Between migraine-curing success stories, famous frozen foreheads, and fatal disasters, injectable fillers are a polarizing and controversial talking point.

Disaster stories are not deterring our nation’s quest for youth however; according to figures from the Cosmetic Physicians Society of Australasia (CPSA), Australians spent $644.7 million last year on anti-aging treatments.

Below, we separate fact from fiction when it comes to injectables, looking at trends, scandals, other uses for injectables, and emerging technologies.

Injectable trends
Kim Cheah, registered nurse and injectables specialist of Clinic Aesthetic has seen a marked change of pace when it comes to injectables.

“I’ve seen a shift to smaller amounts of anti-wrinkle injectables administered slightly more frequently, rather than larger doses twice a year - my clients are increasingly preferring this more subtle result,” Kim said.

Up until recently, injectables have been primarily a female domain, but the last 12 months Kim has seen a notable increase in the prevalence of men requesting injectable fillers.

Dubbed, ‘bro-tox’ the phenomenon has risen 15 per cent in Kim’s clinic and has not affected any particular type of man; her clients include men ranging in occupation from tradies to male models.

Brisbane accountant Neale Harris has regular botox and says he enjoys the subtly refreshed appearance.

“Afterwards, colleagues comment that I look great, but they can’t put their finger on why,” Neale said.

“I take pride in my appearance and I don’t see anything wrong with men or women having Botox, as long as you go to a trusted professional – if it makes you happy, then so be it.”

Another trend on the rise is the use of injectable fillers to adjust the size and shape of facial features. Approximately 15 per cent of Kim’s injectables clients are booking for this type of procedure, most commonly in the form of a ‘nose jab.’

“Using injectable fillers we can correct irregularities in nose shape and size, like little bumps or concave bridges – I have had great success with this method,” Kim said.

Injectable Scandals
The CPSA recently issued a warning when fake anti-wrinkle injections were discovered for sale on eBay. It has since been pulled from the site, but the story highlighted how easy it is for anyone to access injectable fillers, real or fake.

From notorious UK mother Kerry Campbell, who openly admitted she buys fillers online and administers them to eight-year old daughter, to US woman Janet Hardt who died after injecting homemade botox into her face, DIY botox has created a media furor.

President elect of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and plastic and reconstructive surgeon of Form and Function Clinic Dr Scott Ingram says if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

“You only need to look at the stories that have come out in the media over the last 12 months to know that buying fillers and injectables online with the intention to DIY never ends well,” Dr Ingram said.

“Injectable fillers need to be administered by a qualified aesthetician and registered nurse at a reputable cosmetic clinic.”

Other uses
Injectables are not just for anti-aging – new uses for Botox have improved the lives of those suffering from acute migraines, excessive sweating and incontinence.

“About five per cent of injectables patients I see are seeking improvement with a physical ailment or condition – sweating is probably the most common condition,” Kim said.

New technologies
A new breed of injectable fillers being introduced in Europe and gradually becoming available in other parts of the world is providing better technology and better results.

New products like hyalauronic acid filler Belotero is less likely to cause post-injection lumps and bumps and larger volume injectables like SubQ and Voluma are making less invasive breast and buttock augmentations a possibility.

Lighter fillers like Restylane Vital and Juvederm Hydrate are perfect for areas that have been historically difficult to treat, like the backs of hands, décolletage and neck.

Dr Ingram says the products come in response to demand for a more subtle, gradual improvement in lines, wrinkles and facial symmetry.

“We’ve seen enough frozen foreheads to realise that a softer approach will give more desirable results, and thanks to recent product developments, the future of injectables will reflect this,” said Dr Ingram.