Anti-Wrinkle Injection

Anti-wrinkle or anti-aging injections are a non-surgical treatment for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. These treatments act to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, giving a relaxed and naturally youthful appearance. This essentially puts a pause on the ageing process, and can prevent deeper, more permanent wrinkles from forming.

Anti-wrinkle injections use a neurotoxin which is injected into selected muscles as part of your treatment. Chemical messages from the nerve to the muscle are blocked, thereby limiting the movement of the muscle. When muscle movement is limited, the ability for lines and wrinkles to appear is reduced. Anti-wrinkle injections can also prevent the formation of new wrinkles.

The most common use of these injections is to temporarily relax the facial muscles that cause wrinkles in the forehead and around the eyes commonly known as crow’s feet and frown lines.  The treated muscle stops receiving instruction to activate for a period of 3-6 months.

At the R clinic we love using anti-wrinkle injections to help our patients reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles without the need for costly surgery. Non-surgical treatments allow patients to return to work and to normal activities immediately, with results being felt within 2-3 days.

Depending upon the number of areas being treated, the treatment usually takes about 10-20 minutes and can be performed right after your consultation. Over the next 2 – 3 days the muscles will begin to relax with the full results taking up to 2 weeks. After several treatments, you may notice that the effect of each treatment lasts longer, so you need fewer injections each year. Because the material used in anti-wrinkle injections is eventually eliminated from the body, however, anticipate a need for ongoing treatment, usually every 3 – 4 months.

Preparation before an anti-wrinkle injections appointment is simple. We recommend avoiding smoking and large intakes of alcohol for 24 hours as this increases the risk of bruising. Inform our cosmetic practitioner about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can have adverse effects if combined with anti-wrinkle injections. You may be asked to temporarily stop using certain topical products in the days leading up to and the days following your appointment.

Attend your appointment with little to makeup on your face. We will remove any remaining makeup when you arrive to your appointment. This is highly important as it allows us to properly assess your face. as well as decreasing the risk of infection at injection sites.

Anti-wrinkle injections feel like a slight pinch or sting. Most patients do not require topical or local anaesthetic for pain relief. Ice and vibration are usually sufficient to minimise discomfort.

Here’s what not to do after injection – we recommend the following precautions to allow the anti-wrinkle injections to work optimally in the targeted muscles:

• No rubbing or massaging of the injected area for 4 hours after treatment, including facials
• Keep upright for 4 hours
• Avoid any heat inducing activities for 24 hours such as strenuous exercise, spas, sauna and hot showers
• Avoid pressure on the area for the first 24 hours (sleep on your back if possible, no face down massages)
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption for the first 24 hours