Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Anti-wrinkle injections, are often used to relax muscles of the face, helping to reduce or completely eliminate wrinkles, particularly those that occur due to facial expressions. It is the treatment of choice for forehead lines, crow's feet and lines between the eyebrows (11s). It can also be used to treat lines in the lower face, such as smokers’ lines, and to lift e.g. the eyebrows or the corners of the mouth. In addition to being used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, they can also treat headaches and reduce a gummy smile, teeth grinding and excess sweating.

Botulinum toxin drugs are potent neurotoxins derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum

These drugs are all tried, tested and proven and are licensed for use in the UK. They contain one common substance, the botulinum toxin (produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum).

This toxin is highly potent. Tiny amounts are injected into the muscles identified as those causing the wrinkles. The injections are just beneath the skin, making anti-wrinkle injections the most popular aesthetic treatment due to the lack of downtime needed and proven results.

Consultation is required prior booking the Anti-Wrinkle Injections. You must be over 18 to be eligible for anti-wrinkle injections, and ID will be checked if you look under 25 years old.

The areas we treat:

• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet (around your eyes)
• Frown lines/11s
• Bunny lines
• Nose tip lift
• Gummy smile
• Softening or defining the jaw angle
• Neck lines
• Chin dimples
• Lipstick lines

Ideal candidates for anti-wrinkle injections are those who have dynamic wrinkles that are visible when their face is moving. If you have deeper, static wrinkles (which are present even when your face isn’t moving), you may require a combination of dermal fillers and Botulinum toxin to achieve the desired outcome. 

How should I prepare for anti-wrinkle injections?

A week before the treatment, avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and fish oil supplements. These may increase bleeding and bruising. However, you can take paracetamol if needed.

If you are taking any prescribed medication, including aspirin, do not stop taking it – consult your practitioner or your GP first.

Avoid drinking alcohol 24 hours before your treatment, as this also increases the risk of bruising.

What happens after a anti-wrinkle treatment?

After you Botulinum toxin treatment, you can go about your normal day. It is important, however, that you follow the advice of your practitioner carefully. This will help you gain maximum effect from the procedure and reduce the risk of complications.

You may experience localised redness and pin-prick marks around the injection sites.

To help get the best out of your anti-wrinkle treatment, you need to:

• Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 – 48 hours after treatment, or as your practitioner advises. Failure to do so may result in the toxin moving into muscles it shouldn't.
• The treatment takes around 72 hours to begin working and 2 weeks for the effects to be fully visible, although you may feel most of the effect after 7 to 10 days.
• Contact your practitioner if you have any unusual results such as prolonged bruising, swelling, irritation, infection or drooping.

What are the side effects and risks of Botulinum toxin treatments?

Most clients find botulinum toxin injections to be relatively painless and straightforward.

A small minority of clients choose to have a topical numbing cream applied to the area 20-30 minutes prior to the treatment. If you feel you have a low pain threshold, be sure to put this on your medical history form, so your practitioner can apply the cream early in your consultation.

Some side effects include:

• Temporary bleeding/bruising
• Mild swelling
• Post-treatment headache
• Drooping eyelids
• Drooping eyebrows

More serious side effects can occur for treatment of other areas (e.g. double vision, drooping lip, difficulty swallowing or breathing, change of voice or difficulty pronouncing some words.

This list is not exhaustive and you should consult your practitioner if you are concerned in any way.

DO NOT have botulinum toxin injections if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You are trying to get pregnant

You also need to let your practitioner know if:

• You have a muscular disease (e.g. Bell's Palsy)
• You have any blood or nervous system disorders
• You are taking any medications which affect blood clotting
• You are taking any medicines
• You have any psychological concerns