Make an Informed Decision about Cosmetic Medicine Procedures
From a consumer’s point of view, it can be very difficult to determine where to go when seeking cosmetic medical treatments. In particular, there can be quite a price variation between clinics providing these services. As a doctor working exclusively in the cosmetic medicine industry for the past decade, I would like to share some information which may help to alleviate some of the confusion, says Dr Kylie Regli of Cosmetique Solutions. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cosmetic Injection that treats dynamic facial wrinkles such as frown lines and crow’s feet. Unfortunately, I am unable to mention brand names, however, there are only two brands approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and both are Schedule S4 drugs and can only be prescribed by Doctors.
Comment: “I went to another clinic because they had a special and I had Cosmetic Injections for my frown lines. The result wasn’t as good as usual and it didn’t last as long !”
Explanation: The result of Cosmetic Injections for dynamic facial lines and the length of the result is dependent on three main factors :
- the total number of units you receive
- the specific location of the injection points
(dependent on the skill of the injector)
- the “freshness” of the product (beware of practices that are not performing the treatments on a regular basis. There is a time frame over which the solution must be used otherwise it will lose its potency)
Comment: There is such a price variation between clinics. How do I know I am getting a fair deal?
Explanation: You need to consider three factors 1) the price you are paying per unit 2) the number of units you are receiving 3) the length of time the results last for you.
At Cosmetique Solutions, I recommend the 20 unit dose per area because it is very effective and lasts between 3 and 6 months, with most people attaining a 4 to 5 month result. We charge $14 per unit and less if you are treating more than one area. It’s simply a matter of doing the maths!
Comment: “I have been to a few different clinics for wrinkle treatments and my results last different amounts of time. I think some places must have diluted it or watered it down!”
Explanation: To explain this misinterpretation, the anti-wrinkle injection which treats dynamic wrinkles in the upper face is a purified protein that is supplied to Doctors in a sterile vial in a powdered form. To enable the Doctor to inject the product it must be mixed with a sterile solution of saline. So, in that sense, all Doctors must dilute it to be able to render it into an injectable sterile solution. The amount of solution mixed with it will determine the concentration of the Cosmetic Injection. Dilution ratios may differ slightly between different clinics, but the critical point is the total number of units you are receiving rather than the specific concentration.
Here at Cosmetique Solutions, I perform all of the cosmetic medical procedures myself , so you will see me for your treatment everytime. I feel that it is important to tailor the treatments to the individual and that way I can get the best results for you every time. Although, as a general rule, in the typical areas, I recommend 20 units per area to ensure the longest possible result for my clients, there are individual circumstances where the 20 unit dose may not be necessary. I assess this on an individual basis and the price is calculated according to the $14 per unit price. For example, if a person only needed 6 units in an area like the top lip lines then the cost would be $84.
Dr Kylie Regli (MBBS)
