Anti-Wrinkle Treatment

PRICE: From £200 TIME: 30-60 minutes PAIN: Mild (with numbing) RECOVERY: 30 minutes AREAS: Face, neck, jaw FREQUENCY: 3-4 times per annum

Anti-wrinkle injections are non-surgical treatments used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in the face. The most commonly used substance for these injections is Botulinum toxin type A (commonly known by brand names like Botox, Azzalure etc). These injections work by temporarily relaxing specific muscles in the face, preventing them from contracting, which smooths out wrinkles and fine lines.

How Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work:

Botulinum toxin blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles. When injected into targeted facial muscles, it temporarily paralyses them, preventing the muscles from contracting and causing the overlying skin to appear smoother. This reduces dynamic wrinkles that form from repetitive facial expressions, such as frowning, squinting, or smiling.

Common Treatment Areas:

• Forehead lines: Horizontal lines caused by raising the eyebrows.

• Frown lines (glabella): The vertical lines between the eyebrows, often referred to as "11s."

• Crow’s feet: Lines around the outer corners of the eyes that appear when smiling or squinting.

• Bunny lines: Fine lines that appear on the bridge of the nose when scrunching up the face.

• Lip lines: Fine lines around the lips, often caused by puckering.

• Neck bands (platysma): Vertical bands that form on the neck due to muscle activity.

• Jaw (Masseter): Facial Slimming

Benefits of Anti-Wrinkle Injections:

• Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles for a younger-looking appearance.

• Prevents new wrinkles from forming by relaxing the muscles responsible for dynamic lines.

• Non-invasive, with minimal downtime.

• Quick procedure: Sessions typically last 10-20 minutes.

• Natural-looking results when done by a skilled practitioner, allowing for normal facial expressions without a "frozen" appearance.

How Long Do Results Last?

The effects of anti-wrinkle injections generally last 3-4 months, though this can vary depending on individual metabolism, muscle strength, and the amount of toxin injected. Over time, the muscle activity gradually returns, and the wrinkles may reappear, at which point a follow-up treatment may be required. Around 5% of the population can develop an antibody to Anti-wrinkle Injections so effects may vary.

Possible Side Effects:

• Mild bruising and swelling at the injection site.

• Headache or a feeling of tightness in the treated area.

• Temporary muscle weakness, especially if the toxin spreads beyond the target area

• Allergic reactions, though these are rare.

• Difficulty with facial expressions, which is often minimised by using the correct dose and technique.