Anti-wrinkle injections are used to diminish lines and wrinkles and, more recently, to resculpt areas of the face and neck. It is one of the best-known cosmetic procedures in the world, yet despite its popularity, myths and misconceptions persist about its effects and safety.
CosBeauty sets the record straight and addresses the most commonly asked questions about anti-wrinkle injections.
How do anti-wrinkle injections work?
Anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing wrinkle-causing muscles, allowing the wrinkles to relax away and leaving facial expression free of lines or at least significantly reduced.
How quickly can results be seen?
People can expect to see initial results one to two days following treatment, with full, visible effects visible at between 7 and 14 days.
Is there any downtime?
There is very little downtime with anti-wrinkle injections. The average treatment session lasts about 10 minutes and people can return to their day-to-day activities straight away.
How long does it last?
Typically anti-wrinkle injections will continue to prevent and reduce facial lines and wrinkles for around 3-4 months but sometimes up to six months or longer.
Is it safe?
Cosmetic treatment with anti-wrinkle injections is safe in that there are no major or harmful side effects. They are used to treat children as young as three years of age at much higher doses in the treatment of cerebral palsy to help them walk. Anti-wrinkle injections have been used medically for the past 25 years to treat a variety of medical conditions such as nervous ticks.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects are restricted to minor and temporary redness, and swelling or bruising at the injection site. Very rarely laziness of an eyelid or mild double vision is reported. These effects are temporary, lasting one to two weeks, and will occur if the injections are inappropriately placed. Recovery is spontaneous.
Which lines can I treat with anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections are commonly used to treat the crow’s feet around the eyes, the central frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) and the worry lines across the forehead. The marionette lines, from the corner of the mouth to the chin, are also effectively treated with anti-wrinkle injections.
Can anti-wrinkle injections be used to stop headaches and excess sweating?
Yes. In many patients anti-wrinkle injections have proven very effective in preventing both migraine and stress headaches. It also reduces armpit sweating by well over 90 percent for an average of 8-10 month.
What should I do to prepare for an anti-wrinkle injection?
Avoid the use of aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs or blood-thinning agents, unless they are medically required, for two weeks prior to treatment to minimise bruising. For women, avoid treatment either before or after menstruation as the skin is more sensitive and tender at this time.
Can I have anti-wrinkle injections when I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
As with all non-essential medications, it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is it true that anti-wrinkle injections can be used to prevent the occurrence of new lines and wrinkles?
Yes. Because anti-wrinkle injections relax the wrinkle-causing muscles, it prevents the recurrent skin creasing produced by these muscles and therefore prevents the occurrence of new lines and wrinkles. It is a good preventative treatment.
I have heard that anti-wrinkle injections will produce a blank, expressionless face. Is this true?
No. Three important terms regarding the use of anti-wrinkle injections are character, natural and youthful. Character makes the face interesting, gives insight into the personality and is often very attractive. A natural appearance is achieved by preserving normal expression while relaxing unwanted lines. A youthful appearance is created by softening features that reflect the ageing process, such as crow’s feet, forehead furrows and sagging brows. With careful placement, a talented and experienced injector can achieve a youthful appearance on a patient while maintaining their natural expression with character.
