Anti-wrinkle injections are a highly effective treatment for softening the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles caused by muscle movement. By temporarily blocking acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, these injections prevent the muscles from contracting. This relaxation allows the overlying skin to recover, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
At A Glance
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Price
From £150
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Anaesthetic/Side Effects
Anaesthetic not required. Side effects may include: bruising, mild headache, ptosis may occur.
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Downtime/Recovery
No downtime, can resume normal activities immediately
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Longevity
3 months
How do anti-wrinkle injections work?
Anti-wrinkle treatments function by selectively denervating muscles upon injection. They block acetylcholine receptors, the chemical responsible for muscle contraction, at the neuromuscular junction where nerves and muscles connect. This interruption prevents the muscle from receiving contraction signals, leading to a relaxed and smooth appearance.
By reducing the movement of the muscles, the skin in these areas is allowed to recover causing the lines to soften and fade away. The skin appears smoother and the wrinkle lines less prominent, giving you a younger-looking appearance. The effects typically last for 3-4 months, as the muscle gradually develops new receptors and regains its ability to contract.
It is most effective in treating lines formed solely due to muscle contractions. By immobilising the
underlying muscle, the skin above it no longer creases. It's important to note that anti-ageing treatments cannot remove wrinkles that are permanently etched into the skin, irrespective of muscle movement. However, it can soften their appearance.
Anti-wrinkle injections can be used on their own or in conjunction with other aesthetic treatments. They are suitable for both men and women. For a real duo treatment of skin improvement, combine with skin boosters.
What does the treatment involve?
As part of your consultation, you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire, and you will receive all of the relevant information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment. At Lucy Aesthetics, you'll begin with an initial consultation, allowing you time to absorb the information provided before scheduling your treatment for a later date. This gives you a valuable cooling-off period to make an informed decision.
Prior to your treatment, you'll have the chance to ask any additional questions and will be required to sign a consent form. Photographs will be taken before your procedure to serve as a comparison for your follow-up appointment. Rest assured, these photographs will be included in your medical record and will not be used for any other purpose without your explicit consent.
The injections will be administered while you lie comfortably on a treatment couch. First, the treatment areas will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. You'll then be asked to make various facial expressions, allowing us to assess the muscles and plan the treatment effectively. Using an ultra-fine needle, the product will be carefully injected into the target muscles to minimise discomfort and ensure precision.
FAQs
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You can trust that botulinum toxin is safe when administered by a qualified clinician. Cosmetic doses are given in very small amounts, and with more than 900,000 procedures performed annually in the UK, and 8.8 million performed globally allergic reactions are exceedingly rare.
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Overtime, the effects of the botulinum toxin will diminish, allowing nerves to resume their normal signalling, to the muscles, leading to contractions once more. Generally, the results of anti-wrinkle treatments last approximately 3 to 4 months. However, the duration of its effects can vary from person to person, depending on the interval between treatments. For those looking to maintain their results, treatments can be scheduled every 12 weeks after full dose treatents, ensuring consistent benefits.
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No. The needle used is exceptionally fine and coupled with a good technique, discomfort should be minimal. Additionally, ice can be applied or local anaesthetic cream to minimise any sensation if preferred.
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No. Botulinum toxin and fillers are both minimally invasive injectable cosmetic treatments designed to reduce signs of ageing, but they function differently. The primary distinction lies in their action: Botulinum toxin relaxes the underlying muscles to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while fillers work by filling in wrinkles and adding volume to the skin.
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Anti-ageing treatments usually require 4 to 6 precisely placed injections per treatment area to achieve optimal results. During your consultation, you'll receive personalised guidance based on your unique needs and desired outcomes.
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You can generally expect to notice initial results within 3 to 7 days after the treatment, with improvements continuing over the next 14 days, ultimately reaching their peak.
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While some side effects may arise, they are mostly linked to the injection process rather than the product itself. Common effects include mild redness or swelling at the injection site, which usually resolves within 1 to 2 hours, as well as occasional minor bruising or headaches. There is a very low risk of infection at the injection site. In extremely rare cases, temporary eyelid drooping may occur.
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Although botulinum toxin is generally considered safe, it may not be appropriate for everyone. It is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with neurological conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis or Parkinson's Disease, or anyone taking specific antibiotics, particularly Erythromycin.
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For optimal results, please arrive to your appointment with clean skin, free of any skincare products or makeup. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided one week prior to the treatment being performed. Ask your doctor for advice prior to stopping medication. Avoid supplements that have an influence on clotting time and increase the risk of bruising. These include (non-exhaustive list) St. John’s Wort, Gingko biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, multivitamins, flax oil, chia seeds, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E or any other essential fatty acids for 1 week before your treatment.
Do not plan to have treatment within 2 weeks of an important social event or holiday as this may not allow enough time to have a correction if the desired result is not achieved. Plan your appointment 4 to 6 weeks before your wedding, big event, or holiday. This is when your results will look the best.
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Avoid touching your face for 6 hours. Avoid extreme heat sources (such as saunas, hot baths or showers, and steam rooms), sunbeds, and vigorous exercise for 24 hours. Excessive heat and intense physical activity can enhance the spread of Botox, potentially leading to undesired side effects. Sleep on a fresh clean pillow case tonight to prevent infection. Avoid facial cosmetic procedures such as laser, ultrasound, peels, facials and microdermabrasion for 2 weeks after your treatment. Makeup can be applied after 12 hours.
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Botulinum toxin is equally suitable for men and women. The number of male patients is steadily increasing, and anatomically, it serves as an effective anti-wrinkle treatment for both genders. In most cases, men require a slightly higher dosage due to their stronger facial muscles.
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Typically, people who know you may notice that you look fresher, but they might not specifically attribute this change to an anti-wrinkle treatment. Only those who have undergone similar treatments themselves and have a keen eye may have a suspicion.
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The effects of the treatment are not be immediately visible. You can expect to see initial results within 3 to 7 days, with peak effects occurring around day 14. If you wish to make adjustments to your treatment after 14 days, you may schedule a follow-up appointment for a top-up between 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment.
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You need to wait a minimum of 12 weeks between full treatment doses.
* A £50 surcharge is added for men for wrinkle relaxing injections due to the greater volume of product required. PLEASE NOTE - If you need an adjustment, please schedule it within 14 to 28 days following your treatment date.

The Perfect Duo
For a real duo treatment of skin improvement, combine Anti-Wrinkle Injections with: