Anti Wrinkle Injections

Anti-wrinkle injections or wrinkle relaxing injections are a non-invasive anti-ageing treatment which can address fine lines and wrinkles in the face. Wrinkle-relaxing injections, neuromodulators and neurotoxins all refer to the same thing. There are three areas where neurotoxin is particularly effective: the frown lines (lines between the eyes), the horizontal lines of the forehead and the lateral canthal lines, also known as ‘crow’s feet’ at the outer aspect of the eyes. Anti-wrinkle injections function through the relaxation of dynamic wrinkles as opposed to static wrinkles, which are lines at rest. Anti-wrinkle injections are also great for relaxing the muscles responsible for facial expressions such as smiling, frowning and squinting. Through achieving relaxation of the underlying facial muscles, the wrinkles are smoothened out, giving rise to a more rejuvenated appearance to the face, particularly the upper third.

Anti-wrinkle injections are most effective when patients start to use them at a younger age – late 20s and early 30s are ideal. Over time, the skin in the areas of facial expression begins to form fine lines due to overactivity of the involved muscles, such as eyebrow-raising, smiling and squinting. Many people have found neurotoxins to be highly effective when used from the age of 20. For older patients, anti-wrinkle injections are also incredibly useful once they start to form wrinkles at rest, also known as static wrinkles. Muscle relaxant injections also complement dermal fillers treatment.

Expected Results after anti-wrinkle injections

• Smoothening out of wrinkles in the upper third of the face (this can occur as soon as 4-5 days after neurotoxin treatment)
• Improve the appearance of an overly prominent gummy smile
• Improvement in perioral lines
• Reduce jaw clenching through targeted relaxation of the masseter muscle and create slimming of the jawline.
• Neuromodulators can create a mild brow lift effect by increasing the height of the lateral eyebrow to increase the arch in the eyebrow.
• Anti-wrinkle injections relax the facial musculature responsible for many common facial expressions.
• Results from anti-wrinkle injections can last up to four months

Benefits of anti-wrinkle injections at Centre for Surgery

• Only trained aesthetic practitioners and dermatologists inject anti-wrinkle injections for maximum safety
• Very quick 10-15 minute treatment
• Non-invasive with no need for surgery or general anaesthetic
• No incisions or scars
• Fast recovery with no downtime with no disruption to your normal daily routine
• Natural looking results
• Based in London’s top medical district in Marylebone, central London

RealSelf Top Doctors

RealSelf’s top doctor status is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf doctor community.  This status is earned by achieving consistently high patient satisfaction (from RealSelf reviews), getting excellent feedback on expert answers to patient questions, and investing significant time in Q&A and other doctor activities. RealSelf’s top doctors are rated among the best dermatologists in the United Kingdom.

A cosmetic dermatologist is trained to undertake non-surgical, and laser procedures in the face and neck region. They are dedicated sub-specialists. Compared with general dermatologists, cosmetic dermatologists are inherently better trained to perform both minimally invasive surgical, laser and non-surgical procedures of the face. The extra years of surgical training by facial specialists focused on the facial region results in an exceptionally high degree of skill. At Centre for Surgery, only highly qualified medical practitioners perform injectable treatments. Facial injectables in the UK can currently be performed by any practitioner, even if they lack medical training. This has resulted in several unregulated providers, such as beauty salons and even gyms offering facial injectable treatments. At Centre for Surgery, we believe this practice carries great risk for potential patients and the risk of adverse outcomes is markedly increased in untrained hands. We only offer facial injectable treatments by fully trained cosmetic dermatologists and medically trained and fully registered aesthetic practitioners.

Anti-wrinkle injections are a non-invasive method employing muscle relaxants that aid in easing the muscles responsible for the formation of wrinkles and creases in the skin. By manipulating muscle activity dynamics, anti-wrinkle injectables contribute to a more youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance.

The primary component of anti-wrinkle injections is a protein that has undergone purification and is subsequently diluted. The mechanism of action for these injections involves blocking the chemical signals that prompt muscles to contract. By inhibiting muscle contractions, the deepening of fine lines can be effectively hindered, which in turn, deters the formation of static lines, helping to counteract the natural ageing process.

The areas that are frequently targeted for treatment include the lines encircling the eyes and those on the forehead. However, anti-wrinkle injections can also be employed to reduce lines around the mouth, nose, chin, jaw, and neck.

