Wrinkle Reduction
Some treatments to reduce the appearance of wrinkles have been used for over 20 years. When they are injected into a specific muscle, they temporarily cause weakness to that muscle. Relaxation of muscles in areas such as the forehead, frown lines and the sides of the eye (smile wrinkles), may help prevent dynamic wrinkles from forming and/or prevent them from getting deeper. Anti-wrinkle injections do not work on static lines (wrinkles that are visible in the skin when the muscle is at rest). They can also be used for relaxation of the masseter muscle (the bite muscle), which may help people who suffer with teeth grinding (bruxism) or teeth clenching. Anti-wrinkle injections block the nerve signals that activate the sweat glands, so they may also be used to help with excessive underarm sweating (axilla hyperhidrosis).
Smile Wrinkles
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Forehead Lines
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masseters
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gummy smile
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“smokers” lines/ lip flip
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downturned corners of the mouth
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bunny lines
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neck bands
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Underarm sweating (axilla hyperhidrosis)
Learn about this procedureGeneral FAQs
Anti-wrinkle injections do not work instantaneously. Typically, they start working in 1-10 days after injection. The peak effect is seen 2 weeks post injection (up to 4 weeks for masseter injections). At 2 weeks, this is when you should have a review of your anti-wrinkle injection treatment, if required. After 2 weeks, they will slowly start to wear off and then wear off completely around 3-4 months, depending on the dose injected.
Longevity of anti-wrinkle injections depend on the dose and the muscle injected. Most patients return for treatment every 3 months (the minimum timeframe between treatments), or as required after this. If you would still like movement to still look natural, they may only last up to 6 weeks.
Anti-wrinkle injections have a small sting to it when injected, often referred to as a mosquito bite feeling. This is very short-lived and usually only lasts a few seconds. We use the smallest needle possible to help minimise any discomfort.
Everyone’s muscle strength on contraction is different, as well as surface area. Therefore, there is no standard amount for everyone. We individually tailor your treatment specifically to you, and this can only be quoted and discussed during an in-person consultation with an medical professional.
There is a small risk of bleeding and bruising at the injection site. They will look like pink mosquito bites for up to 30 minutes post injection. In less than 1% cases, anti-wrinkle injections in the upper face can cause an unwanted eyelid or eyebrow droop (ptosis). If this occurs, it usually wears off within a few weeks, but can take up to the three months to fully resolve. Injections in the lower face have the potential to hit an unintended muscle causing a temporary crooked smile, incompetence in talking, eating and drinking. Injections in the neck can very rarely cause temporary swallowing or breathing difficulties.
- Please do not wear make-up to your appointment.
- Avoid alcohol for the day before and of injection.
- If you’re taking any blood thinning medication (e.g. fish/krill oil, ginseng, green tea, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatories) that isn’t under the direction of your GP, it is advised to avoid them for 2 weeks prior to injection to prevent an increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Avoid exercise on the day of your injection.
- Do not have any invasive facial treatments prior to injection. We cannot treat broken skin, or skin where the barrier is impaired.
- Avoid sun exposure. We cannot treat sunburned skin.
- Avoid alcohol for the day of and after injection.
- No make-up until the next day.
- Remain upright for 4 hours post treatment (do not lay facedown on a massage bed).
- No facial treatments for 2 weeks.
- Do not apply pressure to the treated areas.
- No strenuous exercise for 24 hours.