Anti-Wrinkle Injections
The most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed worldwide, anti-wrinkle injections involve the precise and targeted application of small doses of botulinum toxin type A to specific facial muscles in order to reduce their activity; thereby reducing the lines and wrinkles in the overlying skin.
Botulinum toxin was first used therapeutically in the late 1960s and has a proven safety track record over the past 50 years in the treatment of a number of medical conditions. It was first used as a cosmetic treatment in 1989 and has been used safely and successfully to treat lines and wrinkles since that time. Botulinum toxin can also be used to treat excessive armpit sweating (hyperhidrosis) and migraine.
Lines and wrinkles are caused by the repeated movement of the underlying muscles. Some lines are present only during muscle contraction and are called dynamic lines. Other lines and wrinkles are present when the muscles are relaxed and are called static lines. By relaxing the underlying muscle, anti-wrinkle injections will prevent the dynamic lines forming but will not immediately treat static lines, however, with repeated treatments these static lines will often soften.
Dr Neale offers anti-wrinkle injections as part of a holistic full face and neck approach for a number of indications including frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, nasal flaring, gummy smile, chin softening, downturned mouth, neck bands and Nefertiti neck lift. He also offers treatment for bruxism and square jaw reduction as well as excessive armpit sweating.
Anti- wrinkle injections at a glance
| Procedure time | Results | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60 minutes depending on the number of areas treated. | Most patients will start to notice improvement 4-5 days after treatment. The full effect is seen by 2 weeks. Results typically last 12-16 weeks. | Majority are mild and self-limiting and include pain, swelling, redness and bruising. |
| Down time | Aftercare | Cost |
| There is rarely any need for down time, however, we would recommend avoiding treatments immediately before an important event such as a Wedding. | Immediately following treatment, avoid touching the treatment areas or applying make-up for 6 hours. | Prices start from £200 |
FAQs
+ Am I a suitable candidate for anti-wrinkle injections?
Pregnancy and breast-feeding are absolute contraindications. We would also avoid offering this treatment to women who are trying to conceive. Treatment is also contraindicated in the following situations:
- Patients with infection or inflammation at the proposed site of injection
- Patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin or any ingredients in the toxin preparation.
- Certain conditions that cause muscle weakness including motor neurone disease and myasthenia gravis.
- Certain blood clotting disorders such as haemophilia and thrombocytopenic purpura.
- There are also certain medications which may mean that anti-wrinkle injections are less suitable. Dr Neale provides a full holistic consultation taking into account your medical history before offering a personalised treatment plan.
+ Does the treatment hurt?
Very fine needles are used, and most patients do not find the injections uncomfortable. Some treatment areas can sting but the injections are quick, and any discomfort is generally short-lived.
+ Are there any side-effects?
As with all medical and cosmetic procedures, side-effects and complications can happen. With anti-wrinkle injections, side effects are relatively infrequent and short-lived and include the following:
- Bruising is the most common complication especially with treatment of crow’s feet. Most bruising resolves within 7-10 days. Larger bruises may take 2-3 weeks to fully settle.
- Redness and swelling usually resolve within a few hours after treatment.
- Headaches can occur with upper face anti-wrinkle injections and generally resolve within a few days. They do not generally require treatment but simple analgesia such as paracetamol can be used if necessary.
- Infection can happen with any injection treatment, but this complication is rare. Preventative steps are taken during your treatment to reduce this risk. It is important, after your treatment that you follow the post-treatment advice given by Dr Neale to mitigate further the risk of infection.
- Allergy or hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin or any of the components of the injection, although this is rare.
There are other less common anti-wrinkle injection site-specific complications which Dr Neale will discuss with you further at your consultation.
+ What precautions do I need to take following my treatment?
We generally advise avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours after treatment as well as use of sunbeds, saunas and steam rooms. This is because heat causes increased blood flow to the skin which may cause the anti-wrinkle injection to spread and therefore be less effective.
+ Can I drink alcohol after treatment?
Try to avoid drinking alcohol for 48 hours as this can increase the risk of bruising as well as increase blood flow to the skin, which can reduce the efficacy of the injection.
+ When can I have other facial treatments?
We would recommend waiting two weeks before having any facial massages, facial electrostimulation, dermaroller, semi-permanent make-up, microdermabrasion or dermal fillers.
+ How long do the results last?
Anti-wrinkle effects are temporary. Typically, treatment results last 12-16 weeks although this can vary due to individual metabolism.
+ I don’t want a “frozen look”. I just want to look natural. Is that possible?
Yes, absolutely. The results of anti-wrinkle injections are dependent on the site and depth of injection and the dose. These three variables can be adjusted in order to produce the cosmetic outcome that you desire. If you wish to retain some muscle activity, then we can treat with smaller doses placed more superficially. Further adjustments can be made at your complimentary review appointment.
+ How much do anti-wrinkle injections cost?
- One area: £200
- Two areas: £250
- Three areas: £300
- Four areas: £350
- Neck Lift: £350
- Additional small areas of the face when combined with other treatments: £40