There is an array of applications for anti-wrinkle injections which includes:

1. Forehead Lines: Smoothens horizontal lines on the forehead caused by raising the eyebrows.
2. Frown Lines: Reduces the appearance of lines between the eyebrows that occur due to frowning.
3. Crow’s Feet: Addresses lines that fan out from the corners of the eyes, often referred to as ‘crow’s feet’.
4. Chin Dimples: Minimises the appearance of dimpling on the chin.
5. Facial Slimming: Alters the facial shape by reducing muscle mass, resulting in a more contoured appearance.
6. Teeth Grinding: Aids in managing bruxism, which is involuntary teeth grinding, by relaxing the masseter muscles.
7. Jaw Clenching: Reduces jaw muscle tension which can alleviate jaw pain and discomfort.
8. Gummy Smile Reduction: Modifies the lip position to reduce the visibility of gums when smiling.
9. Upper Lip Lift: Enhances the contour of the upper lip by elevating its position.
10. Brow Lift: Raises the eyebrow position to provide a more alert and youthful appearance.
11. Excessive Sweating Management: Utilised for hyperhidrosis treatment, it inhibits sweat production in areas such as the armpits.

There are numerous benefits associated with the use of anti-wrinkle injectables. Some of the key advantages encompass:

1. Diminishing Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Anti-wrinkle injections are effective in softening various expression lines that become more prominent with age. This includes, but is not limited to, smile lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines. The visible reduction of these lines contributes to a smoother skin texture.
2. Rejuvenation of Facial Aesthetics: Through the reduction of wrinkles, anti-wrinkle treatments revitalise the face, leading to a more refreshed and vibrant appearance. This rejuvenation often manifests as a softer and brighter complexion, which can have a positive impact on one’s confidence and self-esteem.
3. Prophylactic Benefits: In addition to addressing existing lines and wrinkles, anti-wrinkle injections can also act as a preventative measure. By relaxing the facial muscles, the treatment can hinder the formation or deepening of lines in the future. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are looking to maintain a youthful appearance as they age.
4. Customised Treatment Plans: Anti-wrinkle injectables can be tailored to meet the specific needs and desired outcomes of the individual. This means that the treatment can be as subtle or as noticeable as the individual prefers, allowing for a customised approach to facial rejuvenation.
5. Minimally Invasive and Convenient: As a non-surgical procedure, anti-wrinkle injectables usually involve minimal downtime and can often be completed within a short time frame. This makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules or those who are seeking an alternative to more invasive cosmetic procedures.
6. Boost in Confidence and Well-being: By improving facial aesthetics and helping individuals achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance, anti-wrinkle injectables can lead to an enhanced sense of confidence and well-being.
7. Potential Therapeutic Applications: Beyond cosmetic benefits, anti-wrinkle injections have also been used for various therapeutic purposes, such as treating migraines, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and muscle spasms.

Anti-wrinkle injections are the most popular treatment for non-invasive facial rejuvenation at Centre for Surgery in London. Our practitioners perform many hundreds of treatments across a wide range of patients, both younger and older.

The ideal candidate for anti-wrinkle injections:

• You are a young person looking to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles
• You are an older person that has noticed the development of deeper lines and wrinkles
• You have a gummy smile
• Noticeable lines around the peri-oral or mouth region when you make certain facial expressions, such as pouting of the lips
• You are not keen on a more invasive surgical treatment for facial rejuvenation.

Facial wrinkles gradually form at right angles to the underlying muscle fibres. When the underlying muscle is activated, then the overlying wrinkle becomes apparent. Neurotoxin injections are precisely placed into the facial musculature, which leads to weakening. Neurotoxin is never injected into the facial wrinkle itself.

At Centre for Surgery, we have some of the most qualified and experienced facial injectors. The key to successful neuromodulator injection is based on the following:

• Having the correct constitution of neurotoxin and sterile saline – it must not be too dilute
• The actual injection process must be short and quick
• The location where anti-wrinkle injections are injected

After the injection into the facial muscle, the toxin can spread up to 2.5cm from where the injection was made. Injectors using the same injection method can still result in slightly different outcomes, although these differences are minor and trivial in nature.

How do Anti Wrinkle Injections work?

Anti-wrinkle injections are a neuromodulator which exerts its effects at the nerve end, which prevents the release of a chemical neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine. The nerve is, therefore, unable to exert any effect on the attached muscle. Using a neuromodulator leads to muscle relaxation in the injected facial areas.

Difference between dynamic and static wrinkles

Anti-wrinkle injections are ideal for the reduction or removal of dynamic wrinkles in the areas of active facial animation. After injection, this means that those wrinkles will then become less visible with facial muscle contraction – an example is the crow’s feet area with smiling. Static wrinkles are those wrinkles which are present at rest without active facial muscle movement. Neurotoxins are ineffective for addressing static wrinkles. Dermal fillers or chemical peels, or laser resurfacing may be more appropriate for the treatment of static wrinkles. Even then, neurotoxin would be used first to relax the area, reducing the amount of subsequent filler required for satisfactory correction.

How long do Anti Wrinkle Injections last?

