Anti-wrinkle injections: Quick facts
Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Quick Facts
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Quick Facts
How do anti-wrinkle injections work?
Anti-wrinkle injections treat wrinkles caused by the contraction of facial muscles. They inhibit the transmission of neurotransmitter from the nerve to the muscle and stop the muscle from contracting and forming wrinkles. For example, they can be used to relax the muscles of the frown to prevent the appearance of a vertical frown line, or around the eyes to prevent the appearance of crows feet.
It is important to note that anti-wrinkle injections do not immediately improve static lines, or lines that are present at rest. These can be treated by adding volume with dermal fillers or through skin resurfacing. However, usually over a number of anti-wrinkle treatments, the skin that is normally creased has time to rest and recover and an improvement in static lines may be gradually seen. The fact that anti-wrinkle injections also stop the constant compression of skin, prevents the permanent 'etching' of wrinkles in the areas treated.
It is important to note that anti-wrinkle injections do not immediately improve static lines, or lines that are present at rest. These can be treated by adding volume with dermal fillers or through skin resurfacing . However, usually over a number of anti-wrinkle treatments, the skin that is normally creased has time to rest and recover and an improvement in static lines may be gradually seen. The fact that anti-wrinkle injections also stop the constant compression of skin, prevents the permanent 'etching' of wrinkles in the areas treated.
What does treatment involve?
Treatments with anti-wrinkle injections involve having a number of small injections in the treated areas. The process takes only a short time to perform. The needles used are extremely fine, and only a small volume is injected. The discomfort experienced is minimal and well tolerated.
You can opt to have anaesthetic cream or ice put on the area prior to treatment to help reduce any discomfort. The effects of anti-wrinkle injections are generally seen only after one to two weeks. You will gradually notice a gradual relaxation of the muscles treated. This can start at 2-3 days, but may take up to two weeks to be very noticeable.
Treatments with anti-wrinkle injections involve having a number of small injections in the treated areas. The process takes only a short time to perform. The needles used are extremely fine, and only a small volume is injected. The discomfort experienced is minimal and well tolerated. You can opt to have anaesthetic cream or ice put on the area prior to treatment to help reduce any discomfort. The effects of anti-wrinkle injections are generally seen only after one to two weeks. You will gradually notice a gradual relaxation of the muscles treated. This can start at 2-3 days, but may take up to two weeks to be very noticeable.
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?
The duration of effectiveness is dependent on the dose administered and can last up to 4 months, but generally on the first few sessions, the longevity is usually shorter - around 3 months. Studies have shown that anti-wrinkle injections are more effective and last longer when given at regular intervals of 3-4 months due to progressive weakening of the muscles treated. If at any time, you decide to cease treatment, your muscles will return to normal. Wrinkling returns to its previous state, and does not become worse.
Can I resume normal activities after treatment?
Normal activities may be resumed after treatment. However, you will be instructed not to exercise, lie down, or touch the treated areas for 4 hours.
Are anti-wrinkle injections safe?
Anti-wrinkle injections have been used for cosmetic purposes for over a decade and for medical purposes for even longer without any reports of long-term side effects.
What are the side effects of anti-wrinkle injections?
Generally, there are few side effects to treatment, and no downtime involved. Occasionally, a bruise may appear over the treated area, and this is more common around the eyes. This can be covered with make-up if applicable. There is usually some transient redness and swelling of the treated area (similar to a mosquito bite), and this usually lasts for less than one hour. Other possible adverse outcomes include ; asymmetrical results, failure to cause a significant change in the wrinkles (usually due to inadequate dosing), puffy eyes (for treatments around the eyes), and a drooping mouth corner (from misplacement of the injections).
When treating the frown with anti-wrinkle injections, approximately one percent of people experience movement of the product into one eyelid and this causes a partial eyelid droop that can last for one month. Any side effect of treatment is temporary and will resolve naturally. A particular eyedrop can be given to temporarily reduce the effect of this side effect if necessary.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost depends on the amount administered and this can vary according to gender, strength of facial muscles treated, the degree of wrinkling and the effect of previous treatments. As a guide, females will require about 3 syringes for the treatment of crows feet, and 3 syringes for frown lines, and from 2-3 syringes for the treatment of forehead lines Males usually require larger doses than females - sometimes up to double the amount and can expect to pay more.
*Please note that the price of treatment per syringe decreases as the number of syringes used per session increases.
One Area $250.00
(Forehead Lines or Frown Lines or Both Crows Feet )
Two Areas $400.00
Three Areas $550.00
