Anti-wrinkle injections; ironing out some points around this ever popular treatment for creases, wrinkles, fine lines and more

 What are anti-wrinkle injections and how do they work?

Anti-wrinkle Injections are neuromodulators which are injected into specific points across the face or the  body.

These neuromodulating agents work to relax the muscles into which they are injected and by relaxing the muscles the skin which sits superficially on top of the muscle is stretched  taught. The skin subsequently appears smoother having a simultaneous ‘wrinkle-reduction’ effect in the process which is visibly apparent on the superficial structure of the skin as visible or superficial lines fade and in many cases diminish altogether. This produces an instant aesthetic improvement and a more youthful appearance.  Patient satisfaction is achieved as the wrinkles are diminished and the skin appears smoother, more flawless and develops the much-hyped ‘Botox - glow’ the ‘radiant’ and ‘re-freshed’ look which is highly desirable. 

What can anti-wrinkle injections be used for?

The most common areas in which anti-wrinkle injections are sought by the majority of patients are within the upper face. In the upper face, there are three commons areas into which anti-wrinkle injections are injected.

The frontalis muscle is located in the forehead. This is a heavy muscle and injection of the botox here can address lines which are commonly visible on raising the eyebrows in an upward vertical direction, commonly referred to as ‘worry lines’. The other area Into which botox is commonly injected is in-between the brows. The main muscle group here comprises the central procerus muscle and the corrugators which are responsible for contraction of the brows in an inward direction and the classic ‘frown line’ which commonly  imposes the classics 11’s lines that many patients refer to during a consultation as something of concern to them and which they wish to have addressed during a treatment. 

The third more common area is around the eye and this is classically referred to colloquially as the ‘crows feet’ these are deep or indeed superficial lines which are formed on expression as dynamic lines or perhaps as in many cases and more so during the later decades of life more visible static at rest as superficial wrinkles and creases. Injection of the Botox into the obicularis oris muscle complex here relaxes this muscle and reduces the wrinkles aswell, manipulation of the injection patterns around the eye by the injector can produce other subtle ‘tweaks’ here like a classic brow arch lift, a lateral pull on skin under the eye and reduced wrinkles on the under eye area. 

There are a number of other areas in the lower face into which injections can also be injected. These produce subtle tweaks and include correction  of a dimpled or pebble chin, correction of downturned mouth corners, treatment of a gummy smile and bunny lines which are superficial lines produced in the upper lateral nose creases upon expression and smiling.

The muscle which sits above the jawline along the side of the face can also be reduced in size by injection of botox into the mass of this masseter muscle. This can change the shape of a face from a square-shape to a more oval feminised face shape.

Other indications for the treatment of patients with botox include excessive sweating, hyperhidrosis and the treatment of migraines as well.

When should I start having anti-wrinkle injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections can be administered during most decades of life from the 20s onwards depending on your specific concern and also your skin type.  Every patient is different and ultimately it is your targeted skincare concern and goal which determines the appropriateness and suitability of the treatment for the patient.

 The latter can only be assessed by undertaking a thorough consultation and addressing the ideas concerns and expectations of the anti-wrinkle injection treatment of the patient and then offering the best treatment protocol and advice in turn. 

Anti-wrinkle injection treatment can be both preventative in nature and also for the treatment of established lines and wrinkles aswell and is therefore highly flexible in its suitability as a treatment across most decades of life, albeit for prevention of lines and wrinkles for younger generations or for the actual treatment of established lines and wrinkles in older patient groups. 

Are anti-wrinkle injections safe? 

Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most safest procedures that can be offered. The risks are  much less than those of other treatments such as dermal fillers.  Furthermore, this is a non-surgical non-permanent cosmetic facial procedure.

How long do you anti-wrinkle injections last for?

Classically, all anti-winkle injections will last for up to 3 months. It is generally advised that after the first three months the effects will start to wear off and movement will return in most cases. Fine lines and wrinkles  may also reappear as the muscle sitting underneath the skin contracts back to its original state and the relaxation of the muscle is reversed as a neurotoxin wears off. Although in many cases after several treatment sessions visible lines at rest often fade and diminish altogether. Having anti-wrinkle injections alongside using good quality medical-grade skincare boosts the anti-wrinkle effects even further and makes it even more powerful in delivering anti-aging and anti-wrinkle effects. 

Are anti-wrinkle injections painful?

The needle used for anti-wrinkle procedures is extremely fine and many patients report that there is not much pain at all upon injection.

What are the after-care instructions after having anti-wrinkle injections?

The after-care instructions will always be explained to you in clinic.

It is important to avoid any form of heat application to the area. This includes the use of saunas,steam rooms and swimming pool pools as well.

It is advised to avoid vigorous exercise or activity for at least 24 to 48 hours post treatment.

Avoid wearing make up and apply SPF at all times in the sun.

It is also important and advisable to avoid alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours post-procedure.