Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Your Guide to Safe & Effective Treatment

What are Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botox)?

Anti-wrinkle injections, commonly known as Botox, are a popular non-surgical solution to smooth lines and wrinkles for a younger, more rejuvenated look. 

What are the Most Common Treatment Areas for Wrinkle Injections?

These injections are most commonly used to treat:

• Frown lines
• Worry lines
• Crow’s feet
• Lip lines
• The jawline and neck (Nefertiti lift) 
• Chin dimpling

While visible wrinkles are completely harmless, they can be a point of self-consciousness for some people. Where this is the case, our injections are an effective, non-invasive option as a treatment for wrinkles.

What Causes Facial Wrinkles?

Wrinkles develop as our skin loses elasticity over time. Sun damage, smoking, alcohol, and repetitive facial expressions can speed up this process. A good moisturiser and strong SPF will always be recommended to those who wish to improve their skin quality.

How Do Botox Injections Work to Reduce Wrinkles?

Botulinum toxin is a naturally occurring protein that temporarily relaxes muscles. It works by blocking chemical messages from nerves that cause muscle contraction, allowing the muscle to rest. This effect lasts an average of 8 to 12 weeks, as the 'messengers' recover.

Why is it Called "Botox?" The Origins of the Term

The name "Botox" isn't just a random word. It's actually a brand name derived from the active ingredient it contains: botulinum toxin. Allergan, the company that originally developed and marketed the product, coined the term. "Bo-" comes from "botulinum," and "-tox" signifies "toxin," creating a simple, memorable brand for a groundbreaking product. Today, "Botox" has become synonymous with anti-wrinkle injections in general, even though other brands of botulinum toxin are also available.

Botox Brands & Importance of Licensed Products

Licensed brands of botulinum toxin A include Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Xeomin®, and Dysport®. Note that ALL botulinum toxins are prescription-only medicines (POM) in the UK. This means you MUST have a face-to-face consultation with a licensed prescriber (doctor, dentist, prescribing nurse, or prescribing pharmacist) before treatment.

What to Expect: Timeline for Wrinkle Injection Results

Expect to see improvement within 2-3 days, with full results visible at 2-3 weeks. You may be invited for a review to assess the treatment and make adjustments. For a few hours post-treatment, you'll be advised to keep the treated muscles active and avoid extremes of heat or cold, vigorous exercise, lying down, or leaning over.

Anti-wrinkle injections won't completely freeze your expression and work best on wrinkles caused by muscle movement (dynamic lines), not lines present without expression (static lines). Your results will depend on the amount of treatment administered and the placement of the product, tailored to your individual needs and expected outcomes. Discuss this with your practitioner.

Am I a Good Candidate for Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

A licensed prescriber will review your medical history and expectations to determine if this treatment is right for you:

• Generally, it’s not recommended for those under 25 or over 65. In the UK, it is illegal for anyone under 18 to have botox for cosmetic purposes. 
• Skin should be in good condition, and lines not too deeply furrowed.
• It’s not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for those with certain neurological disorders, or while taking specific medicines.
• Avoid if you’ve had adverse reactions to botulinum toxin or have a skin infection near the treatment area.

Important Considerations & Cautions Before Treatment

• Avoid treatment before special events where bruising would be unacceptable.
• Discuss any concerns about potential side effects with your clinician in advance.
• Avoid alcohol the day before and after treatment.
• Avoid vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sunbeds, and saunas for 48 hours post-treatment.

Contact your practitioner if you have any unexpected symptoms or concerns after your treatment.

What are the Risks & Side Effects of Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

All treatments carry some degree of risk. These, along with potential complications, will be discussed during your consultation. Botulinum toxin should always be administered by a healthcare professional with specialised training. Possible side effects include:

• Bruising, swelling, and redness at injection sites
• Asymmetry of expression
• Drooping of the brow or eyelid (Ptosis)
• Headache, tightness, or heaviness

Adverse events are uncommon, usually occur within a few days, and resolve spontaneously within weeks. Your practitioner will provide aftercare advice to minimise risk and promote recovery.

Do Anti-wrinkle Injections Hurt?

A very fine needle is used. This treatment is generally well-tolerated without anesthetic. Ice may help numb the skin for nervous patients or to reduce the risk of bruising.

How Long Do Botox Results Last?

Expect results to last 3-4 months, with movement gradually returning around 8 weeks. Frequent treatments (less than 3 months apart) are NOT recommended.

How Much do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Cost: What to Expect

Prices are typically set per area treated (forehead, glabella, crow's feet) and range from £150-£300 per area. Discounted rates may be offered for multiple areas.

Beware of very cheap prices advertised online. They may indicate unlicensed products, unqualified practitioners, and a lack of insurance.

Preventing Wrinkles: Proactive Skincare Tips

If you're too young to get Botox or fillers, or want to proactively care for your skin, focus on these habits:

• Use a strong SPF every day
• Moisturize
• Avoid smoking
• Minimize alcohol consumption
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Stay hydrated

Finding a Qualified & Safe Botox Practitioner

At Save Face, we take the guesswork out of selecting a non-surgical cosmetic practitioner. We know what to check and how to check it. All practitioners on our register have been individually assessed on-site against a stringent set of standards to ensure:

*   They are who they say they are.
*   They are a registered nurse/midwife, doctor, dentist, or prescribing pharmacist with specialised training and insurance.
*   They use licensed products sourced from reputable suppliers.
*   They have all the paperwork in place to protect you from undue risk and harm.
*   Their clinic is safe and hygienic.

Click here to find your nearest Save Face accredited practitioner for the best anti wrinkle treatment.