Your first anti-wrinkle appointment: what to expect

Booking your first aesthetic treatment can feel like a big step. Most of the nerves come from not knowing what will happen. So here is an honest walk-through of a first anti-wrinkle appointment at the clinic in Addlestone, from the moment you arrive to the review two weeks later.

Before your appointment

It helps to have a free 15-minute consultation first. This is a chance to chat about what bothers you, what you would like to change and what you would rather keep. You can ask anything you like.

A few simple steps can help on the day:

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand as it can make bruising more likely
• Let us know about any medicines or supplements you take
• Come with a clean face if you can (or allow a few minutes to remove make-up)
• Avoid booking right before a big event as bruising can happen

The medical consultation

Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only medicine. Before any treatment there is a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber. Your medical history will be checked, including allergies, medications, previous treatments and any conditions that might affect suitability.

Your face will be assessed both at rest and while moving. You may be asked to frown, raise your eyebrows or smile. This shows how your muscles work so the plan suits your features.

You will also hear about possible side effects and what results to expect. You will be asked to sign a consent form. If treatment is not right for you, you will be told honestly.

The treatment itself

The skin is cleansed and the injection points may be marked. A very fine needle is used to place small amounts of the medicine into the chosen muscles. Each injection takes a few seconds.

Most people describe the feeling as a quick sharp scratch. It is usually very manageable and the whole treatment is often over within ten to fifteen minutes.

Straight afterwards

You may notice small raised bumps where the injections went in. These look a little like insect bites and usually settle within half an hour or so. A little redness is common too.

You will be given clear aftercare advice before you leave. This normally includes staying upright for a few hours, avoiding exercise for the rest of the day and not rubbing the treated area. Most people go straight back to work or their usual day.

The next two weeks

Nothing much happens on the first day. Changes usually start to show after two to five days. The full effect tends to appear by around two weeks.

Some people notice a mild headache or a small bruise during this time. These usually pass quickly. If anything worries you, get in touch rather than waiting.

Your review appointment

A free review appointment around two weeks after treatment is included. This is when your result is checked properly. If one side is moving a little more than the other, a small top-up may be considered. It is also a good time to talk about how you feel about the result.

Everyone responds a little differently. The first treatment also teaches us how your muscles react, which helps with planning any future appointments.

If you are thinking about anti-wrinkle treatment for the first time, a free 15-minute consultation with Lucy in Addlestone is a gentle place to start. You can book it through Fresha whenever suits you.