Treatments for Lines and Wrinkles.
Anti-wrinkle treatments are one of the most commonly requested and performed cosmetic treatments.
They have a very high satisfaction rating among patients for their ability to smooth fine lines, wrinkles and creases. They also have an excellent "preventative value" and stop wrinkles progressing deeper or from forming in the first place.
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Anti-wrinkle treatments consist of small doses of a highly potent toxin, called botulinum toxin (AKA B-tox), injected into specific muscles just under the skin. The doses are commonly used cosmetically to treat lines of the upper face and lower face but there are many medical purposes to treat various conditions.
What are
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments?
Anti-wrinkle treatments contain botulinum toxin type A which is a purified neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is a powerful substance that is used for cosmetic purposes and also various medical.
Although some people may think injecting toxins sound dangerous, to this day anti-wrinkle treatments have a good safety profile and effect. World-wide there are million of these injections administered every year.
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It's important to note that anti-wrinkle treatments have a temporary effect and typically last for 12 weeks depending of the product used and individuals. The effects of the treatment wears off gradually. The procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare professional specialised in aesthetic practice to ensure safety and effectiveness. When administered correctly, anti-wrinkle treatments can offer significant benefits in both the cosmetic and medical realms, helping individuals manage various conditions and achieve a more youthful appearance.
How Do
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments Work?
Anti-wrinkle treatments work by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is responsible for muscle contractions. By inhibiting this neurotransmitter, the injected muscles become temporarily paralysed and are unable to contract as forcefully or frequently.
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In cosmetic procedures, anti-wrinkle treatments are most commonly used to address dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as squinting, frowning, or raising the eyebrows. Common target areas include the forehead (horizontal lines), glabellar lines (between the eyebrows), and crow's feet (lines around the eyes).
By relaxing the underlying muscles responsible for these wrinkles, we can create a smoother and more youthful appearance.
How Should
I Prepare Before Treatment?
If you’re planning to come in for an anti-wrinkle treatment, we advise our patients to avoid alcohol, smoking, Ibuprofen and fish oils for at least two days prior to the treatment. This helps minimise bruising and swelling. We believe that a healthy body increases the chance of a successful outcome.
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It is important to highlight other blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, DOACs and heparin can also increase the likelihood of side effect.
In Bella Aesthetic Clinic we offer a consultation to ALL our patients to assist with pre-treatment advice. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
What Happens During
Anti-Wrinkle Treatment?
Anti-wrinkle treatments are administered through a series of injections, and the procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional, like our pharmacist prescriber and aesthetic practitioner Sandra. The specific steps for administering anti-wrinkle treatments may vary slightly depending on the area being treated and the practitioner's technique. In Bella Aesthetic Clinic the process is as follows:
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Consultation: In Bella Aesthetic Clinic I offer a consultation to all my patients. During your consultation I will offer you a medical consultation and a facial assessment to determine if the anti-wrinkle treatment is an appropriate treatment option for you. During this consultation, we can discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations. In Bella Aesthetic Clinic I will also discuss any potential risks or side effects with you during the consultation and provide personalised recommendations based on your specific goals and needs.
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Before Treatment: In most cases, there is no need for anaesthesia or numbing agents for anti-wrinkle treatments, as they are relatively painless. However, if you are concerned about discomfort, please apply topical numbing cream (available over the counter in most pharmacies) before your appointment or let me know when you book your treatment appointment.
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Preparation: Before the anti-wrinkle treatment takes place I will identify the specific muscle or muscles that need to be treated. The area would be cleansed and/or disinfected. Please bear in mind pre-treatment photographs must be taken before and after treatment for medico-legal purposes. Anti-wrinkle treatments are commonly used for cosmetic purposes in areas such as the forehead, between the eyebrows (glabellar lines), and around the eyes (crow's feet) but also there are other areas that can be treated.
