Anti wrinkle injections use a muscle relaxing agent to treat certain facial lines.
The most commonly treated areas include the forehead, the area between the eyebrows, around the eyes, the neck and the lips. They can also be used to treat excessive sweating especially in the armpits and hands. Results are temporary and repeated treatments are required to maintain results.
If you have a neurological disorder, are pregnant or taking certain medications you may not be suitable for the treatment. This will be ascertained at the time of your consultation.
What types of wrinkles can be treated?
The treatment works on “dynamic” wrinkles and lines i.e. those caused by the contraction of muscles during facial expression such as frowning, squinting, smiling or laughing (the treatment works by temporarily blocking the nerve impulses to the offending muscles). It has no effect on the fine lines caused by sun damage, or the age related lines due to sagging of facial skin. Appropriate solutions for these may include facial fillers, chemical peels or face lift surgery. Your surgeon will be able to advise you.
When do I see the results and how long do they last?
Results are noticeable after a few days, but it may take up to two weeks for the full effect to be seen. The effect lasts for about 3 to 4 months and then gradually fades if treatment is not repeated. Results can last longer with repeated treatments. As the procedure prevents a further deepening of wrinkles, it can also have a preventative effect.
Will I look “frozen”?
This can happen if too much is used. For example, too many injections in the same area can result in such a flat surface that the appearance is expressionless.
What are the risks?
When properly injected problems are rare. A small percentage of people do not experience any improvement at all. Occasionally, there is the issue of ptosis (a dropping of the area injected) or blurred vision. These are temporary. A mild headache or flu-like symptoms are possible, but unlikely, in the first few days following treatment.
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