First time for anti-wrinkle injections

By Dr. Aaron Stanes

Four photos show a woman before and after a cosmetic treatment. Top left and bottom left images are labeled Before, with visible facial lines. Top right and bottom right images are labeled Two Weeks Later, with smoother skin and more relaxed expressions.

Treatment guide

Discover the vital information you MUST know about anti-wrinkle injections with our detailed guide written by expert cosmetic doctors.



Share

Wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process and are caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle. Just because they are natural doesn’t mean you can’t do something about them. While your face may develop wrinkles, this often doesn’t align with how you feel on the inside. Improving the appearance of wrinkles with anti-wrinkle injections can help reverse this common sign of ageing, and slow down the development of new wrinkles.

What causes wrinkles to develop?

As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and less elastic, which can cause wrinkles to develop. The loss of collagen, a protein that helps to keep skin smooth and elastic, also contributes to the formation of wrinkles. Sun exposure can accelerate the ageing process by damaging the collagen in our skin and causing it to break down more quickly.

Other factors that can contribute to the development of wrinkles include smoking, which can reduce blood flow to the skin and damage collagen and elastin, and a lack of hydration, which can make the skin appear dry and dull.

While it’s not possible to completely prevent wrinkles from forming, there are steps you can take to reduce their appearance and slow the ageing process. These include wearing sunscreen, not smoking, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You can also consider using anti-aging skin care products, such as moisturisers and serums, to help keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. For those wanting a more powerful approach to improving and preventing wrinkles, anti-wrinkle injections are worth considering.

When should I start getting anti-wrinkle injections?

There is no specific age at which people should start getting anti-wrinkle injections. It’s a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and goals. Some people may begin to notice wrinkles and fine lines in their 20s or 30s, while others may not see any changes until they are in their 40s or 50s.

If you’re considering getting anti-wrinkle injections, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. These injections can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but they are not a permanent solution and the effects typically last for 3-4 months.

If you want to focus on preventing the development of wrinkles, then the sooner you start the better. If you already have wrinkles, then anti-wrinkle injections can soften them, and prevent them from getting worse.

Deeper wrinkles may need treatment with both anti-wrinkle injections and dermal filler for the best improvement.

What do I need to know before getting anti-wrinkle injections?

There are a number of key things you should know before getting anti-wrinkle injections. Here are the most important things:

  1. Anti-wrinkle injections are a cosmetic treatment used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face.
  2. The injections are made using a protein based on the naturally occurring compound botulinum toxin, which temporarily weakens the muscles that cause wrinkles.
  3. The procedure is typically performed in a doctor’s office and takes about 10-20 minutes.
  4. You may experience some mild side effects after the injections, such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. Some people also get mild headaches. These side effects should resolve within a few days.
  5. The effects of the injections typically last for 3-4 months, after which time additional treatments will be needed to maintain the desired results.
  6. It’s important to choose a qualified medical professional to perform the injections to reduce the risk of complications. Check the qualifications and experience of the practitioner you are considering before making an appointment.
  7. You should not get anti-wrinkle injections if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  8. Be sure to disclose any medications you are taking or any allergies you have to your doctor before the procedure.
  9. You should avoid applying pressure to the injected areas for 4-6 hours after your treatment. This is to prevent the anti-wrinkle product from moving to the wrong area.
  10. The effect is not immediate. While you will start to notice the effect in 3-4 days, it is important to wait a full 2 weeks before assessing the final result.

What is it like to get anti-wrinkle injections the first time?

Getting anti-wrinkle injections is a very simple process. After your comprehensive consultation, your practitioner will clean your face and may apply a numbing cream to reduce any discomfort. The injections are given using a fine needle, and you may feel a slight pinching sensation as the needle is inserted into your skin. This pinch only lasts a split second, and is generally very well tolerated.

After the injections, you may experience some mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. These side effects should resolve within a few days. You should be able to return to your normal activities immediately after the procedure, although you should avoid applying pressure to the treated area.

It’s normal to feel a little nervous about having any type of medical procedure, but if you have chosen to visit an experienced practitioner at an experienced doctor-led cosmetic clinic, and can trust that they will take all necessary precautions to ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure.

How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?

You can expect the result from your anti-wrinkle injections to last 3-4 months on average. The longevity will depend on the size and strength of the muscle treated, the dose of anti-wrinkle injected and your individual metabolism.

Will stopping anti-wrinkle injections make my wrinkles worse?

Stopping anti-wrinkle injections will not suddenly cause your wrinkles to get worse. Your skin will eventually return back to normal, and you will continue to develop wrinkles at a normal rate. If you have been getting anti-wrinkle injections for a long time, then you must appreciate that your skin has been ageing during this time. Anti-wrinkle injections will have been disguising this ageing process, and also keeping it at bay. So you may be surprised that things progress quicker than you expected if you stop treatment. However, this is not due to stopping anti-wrinkle treatment, rather it is a reflection of the natural ageing process.

If you are interested in anti-wrinkle injections, please book in for a comprehensive appointment with us at Cosmetic Connection today.

A woman in a red dress is reclining on a chair while a professional in a black shirt and gloves performs a cosmetic procedure on her face in a clinic setting.

Anti-wrinkle injections

Read more