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Treatment: Anti-wrinkle treatments are administered using a fine needle to inject small amounts of toxin directly into the targeted muscles. Multiple injections may be needed in the same treatment area to achieve the desired results. The number of injections and the amount of product used will depend on the individual's needs and the treatment area. As with any other medical treatment it is always desirable to treat with the lowest dose needed to achieve desirable outcome.
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After Care: After the injections are complete, I may apply gentle pressure or use ice to minimise swelling and bruising. You will be given post-treatment care instructions, such as avoiding make-up, vigorous exercise for a day or two and refraining from rubbing or touching or massaging the treated area.
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Recovery: Anti-wrinkle injections typically have minimal or none downtime. Most people can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, it's important to avoid lying down for several hours after treatment to prevent the spread of the product to unintended areas.
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Results: The effects of anti-wrinkle treatments are not immediate. Following the treatment it usually takes up to a week for noticeable results and up to two weeks to see the full effects. Anti-wrinkle treatment results are temporary and typically last three to six months, after which you may need regular treatments to maintain the results.
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Follow-Up: Depending on your individual response to anti-wrinkle treatments and the area treated, you may schedule follow-up appointments in clinic to assess the results and determine if any adjustments are needed.
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Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
After Care
After getting anti-wrinkle treatments, it's important to follow some aftercare guidelines to ensure the best results and minimise the risk of side effects. Here are some general aftercare tips to consider:
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Avoid Touching or Rubbing: After the procedure, avoid touching or rubbing the treated area for several hours to prevent unwanted infections. Rubbing could also spread of product to unintended areas.
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Stay Upright: For a few hours after your treatment, try to remain upright and avoid lying down. This can help prevent the product from migrating to different areas of the face.
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Refrain from Vigorous Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy weight lifting for the first 24 hours after your treatment. Exercise can also increase blood flow to the face which could potentially disperse the product and increase likelihood of bruising.
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Avoid Alcohol: As a pharmacist I recommend all my patients to avoid alcohol as part of a healthy living style. Should you opt to have alcoholic drinks it is a good idea to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after the treatment, as it can increase the risk of bruising and swelling.
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Use Sun Protection: Protect your skin from direct sunlight and UV exposure for a few days after the treatment. This can help minimise the risk of skin damage and pigmentation changes. Remember SPF is also recommended to use 365 days in the year to protect your skin from sun damage and skin ageing.
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Be Gentle with Your Skin: Be gentle when washing your face, and avoid aggressive scrubbing or exfoliation for a few days after the injections.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help your body process the anti-wrinkle treatment more effectively.
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Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements: Some medications and supplements, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, can increase the risk of bruising.
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Follow Up as Advised: Depending on the area treated or your individual response to anti-wrinkle treatment a follow-up appointment to assess the results and determine if you need any treatment adjustments is offered. Follow-up visits should be schedule within 14-21 days after initial session. It is your responsibility to arrange your follow-up appointment.
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Outcome: The full effects of anti-wrinkle treatments may take several days to become apparent, with the maximum benefit typically seen within two weeks. Be patient and wait for the full results to manifest.
It's important to remember that anti-wrinkle treatments are a temporary treatment, and the effects will gradually wear off over time. Most individuals will require repeat injections every three to six months to maintain the desired results.
If you experience any unusual or severe side effects after anti-wrinkle treatment, such as excessive swelling, muscle weakness, or difficulty breathing, contact the clinic immediately for evaluation and guidance.
Otherwise, following these aftercare tips can help ensure a safe and successful anti-wrinkle experience.
What Are The Side Effects and Risks
of Having
Anti-Wrinkle Treatments?
It's important to choose a qualified and experienced healthcare professional for your anti-wrinkle treatments to minimise the risk of side effects and ensure the procedure is performed safely. As previously mentioned anti-wrinkle treatments have a good safety profile however should any unforeseen complication arises a prescriber aesthetic practitioner trained to manage complications would be required.
In Bella Aesthetic Clinic I am trained to manage common aesthetic complications. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects after receiving your anti-wrinkle treatment you should contact the clinic promptly for guidance and evaluation.