Many patients will notice that injections of Anti-wrinkle injections can last for up to six months or longer. In these cases, however, what has actually occurred is that the neurotoxin has actually worn off. But, the muscle dynamic has been altered, which means the patient no longer uses that particular facial muscle as much as when they did before injections of neuromodulator.

The ideal timing of neuromodulator injections varies but it is generally accepted that the best time to get repeat injections of Anti-wrinkle injections is before the effects of the last injection you have had begin to subside. With facial injection treatment, the objective is to keep the injected muscles in a weakened condition. All our patients are highly recommended to schedule maintenance treatments of anti-wrinkle injections before the upper facial muscles regain their size and/or strength. Fewer wrinkles are because of muscle attenuation or weakening and it is important to maintain this to get the best results. Selected patients who have top-up injections once or twice a year can have great results but the very best results come from wrinkle-relaxing injections three to four times per year.

There are two key factors regarding anti-wrinkle Injections: (1) how many units of neurotoxin will be injected? and (2) Where will the neurotoxin be injected?

Units of Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Anti Wrinkle Injections come packaged in 2 different vial formulations: 50 and 100 units. Your practitioner will dilute your neuromodulator injection to an appropriate concentration. The effectiveness of the neurotoxin injection and the ‘spreadability’ of the injection is determined by the concentration of the neuromodulator solution. A more dilute formulation will require the injection of greater volume, which increases the risk of unintended spread to other muscles, which could lead to unintended paralysis of the wrong muscle. Practitioners at Centre for Surgery make up Anti Wrinkle Injections according to a standardised protocol of 100 units of neurotoxin in 2.5 ml of unpreserved sterile saline. We believe in being fully transparent about the injection process to ensure you get the outcomes you desire. Using this formulation also helps to minimise the number of needle pricks through the skin, making for more precise results with minimum discomfort.

Injection sites for Anti Wrinkle Injections

As explained above, the formation of facial wrinkles is always at right angles or 90 degrees in the direction of the muscle fibre contraction. Our practitioners take great care to ensure that anti-wrinkle Injections are injected into the muscle in the deeper layers and not the wrinkle itself. The treatment objective is to selectively paralyse the facial muscles to achieve muscle relaxation, thus leading to facial rejuvenation.

Anti Wrinkle Injections for frown lines

Neurotoxin can be injected into the procerus and corrugator muscle to reduce frowning.

Wrinkle relaxing injections for forehead wrinkles

Neurotoxin is commonly used for transverse forehead lines, which are dynamic in nature. Older patients may require fillers for static forehead lines. Anti-wrinkle injections can also be used selectively on the outer eyebrow to create a subtle brow lift.

Neurotoxin for crow’s feet

Anti Wrinkle Injections can be injected into the muscle encircling the eye, known as the orbicularis muscle, in its outer aspect to smoothen out the crow’s feet line.

Anti Wrinkle Injections for bunny lines

For those who have had neurotoxin for several years can lead to compensatory activity of the muscles, which scrunch up the nose or bunny lines. Targeted injections of neurotoxin can be used to reduce or eliminate bunny lines.

Neurotoxin for gummy smile

Patients with an excessive gingival show or gummy smile can inject the toxin into the premaxillary area or area in the upper outer lip to reduce the amount of gum showing when smiling.

Anti Wrinkle Injections for bruxism and teeth clenching

A square-looking jaw can look more rounded with the injection of neurotoxin directly into the masseter muscle.

Neurotoxin for droopy mouth corners

Anti Wrinkle Injections are excellent for treating the marionette lines at the corners of the mouth. Injection of this region leads to the elevation of this area, reducing the appearance of the unhappy downturned mouth look.

Neurotoxin for chin dimpling

Overactivity of the mentalis muscle in the chin can lead to dimpling or an unsightly “peau d’orange” appearance. Neuromodulators can be used to smoothen this region.

Anti Wrinkle Injections for neck banding

The formation of prominent platysmal banding increases with advancing age. Neuromodulators can effectively treat neck banding, leading to an impressive rejuvenating effect on the neck area.

Two weeks before anti-wrinkle injections:

It is important to minimise bruising by following certain restrictions on dietary intake. 2 weeks before neurotoxin. You should avoid fish oil supplements, seeds, nuts and medicines containing ibuprofen for aspirin and any other substances which are known to increase the risk of prolonged bleeding and subsequent bruising.

On the day of your anti-wrinkle treatment:

• Avoid wearing makeup
• Have a light meal to reduce the risk of feeling light-headed during treatment.
• Drink plenty of water to keep well hydrated
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• You should arrive at least thirty minutes before your treatment time to allow for the application of numbing cream.
• Schedule your next appointment for anti-wrinkle injections before you leave the clinic to avoid being unable to secure an appointment. Our practitioner’s appointment slots often get booked up three months in advance.

