Natural-looking results: avoiding the "frozen" look

One of the most common worries we hear is "I don't want to look frozen". It's a fair concern. Most of us have seen a forehead that barely moves or eyebrows that sit at a surprised angle. The good news is that this look isn't inevitable. It usually comes down to how the treatment is planned.

Why the frozen look happens

Anti-wrinkle injections relax the muscles that create expression lines. A stiff result tends to happen when:

• More product is used than the muscles need
• Every part of a muscle is treated evenly with no movement left
• The balance between muscles that lift and muscles that pull down isn't considered
• The same approach is used for every face

Faces differ a lot. Muscle strength, skin thickness, brow position and how expressive you are all affect how much product is right for you.

What natural results look like

A natural result means you still look like you on a good day. You can still raise your eyebrows a little, smile with your eyes and show surprise. Lines look softer at rest and fold less deeply when you move. Friends might say you look well rested without being able to say why.

For many people the aim is softening rather than erasing. Deep lines that have been etched in for years may not disappear completely with muscle relaxation alone. That's normal.

How we plan for a natural look

Watching you move

At your consultation you'll be asked to frown, raise your brows and smile. This shows which muscles are strongest and how your face moves as a whole.

Listening to what you want

Some people want a very smooth forehead. Others want to keep plenty of movement. There's no right answer, so it helps to say what matters to you. If you present on camera or rely on your expressions at work, mention it.

Starting conservatively

It's easier to add a little at review than to wait for an over-relaxed muscle to recover. Results usually begin to show within a few days and settle fully at around two weeks. That's why the review appointment is set for roughly two weeks after treatment. Any small adjustments can be discussed then if your prescriber feels they're appropriate.

A note on side effects

Even with careful planning, side effects can happen. The most common are small bruises, a mild headache or tenderness at the injection points. Less often, a brow or eyelid can feel heavy for a few weeks. These effects are temporary because the treatment wears off gradually, usually over three to four months. Results vary from person to person.

Suitability is always decided at a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber. If you'd like to talk through what a natural result would mean for your face, Lucy offers a free consultation at her clinic in Addlestone.