What are Anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines and wrinkles such as crows feet, frown lines and forehead lines. It does this by blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles, so the injected muscles can contract and reduce or eliminate the appearance of the wrinkles.
How is the procedure done?
It only takes a few minutes to get the anti-wrinkle injections done, anaesthesia is not required. A small needle is used to inject the anti-wrinkle solution into specific muscles with only minor discomfort.
How long does it take to work?
It takes 7 to 14 days to take full effect. You should stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications 2 weeks before treatment to help prevent bruising unless prescribed by your GP.
After a 2 week period, a follow-up appointment is needed to review the results.
What to do afterwards
Avoid rubbing the injection site for 24 hours so you do not spread the botox to another area, stay upright for 4 hours and avoid excessive sweating and exercise for 12 hours avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours.
Gently exercise your face, avoid sleeping on the area for the first night. Do not have any beauty treatments for the next 2 weeks. Avoid exposure to strong sunlight, very cold temperatures and saunas for the next 2 weeks.
How long should it last?
The effect will last approximately three months, as muscle action slowly returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear and need to be treated again.
What are the side effects?
Temporary side-effects may include:
Bruising - This is the most common effect and will go away
Headaches - These are rare and will go away in 24-48 hours
Eye Drooping - This only happens with a small percentage of people and will usually go away within 3 weeks. It usually happens when the Botox moves around, do not rub the area.
Mild pain or swelling around the eyes.
Who should not have this treatment?
- If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding
- If you have a neurological disease
- If you have an allergy to cows milk protein
- Anyone under the age of 18
- A full consultation will be performed beforehand
