nurofen or Advil), anti-inflammatories, fish oil supplements, garlic tablets, ginger tablets, evening primrose tablets, St John’s Wort, gingko biloba, multivitamins containing Vit E and Vit E tablets.

Alcohol prior to your treatment or soon after can also increase your risk, as can saunas and strenuous exercise on the day of the treatment.

Seek medical advice about whether you should discontinue your aspirin or anti-clotting medication for the short term if your doctor has prescribed them for medical reasons such as heart or stroke problems in the past.

Choose your injectors carefully- make sure they are experienced and operate with good lighting but even in the best of hands, bruising happens.

If you do bruise- don’t fret. Bruising actually stimulates collagen growth which could give you a better collagen stimulation result in 6 months time- all is not lost.

If you do bruise, often the poor dentist gets the blame.  Most people don’t like to say they ‘ran into the end of the needle’ when someone asks them about their bruises.

- Dr Ingrid Tall

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We have been receiving really positive feedback from our clients who are undergoing the REGEN Platelet Rich Plasma treatment to improve their skin texture and tone, especially for the treatment of fine lines around the eyes. PRP, or Regen, is a collagen stimulating therapy and is ideal for treating ageing skin on the face, neck, eyes and décolletage.  The good news about this treatment is that you grow your own collagen to thicken up your skin and improve its texture and tone which means it is in for the long haul and doesn’t biodegrade.

It is a simple and safe procedure which involves taking a blood sample and spinning it down in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet rich plasma. We extract and process it on site at our clinic. This is then injected into the desired areas of the skin over a series of just 2-3 treatments. This same technique has previously been used with success in the treatment of burns, orthopaedics and to accelerate wound healing. You will see results after a month and it continues to improve for many months after.

To enhance the effect of the rejuvenation, we can administer a volumising dermal filler to lift the cheeks, which also decreases the depth of the lines around the mouth and nose.

As we age, we have a tendency to break down collagen and elastin, so top up treatments are recommended every year or two to slow down the ageing process.

-  Dr Ingrid Tall

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