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Common Side Effects:
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Pain or Discomfort at the Injection Site: It's common to experience some mild pain, tenderness, or discomfort at the site of the injection. This usually resolves within a few hours to a few days.
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Bruising: Bruising at the injection site is also relatively common and may last for a few days to a week or more. It can vary in intensity and size from patient to patient.
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Swelling: Mild swelling at the injection site can occur and typically subsides within a few hours to a few days.
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Redness: Some redness at the injection site is normal and should fade within a day or so.
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Headache: Some patients may experience a mild headache after some anti-wrinkle treatments. This side effect is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol.
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Muscle Weakness: Because anti-wrinkle treatments temporarily relaxes muscles, you may notice weakness or a feeling of heaviness in the treated area. This is usually temporary and resolves as the effect of the treatment wears off within a few days to a few weeks.
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Less Common Side Effects:
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Drooping Eyelids or Eyebrows: In some cases if the treatment is not administered correctly, anti-wrinkle treatments near the eyes can cause temporary drooping of the eyelids or eyebrows.
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Flu-Like Symptoms: Some people may experience flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or chills shortly after anti-wrinkle treatments. These symptoms are rare and typically resolve on their own within a few days.
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Allergic Reactions: Although extremely rare, allergic reactions to anti-wrinkle treatments can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction may include itching, rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. Contact the clinic promptly if you experience any of these symptoms.
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Excessive Muscle Weakness: In rare cases, anti-wrinkle treatments can cause excessive muscle weakness or affect nearby muscles not intended for treatment. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing. Contact the clinic immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
When To Avoid Anti-Wrinkle Treatments?
Anti-wrinkle treatments may not be suitable for everyone, and there are certain contraindications (medical reasons to avoid the treatment) that healthcare professional consider when evaluating a patient's eligibility for anti-wrinkle treatments. Contraindications may vary depending on the specific medical condition being treated, but some common contraindications include:
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Anti-wrinkle treatments has not been extensively studied in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and its safety during these periods is not well established. As a result, medical aesthetic practitioners advise against anti-wrinkle treatments treatments during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
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Allergies to the product or Its Components: Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to any component of anti-wrinkle treatments should avoid the treatment.
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Certain Medical Conditions: Anti-wrinkle treatments may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as:
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Myasthenia Gravis: This autoimmune neuromuscular disorder can affect the response of muscles to anti-wrinkle treatments and may lead to worsening muscle weakness.
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Lambert-Eaton Syndrome: This neuromuscular disorder can also impact muscle responses to anti-wrinkle treatments.
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Active Infections or Skin Conditions: anti-wrinkle treatments should not be administered in areas with active skin infections or skin conditions as it may increase the risk of complications.
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Bleeding Disorders: Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection site.
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Active infections: Patients suffering from any sign of infection should avoid treatment while they present symptoms of infection.
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Medications: Some medications can interact with anti-wrinkle treatments or increase the risk of side effects. It's important to inform your aesthetic practitioner about all medications and supplements you are taking.
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Previous Negative Reactions to anti-wrinkle treatments: If you have experienced severe side effects or complications from anti-wrinkle treatments in the past, your aesthetic practitioner may recommend against further treatments.
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Muscle or Nerve Conditions: In certain cases, individuals with underlying muscle or nerve conditions may not be suitable candidates for anti-wrinkle treatments.
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Age: Anti-wrinkle treatments are legally not recommended for individuals under the age of 18 years..
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Unrealistic Expectations: Individuals with unrealistic expectations about the outcomes of anti-wrinkle treatments may not be suitable candidates. Anti-wrinkle treatments can provide a temporary improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines but will not provide permanent results.
If you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns, it's important to communicate them openly with your aesthetic practitioner to ensure a safe and appropriate treatment plan.
Best Results
1 Treatment
Within 3-7 days
Procedure Time
15-30 minutes
Duration of Results
12 weeks approx
Treatment Recovery
None
Anaesthetic
None