Anti-Wrinkle Injections

FAQs About Anti-Wrinkle Injections

• At what age should I start doing anti-wrinkle injections?

  There is no right age, but if lines start to bother you when your face is at rest, then this is the best time to start. Active wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle movements over the years of continued squinting, worrying, frowning and smiling can eventually cause deep lines on the skin.

• How long will my anti-wrinkle injections last?

  The effects of anti-wrinkle injections typically last for approximately three to four months, depending on the level of activity of your facial muscles. It usually takes three to four days after the injections for the results to be seen, and two weeks for the full effect to be visible.

• Are anti-wrinkle injections safe?

  Botulinum toxin has a very good safety profile. It’s use for cosmetic purposes is extremely common – we estimate that to date, the number of administrations exceeds 10 million. Associated risks are rare and minimal, when used in the right hands by a professional with a good understanding of underlying facial anatomy.

• What are the side effects of anti-wrinkle injections?

  The most common side effect is bruising at the injection site, but in most cases this can be covered up with make-up. A temporary headache or other flu-like symptoms are also sometimes reported in rare cases. There are times when botulinum toxin is injected too close to certain muscles which leads to the appearance of droopy eyelids or eyebrows – fortunately, this is not permanent and resolves when the anti-wrinkle injection effect wears off.

• What areas can I treat with neurotoxin?

  The most common areas to neurotoxin injected are on the upper parts of the face. It’s typically used to perform a modest “chemical brow lift”, or to treat unwanted wrinkles caused by repetitive movement including frown lines, forehead lines, bunny lines (on the nose) and crow’s feet. In the lower face, anti-wrinkle injections are used to treat certain dimples and depressions on the chin, to minimise the appearance of vertical lines and wrinkles around the mouth and to elevate a downturned corner-of-the-mouth. In the neck, anti-wrinkle injections are typically used to reduce prominent platysma bands (neck cords).

• What can I do to avoid complications?

  • Don’t lie down for four hours after your anti-wrinkle treatment.
  • Try not to manipulate, rub or massage the treated area for four hours following treatment.
  • Don’t wear any helmets, hats or head bands that will press on the treated area for the rest of the day.
  • Avoid activities which involve straining, heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for the rest of the day.
  • Avoid facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and other treatments for 24 hours afterwards.

• When should you not have anti-wrinkle injections?

  • If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • If you have a medical condition such as Myasthenia Gravis or Eaton Lambert Syndrome
  • If you’re taking aminoglycoside antibiotics, quinine, calcium channel blockers or penicillamine
  • If you have an allergy or history of anaphylaxis to constituents of anti-wrinkle injections