ANTI-WRINKLE

Anti-wrinkle (Botulinum toxin) injections contain a natural protein that can help smooth out lines and restore a youthful look. After having your initial consultation, you will have a personalized treatment plan to tackle your problem areas.

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"What are anti-wrinkle injections?"

Anti-wrinkle injections are treatments using a chemical substance that temporarily relaxes the muscle, thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles.

 

"How do anti-wrinkle injections work?"

Anti-wrinkle injections temporarily block the release of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical substance that is released from nerve endings. It transmits signals to the muscle and causes the muscle to contract. By blocking the release of acetylcholine, the muscle is not able to contract fully. As the muscles do not move, the overlying skin stops forming creases. Over a few months, the muscles form new receptors and start to contract again.

 

"Are they safe?"

The chemical substance within anti-wrinkle injections has been used for various medical reasons such as to treat muscle spasms since the 1980s. Its cosmetic value was first discovered by an ophthalmologist who injected the treatment into the eye muscles. For cosmetic reasons, the treatments are in much smaller units. Treatments are safe if they are delivered by a trained, qualified practitioner.

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"What are the side effects?"

As the treatments have temporary effects, the side effects also tend to be temporary. Most commonly, there is some redness and swelling at the injection points immediately after treatment, which usually settle down after 1 hour. Bruising can occur and may take a few days or weeks to heal. Some people can have headaches or flu-like symptoms which usually improve with simple painkillers such as paracetamol.

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"When will I see an effect?"

Anti-wrinkle treatments usually take 2 to 5 days to take effect, and the full effect is usually seen after 2 weeks.

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"How long do the effects last for?"

Anti-wrinkle treatments can last from 2 to 6 months. The average patient sees results last about 3 to 4 months.

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"When is the best time to start anti-wrinkle treatments?"

The best time to consider anti-wrinkle treatments is when you begin to notice lines forming on your face even when you are not showing any expressions, or moving your facial muscles. These are called static lines. They usually happen in the 30s, but can vary from person to person depending on the individual’s genetic and lifestyle factors.

Once the static lines are deep, it is difficult to soften them with anti-wrinkle injections and other additional treatments are often needed to improve their appearance. Anti-wrinkle injections can also be used to prevent the formation of static lines, by treating them early even before these lines start to form on the skin.

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"How is the treatment given?"

Anti-wrinkle injections are given by small syringes with microfine needles. Several injection points are made into the skin overlying the target muscles.

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"Do I have to do anything after the treatment?"

Remain upright for four hours following your treatment and avoid lying down while the protein settles into place.

Delay any facials or invasive dermal treatments like microdermabrasion, skin needling, or dermal rolling for two weeks after anti-wrinkle injections.

Keep your face moving. Frown, laugh, and smile as you would normally as this will help the protein to be more quickly absorbed in the targeted muscle.

Avoid alcohol and painkillers before and after treatment as they tend to thin the blood and can make you prone to bruising.

 

"What should I avoid after the treatment?"

Exercise less than 12 hours after your treatment. We also recommend avoiding any exercise that involves inverted poses (eg yoga, pilates, barre, etc) while the anti-wrinkle injection is settling into place during this time.

Expose your skin to excessive heat or cold including saunas, spas, steam rooms, hot yoga, ice baths or skiing. Changes in temperature can lead to you touching or rubbing your face more which can put unwanted pressure on the treated muscles, risking dispersion of the protein into unwanted areas.

Massage or apply pressure to the face which can affect how it settles in a particular area. When cleansing the skin and applying skincare and makeup use gentle strokes.