May 19, 2018

Anti-wrinkle Injections – Masseters Aftercare

Written by Dr Kate Jameson

Thank you for attending Youth Lab for Masseter treatment. Please take the time to carefully read the post-treatment instructions below.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS 

  • Do not lie flat for 4 hours. 
  • Avoid any heat-inducing activities for 24 hours.
  • Do not perform strenuous exercise for 24 hours. 
  • Do not rub, massage or apply pressure to the area for 24 hours.
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
  • Avoid active cosmeceutical products (AHAs, retinol, vitamin C) for 24 hours.
  • Do not apply oil-based makeup for 24 hours.
  • Avoid any facial treatments for 2 weeks (including facials, waxing, chemical peels, skin needling, Hydrafacial, IPL or laser)
  • Avoid blood thinning medication such as Aspirin & Ibuprofen for 7 days (unless medically necessary)

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The listed below are all normal results of the injections and will generally disappear within a few days.

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness 
  • Bruising 
  • Headache 
  • Muscle herniation or ‘bulging’

Bruising 

While bruising is not common, when it does occur often it is minimal. Bruising is not due to poor technique and will not alter the final result of your treatment. In order to reduce bruising, it is important to adhere to the aftercare regime. 

  • Avoid any medications containing NSAIDs, aspirin, vitamin E and ginseng for the week prior and the week following treatment, unless medically necessary and after discussion with your doctor/nurse.
  • Apply a cool compress to the area. 
  • Apply topical Arnica or Hirudoid cream. 

Headache and Tenderness 

You may have a mild headache or tenderness at the injection site. This can be treated with paracetamol if required. 

Other

The treated area may feel ‘strange’ while the Botulinum toxin takes effect. This is normal and will settle. There may be weakness and discomfort with chewing. 

There may be bulging or ‘herniation’ of the treated muscles that will resolve once the treatment takes full effect, this is normal and due to the muscles slowly relaxing. If this does not self-resolve, you may follow up with your practitioner no sooner than 14 days after your initial treatment. 

Rarer side effects have been discussed in the consultation process and are not expected with every treatment.

FOLLOW UP:

You may begin to notice the results in 3-7 days with end results noticeable at 28 days. 

A second treatment between 4 to 6 weeks after the initial treatment may be necessary to achieve optimal results and to determine a correct dosing regime.

Please note that NO FOLLOW-UP OR TOP-UP TREATMENT will be performed prior to 14 days. Further costs may be incurred with any follow-up treatment. 

Please contact the clinic on 9324 1604 (West Perth), 9260 6800 (Claremont), 9260 6880 (Joondalup) or 9260 6820 (Applecross) if you have any questions about your treatment or aftercare instructions.

FAQs:

How long does anti-wrinkle last? 

Anti-wrinkle lasts approximately 3 months for the relaxing of facial muscles (based on clinical studies). The treatment lasts longer in areas such as the masseter muscles and sweat glands with results expected up to 6 months. 

Why is my anti-wrinkle not lasting? 

Longevity depends on the type of anti-wrinkle used, dosage, its indication, particular muscle injected, compliance with aftercare and individual factors such as metabolism. 

Regular maintenance treatments are required and essential for long-lasting results. Your practitioner will discuss your treatment plan with you.

How often should I get the masseter treatment?

The effects of this treatment should last up to 4 to 6 months. Our doctors and nurses advise at least 2-3 treatments each year depending on the severity of symptoms and desired results.