- Anti Wrinkle Injections is a popular term in cosmetic medicine but did you know that Australian this should not be advertised in Australia? We explain why.
- Any cosmetic procedure has risks, that’s why it is important to fully understand what is involved before you proceed.
- Don’t be shy, get in touch today to consult with our cosmetic doctor or nurse!
Anti-wrinkle injections are a popular cosmetic treatment used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. The procedure involves injecting small amounts of a purified protein (most commonly botulinum toxin) into targeted muscles, causing them to relax. When facial muscles relax, it softens the expression lines that have formed over time from repetitive movements, such as frowning, smiling, or squinting.
This treatment is often used for areas such as the forehead, crow’s feet (lines around the eyes), and frown lines between the eyebrows. The results are not permanent, typically lasting between 3 to 6 months, after which repeat treatments are required to maintain the smoother, younger you!
The popularity of anti-wrinkle injections stems from their ability to offer a non-invasive, quick and relatively painless solution to combat the visible signs of ageing. In most cases, the procedure can be performed during a lunch break, with minimal downtime. You may experience slight redness or bruising at the injection site but this is uncommon.
Why the Term “Anti-Wrinkle Injections” Cannot Be Used for Advertising in Australia
Although “anti-wrinkle injections” is a commonly used term in everyday language, regulations in Australia prohibit its use in marketing or advertising materials, particularly on websites. The reason for this stems from the tight regulatory environment around medical and cosmetic treatments governed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Prescription-Only Medicines
In Australia, the substances used in anti-wrinkle injections, such as botulinum toxin (commonly branded as Botox® or Dysport®), are classified as prescription-only medicines. This means that they can only be administered by a qualified healthcare professional, and their promotion must follow strict advertising guidelines. According to the TGA, prescription medicines cannot be directly advertised to the public. Using terms like “anti-wrinkle injections” may inadvertently promote these prescription products, which is prohibited under Australian law.
Brand-Specific Guidelines
Additionally, the TGA enforces specific rules for mentioning the names of prescription products, such as Botox® or Dysport®. These brand names must be referenced in a factual, non-promotional manner, ensuring that they do not suggest benefits beyond what is medically proven. Since the term “anti-wrinkle injections” is often used in a marketing context to highlight the benefits of the treatment, it can be seen as breaching these guidelines.
Protecting Consumer Safety
The restrictions on terminology like “anti-wrinkle injections” are also in place to protect consumers. Misleading or overly simplified terms can give the impression that these treatments are risk-free or purely cosmetic, when in fact they involve the administration of prescription drugs that can carry potential risks. By ensuring that websites use more accurate, medically appropriate terminology, regulators aim to prevent consumers from being misled and ensure they make informed decisions about their health.
What Can Be Used Instead?
On Australian websites, clinics and providers usually adopt alternative terms such as “cosmetic procedures” or “treatments” to comply with regulations. These broader terms do not refer directly to the prescription-only substances, allowing businesses to describe their services without breaching advertising laws. They must also ensure that all claims about the benefits of such treatments are supported by medical evidence and avoid sensationalized marketing.
While anti-wrinkle injections are highly effective and widely used, the terminology surrounding them must adhere to strict legal standards in Australia to ensure public safety and compliance with regulatory bodies like the TGA and AHPRA.
These standards are in place to ensure your safety and at Respect, we are the cosmetic medicine clinic that is all about you, which is why we encourage our customers both current and new to consult with our experienced team to have a clear understanding of the potential risks and rewards of any cometic procedure.
References (as at 23 October 2024):
Department of Health and Aged Care – Therapeutic Goods Administration:
Referring to cosmetic injectables in advertising
https://www.tga.gov.au/news/media-releases/referring-cosmetic-injectables-advertising
Ahpra & National Boards:
Cosmetic procedures in the spotlight one year on from surgery review
https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2023-09-05-Cosmetics-procedures-crackdown.aspx