Busting aesthetic medicine myths

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Myth 1: All facial injectable are the same

There is a difference between anti-wrinkle injectables and facial fillers. An anti-wrinkle injectable is a medicine that relaxes the muscles in the face that are responsible for our negative facial expressions and reduces lines, while fillers plump and smooth out folds. Facial rejuvenation can be achieved by either relaxing facial muscles or replacing volume loss, or a combination of the two. There are different brands of anti-wrinkle injectables and facial fillers out there, so be sure to understand the difference in quality and technology and always ask your doctor why he or she prefers to use the brand they do.

Myth 2: Anti-wrinkle injectables and facial fillers are permanent

Anti-wrinkle injectables and fillers are temporary treatments for lines and wrinkles. Anti-wrinkle injectables will last from three to four months while fillers give a longer lasting result of up to 18 months and, with regular use, patients will see the aging process slowing. Undesirable effects of anti-wrinkle injectables are not reversible, but will wear off in three months, but if you end up looking like a 'Housewife of Beverly Hills' due to badly administered filler, it can be dissolved in 24 hours.

Myth 3: Anti-wrinkle injectables and filler have high risks and are extremely toxic

Anti-wrinkle injectables and fillers have been labelled as snake poison, rat poison and other toxic agents, which is false. The injectable toxin is a purified protein found naturally in nature and, while we think medicines such as paracetamol are safe, it is actually extremely toxic to animals like cats and snakes. I always mention to my patients that I would only use a product in their face that I would use with confidence in my own face. I personally started using anti-wrinkle injectables 20 years ago and look even better than I did in my 20s.

Myth 4: Aesthetic treatment is only for old people

Anti-wrinkle injectables and fillers are right for you when you feel ready for them. If used correctly and in moderation patients can look refreshed for many years, and I have always believed maintenance is better than repair. Younger patients may experience severe frown lines which make them appear angry or sad, or have deep hollows under their eyes creating the undesirable perception that they are tired or have been partying all night. There is no reason younger patients should live with negative facial expressions as they can be improved with a simple, non-surgical treatment.

Myth 5: Aesthetic treatments are pricey

The quote by Sophie Tucker is appropriate. "From birth to 18 a girl needs good parents. From 18 to 35 she needs good looks. From 35 to 55, a good personality. From 55 on, she needs good cash." Although anti-wrinkle injectables and fillers may be expensive, many patients understand the value of investing in the future of their skin. One treatment of the crow's-feet with a filler will give an immediate result compared to many years of expensive eye creams and, by starting at a younger age you can prevent expensive surgery later in life.

Myth 6: Beauty therapists can administer anti-wrinkle injectables and fillers

Only a registered medical doctor can administer anti-wrinkle injectables and fillers. If beauticians are injecting products, they could be 'grey' import products and I would be concerned about the safety and regulation of them. The law states that any person that is not registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and practices as a health professional is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable for imprisonment. Therefore, besides the fact that it is illegal in South Africa for non-medical professional to be injecting, I would ask the simple question, 'Would you take your Ferrari to be serviced by your hairdresser?'