FAQ's

Will I look natural?

I will be aiming for a natural result for you. The aim is for improvement rather than perfection. The key is often found in a subtle restoration of facial balance.

Am I too old to start?

While a young person may be looking towards beautification or prevention of ageing, there is plenty to offer the more mature patient. We almost certainly will be able to improve some of the signs of ageing which make one look angry, sad, tired or saggy. A combination of anti- wrinkle injections and dermal fillers may be needed. Many patients say they “feel invisible” after a certain age. Restoring key areas can make a significant difference to how one feels and how one is perceived by our society.
Sometimes one area has aged out of balance with other areas e.g. prominent lip lines. Correction of this one area adds balance to the face and improves facial aesthetics. The aim is always improvement rather than perfection.

What product is used for anti-wrinkle treatment?

Anti-wrinkle treatments are very popular and sought by patients.  They are a relatively quick, medically proven, effective treatment with visible results seen usually within 5 days. Due to TGA Regulations, this medicine is not allowed to be named in advertising. It is also a class of medication which requires:
1. A doctor to see the patient face to face, take a full history              and examine the area for treatment
2. A doctor to prescribe the medication specifically for the                 patient
3. Administration of the preparation, ideally in a medical                        environment

Do anti-wrinkle injections hurt?

A super-fine needle is inserted into the appropriate muscles and a small amount of muscle relaxant is injected. Pain varies between individuals but is usually very tolerable.

What about maintenance?

Anti-wrinkle injections:
In the first twelve months – it is best to repeat at the schedule advised , approximately three monthly to avoid muscle activity returning and allow maximal softening of lines.  After twelve months – the interval between treatments may extend to 4 – 5 months with this program.
Dermal fillers:
The interval of re-treatment depends on the area treated and the individual’s characteristics, e.g. age, skin type. I will advise at the time of your consultation. The interval between treatments ranges between 6 – 18 months.




Can I become addicted to dermal fillers?

Will other people notice?

We are aiming for natural and subtle results. Therefore, it is possible that only you will be fully aware of the changes achieved.  Others may comment, for instance, that you look well.

Will I lose time off work?

Anti-wrinkle injection treatments often take less than 30 minutes to perform. Most people will return to work immediately. Dermal filler treatments may require some planning as there is always a risk of bruising and redness.  The lip area in particular often swells and looks uneven for a couple of days.  Patients often choose end of day appointments for filler treatments, returning to work the following day and successfully use make-up to cover any bruising.




Are anti-wrinkle injections safe?


The prescription substance most widely used for this treatment is derived from a natural, purified protein and provides temporary improvement in lines and furrows.  It works by blocking the nerve impulse, thereby preventing muscle contraction and the associated wrinkle. This substance has been used for over 20 years in 80 countries to treat different medical conditions.  As it was developed for medical treatments, including treatment for children with cerebral palsy it has been thoroughly researched and tested prior to its cosmetic application.

Do dermal fillers hurt?

The procedure can sometimes cause mild discomfort or be painful. However, anaesthetic agents are used both before and within the product to assist with any discomfort.

Are dermal fillers safe?

The effectiveness and safety of the non-permanent fillers has been tested in clinical trials for more than a decade in over 70 countries. The fillers used in our treatments are manufactured free from animal proteins and the risk of allergy is correspondingly very small.  After the procedure there can be some swelling, redness and bruising.  There may be mild tenderness over the area treated. These effects usually settle within a few days.

 More significant Complications are rare but possible and can be minimised by careful attention to the anatomy of the face, correct product choice and correct product placement.  As I only use non permanent fillers we have the extra security of being able to reverse and dissolve the filler using a natural enzymatic process if there were an issue.

Help! I want to do this but I'm scared.
Sometimes patients are so pleased with their results that they want to do more.  Personally, I think there is a limit to what can be achieved with non surgical techniques and there is a point where too much does not produce a pleasing or natural looking aesthetic result.  I will let you know if this is the case.
For some people venturing into Cosmetic Medicine feels like a big step, even if you have been thinking about it for a while. 
I encourage you to make an appointment for a consultation.  During your consultation we discuss and address your concerns and there is no obligation to proceed.

How do I book?

The clinic is usually busy so bookings are essential.  For your initial consultation allow one hour.

Dr Sharon Lamb© 2025 | @ Art De Dente | Level 17, 190 Queen Street | Melbourne, VICTORIA 3000