What are anti wrinkle injections?

Anti wrinkle injections are Botulinum Toxin Type A that are injected into facial muscles of the upper face. They target the glabella region (frown lines), frontalis muscles (forehead lines), and crows feet (lines side of the eyes).

How it works?

Anti wrinkle injections work by blocking the release of acetylcholine that is responsible for muscle contraction within the face. Dynamic lines appear upon contraction of muscles, and with the natural reduction in collagen production as people age, static lines will start to form at rest, due to the lack of skin laxity from the repetition of muscle movement over time. By relaxing the muscles, it can smooth out the lines, making a significant improvement, but it must be noted, depending on the depth, they may not completely disappear. Another positive note for those with lines at rest, is that this treatment will stop the damage from getting any deeper over time. Hence why prevention is so important, and people in their 20’s have started to get this treatment, to prevent lines and wrinkles from ever forming.
The treatment is minimally invasive and typically takes around 10-15 minutes, however, the appointment time is 30minutes to include aftercare.

How much is needed?

This treatment is a prescription only treatment and by law and guidelines a consultation with a prescriber must be done prior to treatment. AJ Aesthetics is a qualified nurse prescribing clinic, therefore, no need to go for a consultation with an alternative clinic prior to treatment as with some clinics. This consultation will include eligibility and assessment of the facial muscles. Dosage is individual to the patient and will decided by the practitioner at consultation.

Please note that male muscles are dominantly stronger, as well as those that exercise a lot due to their naturally faster metabolism, and therefore may require more product, and this will occur in a small additional charge. This treatment is known as ‘stronger’ treatment.

What to expect after treatment?

• Full results can be seen at two weeks, and new clients may need a review to check the results and muscle movement, and if there is some muscle movement, a small amount of additional toxin may be injected into the area, this will be down to the practitioners professional judgement.
• Results can last upto 12 weeks and 12 weekly treatments are recommended for best results.
• Avoid makeup and facial products for 24 hours post treatment.
• Bruising and swelling can occur. It is normal and although it causes no physical downtime, it is important to consider if there is an important event coming up, for example a holiday or wedding. It is recommended to allow two weeks prior to any events to allow for if there is any bruising post treatment.
• – If you have previously suffered from facial cold sores, there is a risk that the needle punctures could contribute to another eruption of cold sores, so please also bear this in mind prior to treatment.
• – It is also important to avoid any excess sun exposure, extremes of hot/cold, saunas, swimming or strenuous exercise until the redness and swelling has fully settled.
• – If needed antihistamines and cool pack (not ice pack) can be used to reduce swelling post treatment. Arnica cream or gel can also be applied post treatment for any bruising to encourage healing, or tablet form is also available and can be used for 7-14 days post treatment.

Is there anything to consider prior to treatment?

• Avoid blood thinners (eg. Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine). 7 days prior to treatment Blood thinners increase the risk and size of any bruising. 
• Take arnica tablets for 7-14 days prior to treatment. The 30c potency are best.