everything you need to know about anti-wrinkle.

---

Botulinum toxin injections  block certain chemical signals from nerves, mostly signals that cause muscles to contract. The most common use of these injections is to temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles.

It is not permanent, it usually lasts for around 3-4 months.

Botulinum toxin is appropriate for most skin types but will only be administered to over 18s.

You cannot have this treatment if:

You have a skin infection.

You are unwell in any way.

You have a neuromuscular condition like myasthenia gravis.

You are taking certain medicines.

You are pregnant or breast feeding.

The area to be treated will be examined, you will asked to move the muscles to help find the best place for the injections. Toxin will be injected in to the muscles using a very fine needle.

You will need injections in different places depending on the area being treated. 

The discomfort associated with anti wrinkle is minimal.

Approximately 20 minutes.

You may have slight bumps are the injection sites - these will go within 1-4 hours.

Injection sites might be sore, swollen or bruised.

You may need a review appointment 2-3 weeks after your initial appointment. 

You should wait at least 3 months between your next anti wrinkle appointment for the same area.

24 hours before AVOID alcohol, this can thin the blood and increase the possibility of bruising.

Avoid medications such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories (consult your doctor)

AVOID shaving the area that will receive the treatment (whether this be wax, laser or cream)

AVOID products with ‘anti-aging’ substances, such as retinol, glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acid.

Appointment day: AVOID wearing makeup. 

Eat prior to your appointment to avoid feeling faint.

Do not lie down for at least 4 hours after treatment.

Do not touch, rub or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours to prevent the solution from spreading to other muscles.

Avoid the gym and strenuous exercises / activities for at least 24hours.

Do not undergo facial treatments such as microdermabrasion, facials and chemical peels for 2 weeks after the treatment.

Avoid heat such as sunbeds, saunas, steam rooms and sunbathing for 2 weeks.

A cool pack can help with swelling and to minimise bruising but it is important to avoid pressure, even after a few days, to ensure the success of the treatment.

You will not see a change straight away. It takes about 2-3 days to start working and 2-3 weeks to see the full effect.