Anti Wrinkle Injection Treatment in London
What are Anti Wrinkle Injections?
Anti Wrinkle Injections is a substance that causes the temporary relaxation of muscles. It has been used safely by ophthalmologists for years to treat various eye conditions. Dermatologists use it to decrease the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. At our London clinic in Harley Street London, there are three main areas that we treat with Botox: the glabellar area between the eyebrows (frown lines), the forehead horizontal lines, and the area lateral to the eyes (crow's feet).
What to expect
Photos will be taken prior to treatment. The area to be treated will be cleaned with alcohol and you will be asked to sit up so that your physician can administer the treatment. The Anti Wrinkle Injections sting for a few seconds. You may notice some redness and mild swelling at the sites of injection which will resolve in a few hours.
Usually, three to seven days after treatment patients will notice a decreased ability to move the treated muscles. Within several weeks, the wrinkles in the treated areas should appear to soften. The effects of an Anti Wrinkle Injection treatment last approximately three months. After this time, your ability to move the treated muscles will gradually return. It is important to note that the effectiveness of the treatment may vary. Rarely, there will be minimal to no effect at all. Most patients find that the effects of Botox last longer after having a series of injections due to a cumulative effect.
Pre-treatment period
Avoid products containing aspirin or ibuprofen for ten days prior to treatment with Anti Wrinkle Injections in order to minimize any chance of bruising.
Post-treatment period
After treatment, you must remain upright for six hours. Keep your head as erect as possible during this time and avoid bending down. Also, for six hours after treatment: do not rub the injection sites, do not exercise, do not wear a hat or a headband, and do not wash or style your hair.
Side Effects
- Weakness of affected muscles may be more than desired initially but is entirely reversible over time.
- Asymmetry or drooping of the eyelids and eyebrows may occur. This side effect is rare and also completely reversible over time.
- Headaches or tightness may follow the treatments but generally are mild and last less than 24 hours.
- Local swelling and bruising may occur.
Why you may not be a candidate for Anti Wrinkle Injections
Anti Wrinkle Injections may not be administered to patients who are pregnant, nursing, allergic to albumin (eggs), taking certain antibiotics, affected by an neuromuscular or collagen vascular disease, or that have had any recent eye surgery.
Botox FAQ
Is Botox safe?
Are there are any potential long term consequences?
The lethal dose of Botulinum toxin is 3,000 units. The average dose for the treatment of the forehead, crows feet and frown lines between the eyebrows is approximately 50 units in total. It has been used in much higher doses to treat muscular disorders for over 10 years. Your body regenerates neuromuscular connections so the muscle activity will return to normal with time.
What does Botox treatment involve?
You will be asked to frown or smile to assess muscle movement. This will determine which site will achieve the best results for you. Several injections are administered and it feels like an insect bite. Some patients feel no discomfort at all.
Where does it work?
Cosmetically, Botox is most commonly used for the following areas:
- Vertical lines between the brows (frown lines)
- Crow's feet
- Horizontal forehead lines
Can men have Botox treatment?
Yes, Botox works equally well for men and women. However, men may require a slightly higher dose due to stronger muscle contractions.
I have never heard of Dental Surgeons administering Botox. Is that common practice?
Botox can only be administered under the medical supervison of a doctor or dental surgeon. The administration of Botox by dental surgeons is now quite common in the UK, especially in England. Some people prefer to have Botox administered by a dental surgeon as their area of expertise is the head and neck region.
When should I start using Botox?
Traditionally, Botox is well-known for removing or reducing wrinkles, but it is excellent for the prevention of lines appearing. As one gets older the loss of elasticity results with lines appearing when muscles move such as frowning. If Botox is used to prevent excessive frowning then the lines will not appear in the first place.
When will my treatment start to work?
It usually takes 3-5 days to see the result and in a week it will look even better. To enhance the uptake of your treatment, smile and frown a lot for two hours following treatment, don't touch or massage the area and remain in a vertical position so it stays where it belongs.
How long does it last for?
Botox lasts up to 3-4 months initially but each case is different. A two week reassessment is always good to assess the effect and consider a top up if necessary in certain areas. The effects of Botox can last around 6 months or longer if used long term.
Will Botox work for me?
In clinical trials 90% of patients reported improvement in their lines.
Will Botox remove all lines and wrinkles?
Deeper lines and lines which have been present for many years may not be completely removed. Such lines will require to use of dermal fillers. However, you should think about the look you want to achieve before removing all lines. 100% wrinkle free may not be natural.
What are the alternatives to Botox?
Dermal filling agents such as Restylane may help eliminate deeper expression lines.
Will my lines look worse if I do not continue my treatment?
No, lines will gradually revert to their pre-treatment appearance over a period of months. Continued muscle activity will clearly make them worse over time if treatment is not resumed.
What unexpected benefits can come from Botox therapy?
Tension headaches and migraine for some patients have disappeared. This occurs in patients using the muscles of the forehead and brow during periods of stress and tension. When muscles are relaxed using Botox the headaches fade.
Generation Aesthetics