Anti-wrinkle Injections
Anti-wrinkle injections are neuromodulator injections used in the management of facial lines associated with repeated muscle activity. They work by temporarily reducing movement in selected facial muscles.
Treatment is planned following assessment of facial anatomy, muscle movement, medical history, and suitability. Neuromodulators are commonly used in areas where repeated contraction contributes to dynamic lines, such as the forehead, frown area, and outer corners of the eyes.
The forehead and upper face involve several muscles, including the frontalis, corrugator, procerus, and orbicularis oculi. These muscles can contribute to forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
What Concerns Does It Treat
Anti-wrinkle injections are commonly used in the management of dynamic facial lines, including forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
They can also be considered for selected concerns linked to muscle activity, including gummy smile, chin dimpling, jaw muscle activity associated with bruxism/teeth grinding and excessive sweating.
What To Expect
- Initial consultation to discuss your concerns, medical history, facial muscle movement, and treatment suitability, with clinical photos taken as part of the assessment.
- The treatment area will be assessed, cleaned, and prepared
- Small amounts of neuromodulator are injected into selected muscles using a very fine needle
- Treatment is usually brief and generally well tolerated
- Results usually begin to appear within 4 to 5 days
- Full effect is typically seen within 10 to 14 days
Discomfort Level
Comfort levels can vary from person to person. For most patients, discomfort is mild and brief.
The injections are carried out using a very fine needle, and patients often describe the sensation as a tiny pinprick or slight sting. Some areas, such as between the eyebrows, can feel more sensitive than others.
The appointment is usually quick, so any discomfort is short lived. Most patients rate the discomfort around 2 to 3 out of 10.
Recommended Treatment Plan
The effects of neuromodulator treatment usually last around 3 months. Further treatment can be considered depending on your response, clinical suitability, and practitioner assessment.
After several treatments, some patients find the effects last longer, sometimes up to 4 to 6 months.
Common Side Effects May Include
- Redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
- Small bumps at the injection points, which usually settle within a few hours
- Tenderness in the treated area
- Headache or a heavy feeling in the forehead
Contraindications
Anti-wrinkle injections may not be suitable in certain cases, including:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Allergy to any ingredients in the product
- Infection, rash, or skin condition at the planned injection site
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Current course of antibiotics
- Active cold sores
- Feeling generally unwell
Your practitioner will review suitability during consultation.
Complimentary Treatments
- Profhilo – Can be used to support dermal hydration and overall skin condition where clinically appropriate.
- Micro needling – Can be used to support collagen production and help address concerns associated with uneven texture.
- Polynucleotides – Bio stimulating treatments that support collagen and elastin activity, helping to address concerns associated with reduced skin quality and tissue laxity.
