Overview

Anti-wrinkle injections are used for both aesthetic and therapeutic treatments, causing temporary paralysis of the muscle.

Many of the signs of ageing on the face occur due to the repetitive movement of muscles over time. This is particularly true of the lines across the forehead, the frown lines (or 11’s) and the crow’s feet around the eyes. When these muscles contract, they form lines and wrinkles in the skin, so anti-wrinkle injections works to reduce the movement of the muscles, thereby reducing the lines and wrinkles that are seen. A small amount of toxin can reduce the movement and lines somewhat, a larger amount of toxin can often completely get rid of the movement and lines. 

Before the procedure

Most people don’t feel much discomfort during the procedure. But you may want your skin numbed beforehand, especially if your palms or soles are being treated for excessive sweating. Your doctor might use one or more of various methods available to numb the area, such as topical anesthesia, ice and vibration anesthesia, which uses massage to reduce discomfort.

• Don’t consume alcoholic beverages at least 24 hours prior to your treatment as alcohol may thin the blood and increase your risk of bruising.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory/blood thinning medications for a period of at least 2 weeks before treatment as they can increase the risk of bruising and swelling after injections.
• Scheduled your anti-wrinkle injection or Dermal Filler appointment at least 2 weeks prior to a special event you may be attending, such as a wedding or vacation, since the results can take up to 4-7 days to appear.
• Discontinue Retin-A 2 days before and 2 days after your treatment.
• Reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance if you have a rash, cold sore, or blemish on the treatment area. (If you have a history of cold sores, talk to your provider as they may put you on antiviral medication prior to treatment.)
• Be sure to have a good breakfast, including food and drink, before your cosmetic treatment. This will decrease your chances of light-headedness during the treatment.
• You are not a suitable candidate if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.

During the procedure

There are 6 brands of anti-wrinkle type A that are licenced in the UK, however not all brands of botulinum toxin are equal. Each is a little different, particularly when it comes to dosage units, so they aren’t interchangeable.

There are also clinical differences between the different brands, however whilst many practitioners will offer the cheaper options, Dr Ivan always uses the market leader for her treatments.Anti-wrinkle injection doses are measured in units, with different people requiring a different number of units, depending on the strength of their muscle and the result they wish to achieve. Please note that the units are often not comparable between different brands, so if you have had treatment with a different brand previously, we may be using a different number of units to get the same desired result.

Anti-wrinkle injections are usually performed in a doctor’s office. Your doctor uses a thin needle to inject tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin or muscles. The number of injections needed depends on many factors, including the extent of the area being treated.

Step 1 – Facial assessment & mapping

The doctor will evaluate your facial appearance and skin tone and examine the areas.

Strategic points on your face may be marked as the appropriate injection sites for the injection. Photographs may be taken of the areas to be treated.

Step 2 – Cleansing & anesthetizing

The injection sites will be cleansed with an antibacterial agent.

Pain at the injection site may be ameliorated by use of a anesthetic ointment to numb the skin (if is the case).

Step 3 – Clean up & recovery

Once the results are deemed satisfactory, any markings will be cleansed off.

What you can expect?

Anti-wrinkle treatment does not have an immediate effect. It usually takes about 3 – 4 days to start to take effect, but can take up to 2 weeks for the full effects to be seen. This means that at your first treatment, we are somewhat estimating how many units you will require to achieve your desired result. We always recommend starting cautiously as 2 weeks after treatment, when the treatment has fully kicked in, we can always add more units to improve the results, however if treatment is ‘over-done’, then it is just a case of waiting for the substance to wear off over time. On average, treatment will last around 3 months, though for some people this will be less and for some people this will be more. If you continue to have treatments regularly, then you may find that treatments start to last a bit longer. Higher doses of treatment will also help the longevity of treatment. To maintain the effect, you’ll need regular follow-up injections.

Select your doctor carefully

Treatments are not without risks, however most risks with anti-wrinkle treatments are short-lived and self-limiting and will be discussed at your consultation. Doctors generally recommend against using anti-wrinkle treatments when you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. And anti-wrinkle treatments should not be used in people who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.

Why it’s done

As well as the forehead, frown and crow’s feet, anti-wrinkle injections are also utilised in other areas for the following treatments:

• Brow Lift
• Tip of the Nose: reduce the downturned tip of the nose
• Bunny Lines / Lateral Nasal Lines
• Neck: Reduce the vertical strain lines
• Lip Flip: Evert the lips slightly to appear more volumised
• Chin: Reduce the cobblestone appearance and help to bring the chin out and down
• Corners of the Mouth: Lift the corners of the mouth and make you look less sad
• Gummy Smile: Lower the smile line for people who show too much gum when they smile broadly
• Masseters / Jaw Slimming: Slim the face for people with hypertrophic masseter muscles
• Clenching / Grinding: Treatment to some of the facial muscles that are involved when we clench or grind our teeth can help to reduce pain, headaches and tension that is associated with parafunction
• Underarms / Hyperhydrosis: Injections into the underarms can help to reduce or stop sweating and smelling in the underarm area for up to 6 – 12 months. Perfect for those summer months.

How much do anti-wrinkle injections cost?

The cost of anti-wrinkle injections can vary. It is based on a few factors such as how advanced the fine lines and wrinkles are, how aggressively you want to treat the areas of concern and therefore the amount of product used.

A doctors’s cost may be based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the treatment, time and effort the treatment requires and geographic office location.

When choosing a board-certified doctor in your area for anti-wrinkle, remember that the doctor’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the procedure.

After the procedure

1. Try to exercise your treated muscles for 1-2 hours after treatment (e.g. practice frowning, raising your eyebrows or squinting). This helps to work the substance into your muscles. Although this is thought to help, it will NOT impact your treatment negatively if you forget to do this.
2. Do NOT rub or massage the treated areas for 2 hours after your treatment. Do NOT do strenuous exercise for 4 hours after treatment. Also avoid facials or saunas for 4 hours after your treatment. This will minimize the risk of raising your blood pressure and therefore minimize the risk of temporary bruising. Feel free to shower (but not too hot) and go about most other regular daily activities.
3. Do NOT lie down for 4 hours after treatment. This is to avoid the risk of pressure on the treated areas (from your pillow) and to avoid the risk of having the area rubbed accidentally.
4. Be assured that any tiny bumps or marks will go away within a few hours.
5. Do not apply make-up within 4 hours after treatment.
6. Results of your treatment may take up to 14 days to take full effect. Please wait until the 14 days has passed before assessing if you are pleased with the result.
7. Dr. Emilia Ivan needs to see you for a 2 week follow up assessment appointment.

Book your virtual consultation with Dr Emilia Ivan today and she will discuss your concerns and advise you how best to treat your problem areas.