What are anti-wrinkle injections and how do they work

Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most talked-about treatments in aesthetics. They are also one of the most misunderstood. Plenty of people picture a frozen face or a dramatic change. In reality, a well-planned treatment is subtle. The aim is to soften lines so you look rested and still look like yourself.

This guide explains what the treatment is, how it works and what you can realistically expect.

What the treatment actually is

Anti-wrinkle injections use a prescription-only medicine made from a purified protein. Very small amounts are placed into specific facial muscles with a fine needle. The medicine temporarily reduces how strongly those muscles contract.

Because it is a prescription-only medicine, it can only be prescribed after a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber. That consultation is where your medical history is checked and a plan is agreed.

How it softens lines

Many of the lines on our upper face are called dynamic lines. They form because the same muscles move thousands of times a day as we frown, squint, smile and raise our eyebrows. Over the years the skin above those muscles starts to crease.

When the muscle is relaxed, the skin on top of it is folded less often. Lines look softer when your face moves and the skin has a chance to look smoother at rest too. Deeper lines that are visible even when your face is still may soften gradually over a few treatments rather than vanish.

Common areas treated

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines between the brows (often called the 11s)
• Crow's feet at the sides of the eyes
• A subtle brow lift
• A gummy smile
• A lip flip or smokers' lines
• Masseter (jaw) muscles for jaw slimming

When you will see a difference

The treatment does not work straight away. Most people notice the first changes after two to five days. The full effect usually settles in at around two weeks. This is why a review appointment is included around two weeks after your treatment, so we can check how you have responded.

For most people, results last around three to four months. Some find it wears off a little sooner and others a little later. Your metabolism, how strong your muscles are and how active you are can all play a part.

Possible side effects

Most people have very little downtime. It is still important to know what can happen. Common side effects include small red bumps at the injection points that settle within an hour or so, mild bruising and a light headache for a day or two.

Less commonly, the medicine can affect a nearby muscle. This can cause a temporary heavy feeling or a slight droop of the brow or eyelid. These effects are uncommon and wear off as the treatment does. Careful assessment and precise placement help keep the risk low.

Who it may not suit

The treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may also not be right if you have certain neuromuscular conditions, take particular medications or have an infection in the area. These are all covered at consultation.

Results vary from person to person. Nobody can promise a specific outcome, but a thoughtful plan gives you the best chance of a natural result.

Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only medicine. Whether they are right for you is always decided at a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber, who will look at your medical history and your face before anything is agreed.

If you would like to talk through whether anti-wrinkle treatment might suit you, Lucy offers a free 15-minute consultation at her clinic in Addlestone. It is a relaxed chance to ask questions with no pressure to book anything.