Post-procedure care after anti wrinkle injections:

• It is advisable to use a cold pack applied to the area to reduce any bruising for up to 48 hours post procedure.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours after anti-wrinkle injections
• Use only water-based makeup to camouflage any bruising. Normal makeup can be applied the next day onwards.
• Do not attempt to massage the area in any way – this could lead to diffusion of the toxin leading to unintended paralysis of uninvolved facial muscles.
• Face washing is permissible, albeit gently.
• Arnica tablets can be used to minimise bruising.
• Pineapples and pineapple juice has been shown to reduce bruising and swelling.

At Centre for Surgery in London, our practitioners take special care to use techniques that minimise bruising and swelling. The downtime following our treatments are renowned for being very minimal. So much so that you can have anti wrinkle injections treatment during your lunch break with us before returning to work in the afternoon. Slow injections of neurotoxin lead to more potential trauma to underlying tissues which leads to additional bruising and swelling.

Recovery fast facts after anti wrinkle injections

• Minimal bruising and swelling.
• Neurotoxins take up to 2 weeks to exert their full effect. Treatment effects may be noticed as early as three days, but you will have two weeks before seeing the full effect. Any treatment top-ups should only be performed two weeks post-procedure.
• The effects of anti-wrinkle Injections generally subside after four months. For optimal results, neurotoxin should be repeated approximately 3-4 times a year.
• It is normal to experience some mild discomfort from the needle injection points.

Anti wrinkle injections are recognised to be a low-risk procedure with minimal risk of complications. Your practitioner will fully assess you to ensure suitability for the procedure. During your consultation, the practitioner will outline the risks and potential complications associated with facial injection treatment.

Potential Complications of Anti wrinkle injections Treatment

• Allergy to neurotoxin
• Skin infection
• A frozen facial appearance – Neurotoxins exerts it effects by selective weakening of targeted facial muscles. Injecting neurotoxin in the wrong areas often affects inexperienced injectors creating an undesirable facial appearance
• Minor flu-like symptoms
• Mild headache especially with neuromodulator injected into forehead region
• Droopy eyebrow or double vision from inexpertly placed injection
• Prolonged muscle weakness in patients with neuromuscular conditions

At Centre for Surgery in London, our neuromodulator injectors are all highly experienced doctors and have been using neuromodulators such as anti wrinkle injections to treat facial lines and wrinkles for many years. Every patient has unique features that must be taken into account when planning treatment. Every treatment must be customised to the individual patient. This is why at Centre for Surgery, we charge neurotoxin by the exact number of units used. A female patient with a small face and relatively inactive muscles of facial expressions is very different to a male patient with a large face and well-developed muscles of facial expression.

Centre for Surgery are committed to following the latest national guidance and strict medical protocols in the provision of non-surgical injectable treatments. Wrinkle injection treatments are only carried out by trained plastic surgeons for safer outcomes.

You will be looked after by a dedicated patient coordinator to act as your point of contact throughout your journey with us. Once we have a clear idea of your presenting concern, we will book you in to see a plastic surgeon who is best placed to assess and treat you.

What happens at the consultation?

The specialist will take a comprehensive approach to assess you by taking a full history and examination:

• Treatment options based on your facial structure and the possible outcomes that can be achieved
• In-depth discussion of the different non-surgical options and what can be expected with each option, and whether any downtime is to be expected
• Assessing your physical and mental health to make sure that anti-wrinkle injections are right for you
• Answer your questions that you may have about the different options

If it is determined that treatment is appropriate, a written treatment plan will be prepared and presented to you so you can decide on whether to proceed. Some treatments, such as facial injectables, can take place in the same visit, while other treatments, such as laser resurfacing, may need a period of skin preparation which may require up to six weeks before the actual treatment can take place.

Your consultant will ask you to return for a follow-up visit two weeks later for a review which may include a free top-up or ‘tweakment’ if deemed necessary.

Patient journey quick overview:

• Visit us at 106 Crawford Street, Marylebone, for a consultation with a fully trained and qualified plastic surgeon
• At the consultation, decide on the best treatment option for you based on expert advice from your consultant. You can choose to have treatment at the same visit if you prefer.
• Come back in 2 weeks for your follow-up visit for a check-up and repeat treatment or free top-up if appropriate.

Centre for Surgery is located at 106 Crawford Street in Marylebone. Crawford Street is just off Baker Street.

We are easily accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Baker Street as well as Baker Street underground station.

From the tube station, we are just a 5 minute walk southwards down Baker Street followed by a right turn onto Crawford Street. The clinic is about 200 yards on the left.

There is ample local pay & display parking in the surrounding area and an NCP car park is located further west along Crawford Street. Our local residential parking zone is the City of Westminster.

Address: 106 Crawford Street, Marylebone, London, W1H 2HY

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