What are anti-wrinkle treatments?
Anti-wrinkle treatments relax facial muscles used to create expressions. This muscle activity, in turn, causes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When used in minute quantities, the chemicals in anti-wrinkle treatments cause a temporary relaxation of the muscles so that they no longer respond to nerve stimuli.
Are anti-wrinkle treatments tested?
The treatment has been used for over 30 years. They were first used to treat various tics, facial spasms, and cerebral palsy. They have also been used for cosmetic purposes, to treat migraines, and excessive sweating.
What happens during the treatment?
Anti-wrinkle treatments are very quick and there is no downtime. The treatment involves the use of very fine needles to inject chemicals that work to reduce wrinkling. A topical anaesthetic cream on the area helps increase comfort during the treatment if needed.
Is the treatment painful?
No, there is minimal pain. For patients with extra sensitivity, we offer anaesthetic cream for all anti-wrinkle treatments, if requested. (To have the anaesthetic cream added to your treatment, you will need to arrive half an hour before your scheduled appointment time.)
What areas can be treated?
There are two types of lines or wrinkles that develop on the face with ageing – static and dynamic. Static lines are present when the face is relaxed. They can be corrected with various types of anti-wrinkle treatments, as well as chemical peels, skin tightening, laser resurfacing, broadband light treatments, and good skin care.
Dynamic lines, more commonly known as expression lines, are caused by the movement of facial muscles. The most common areas where dynamic lines are seen are the crow’s feet at the side of the eyes, those on the forehead, as well as the frown lines in between the eyebrows (These are the lines that give the face an angry look, which so many of us dislike).
We also use anti-wrinkle treatments to address a mouth frown or the downturned corners of the mouth, as well as tighten the neck and jawline. (This is also known as a Nefertiti lift.)
Will anti-wrinkle treatments freeze my face?
There is no loss of facial expression when patients receive anti-wrinkle treatments administered by our trained and experienced doctors.
How long before I will see results?
Anti-wrinkle treatments start to take effect within 72 hours. It can, however, take up to three weeks to reach full effect. Your doctor may ask you to come back two weeks after your initial treatment to check that it has produced the desired effect.
How long do benefits last?
When used for cosmetic purposes, anti-wrinkle treatments usually last three to six months. The duration varies from person to person, depending on the strength of an individual patient’s muscles. Anti-wrinkle treatment benefits tend to last longer after the second or third treatment, if performed on a regular basis.
What else can anti-wrinkle treatments be used for?
Anti-wrinkle treatments can be used to help some people who suffer from migraines. When used for migraines, the treatments can last from six to as long as 12 months in some cases.
They can also be used to reduce the amount of sweat produced in certain parts of the body, most commonly the armpits and hands. When used properly, anti-wrinkle treatments can decrease sweating for an average of 7.5 months, although benefits can last for up to 16 months in some people.
Commonly, more treatments are required to address medical conditions than when they are used for cosmetic purposes. To find out if this is a suitable treatment for you, please book an appointment with our cosmetic doctor.
Is there any downtime?
No, there is no downtime with this treatment, but you are advised not to manipulate the areas that have been injected for two hours following your appointment. If you do, there is a risk of the product moving away from the area you wish to have treated.
Are there any side effects to this treatment?
Yes, but all side effects are temporary. Some side effects that may occur are a slight reddening of the skin, localised swelling, or numbness and bruising. Infection is possible, but rare.
When injected above the eyebrow, anti-wrinkle treatments can cause the eyelid to droop temporarily, although this is rare. In a very small number of people, the injections do not work as satisfactorily or for as long as is typical.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes, however you can have your anti-wrinkle treatment done on the day of your consultation appointment if you would like.
How much does it cost?
The cost of anti-wrinkle treatments depends on how much is required to treat the muscles in question. Everyone’s muscles differ in strength depending on how you use your facial muscles. Your doctor will give you a quote upon consultation.
Anti-wrinkle treatments are an effective way of controlling facial lines and are an excellent way of preventing and reducing the signs of ageing.
