Anti-wrinkle and muscle relaxing treatments
This treatment directly deals with the muscles in the face used for expression that cause wrinkling of the skin.
In our 20’s we generally have dynamic lines – so lines that are only present when we use muscles for example to raise our eyebrows. As we age, unfortunately, these lines before more static and you can then see them at rest. Once lines are static, they are more difficult to remove completely, but over time they can fade.
Anti-wrinkle injections take 2 weeks to work, and the dose is dependent on the strength of the muscles as assessed by your clinician.
For those who have not had the treatment before, many will be reviewed at 2 weeks to review the effect. For those who are used to treatment and the clinician knows the dose, this follow up is rarely required. The length of effect is again dependent on the person. For those that exercise a lot and especially high intensity workouts, the effect often lasts less time. The average is around 3-4 months for most people. Younger patients can wait for 6 months or more to re-treat, as there are very mild static lines. It is often down to the preference of the individual and what their goals are.
Skin rejuvenation can help with wrinkles and especially for those people who have more static lines and poor-quality skin. Sometimes this is the best way to start and then move on to anti-wrinkle treatments. For others, anti-wrinkle treatment achieves better results, especially if a skin care regime is already in place and therefore, the quality of the skin is healthy.
The most common areas to treat are the so called ‘3 areas’: the frown muscles (or glabella), the forehead lines and the crow’s feet (outside eye lines). However, there are other areas which can be treated (see Advanced relaxation).
View our anti-wrinkle and muscle relaxing treatments
Frown, forehead and crows feet
Masseter muscle / jaw relaxation
Neck lift
Gummy smile
Downturned lips
Lip lines / smokers lines
Chin smoothing
Nose lines
Brow lift
What are anti-wrinkle and muscle relaxing treatments? How do they work?
Anti-wrinkle and muscle relaxing treatments typically refer to the use of botulinum toxin type A injections. The toxin works by temporarily paralyzing the muscle contractions that cause wrinkles and fine lines on the face. It blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles, reducing their activity and allowing the wrinkles to soften and relax.
What are the benefits of these treatments?
The main benefit of anti-wrinkle and muscle relaxing treatments is to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. These treatments can also help prevent new wrinkles from forming by preventing the muscle contractions that cause them. They can help to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance, without the need for surgery or more invasive treatments.
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with these treatments?
While these injections are generally safe, there are some potential side effects and risks associated with the treatment. These can include temporary bruising, swelling or redness at the injection site, and occasionally headaches or flu-like symptoms. In rare cases, more serious side effects such as drooping eyelids or an uneven smile may occur, but these are generally temporary and can be corrected.
How long do the effects of the treatments last?
The effects of anti-wrinkle injections typically last for around 3–6 months, after which the muscle activity gradually returns to normal and wrinkles may start to reappear. However, with repeated treatments, the effects can last longer as the muscles become weaker and require less frequent injections.
What is the recommended age for starting these treatments?
It is illegal to treat patients under the age o 18 with any anti-wrinkle or filler treatments unless under very specific circumstances deemed suitable by a dermatologist. Generally, this treatment is recommended for people who have started to notice fine lines on their face.
How many treatments are needed to achieve the desired results?
The number of treatments required to achieve the desired results can vary depending on the individual’s skin type and the severity of their wrinkles. Typically, most clients will see a noticeable improvement after their first treatment, but some may require additional treatments to achieve the desired level of correction. For example, if there are very deep static lines which have been there years, it is likely at least 3–4 treatments spread out over 12 months will be required to start to soften these lines.
Is the treatment painful or uncomfortable?
Anti-wrinkle injections are typically not painful, but some clients may experience minor discomfort or a mild stinging sensation during the injection. This is very momentary and doesn’t last once the injection has stopped. Occasionally there is also bruising, and some people do suffer with headaches afterwards. These are temporary.
What should I expect during the treatment?
During the treatment, a series of small injections will be made into the targeted muscles using a fine needle. The entire process usually takes around 10–15 minutes and there is no downtime required after the treatment, meaning you can return to your daily activities immediately.
What is the recovery time after the treatment?
There is no downtime required after the injections, but it is recommended to avoid rubbing or massaging the treatment area for a few hours after the procedure. Hands have germs on them, so by touching the area, there is a risk of causing an infection. No makeup is recommended after treatment for a least 6–12 hours to allow the small holes to close. Any minor bruising or redness will usually disappear within a few days.
Are these treatments safe?
The injections are generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced practitioner. At the London and Surrey Aesthetic Clinic, we only use licensed and approved products, and our practitioners are trained and certified in administering anti-wrinkle injections. However, it is important to disclose any medical conditions or medications to the practitioner before the treatment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. These treatments are not safe with certain medical conditions, and therefore this will be discussed with you at your consultation.
What qualifications do the practitioners performing these treatments have?
At the London and Surrey Aesthetic Clinic, our practitioners are fully qualified medical professionals with extensive training and experience in administering injections. We only use licensed and approved products and follow strict safety protocols to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Are there any alternative treatments or procedures available?
There are a variety of non-surgical treatments and procedures available to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines, including dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. Our practitioners can recommend the most suitable treatment options for your individual needs and preferences.
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If you require additional information about this treatment, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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