What potential complications or temporary effects should I be aware of?
As with any procedure, anti-wrinkle injections come with potential side effects.
However, they are minor and rare, and avoidable with diligence to proper anti-wrinkle injections aftercare.
It’s unlikely you will experience them, but the following post-treatment effects can be possible:
- Post-treatment tenderness at injection points (lasting 1-2 hours).
- Short-lived headaches (you can take paracetamol if required).
- Mild redness and itching.
- Bruising occurs in 1 in 20 patients. This can be easily covered with makeup and will resolve within 3-7 days.
- Asymmetry may occur in the first 1-2 weeks, and this is entirely normal, as facial regions can respond to the anti-wrinkle at varying paces.
Should I get fillers or anti-wrinkle for downturned mouth?
The formation of a downturned mouth is usually due to overactive DAO muscles contracting and pulling at the mouth corner area.
We can only treat this issue by inhibiting the muscle movement responsible for causing this mouth position. Anti-wrinkle works to relax the overactive muscle, and in turn, the overly downwards pulling of the mouth corners can be corrected.
This concern cannot be solved with dermal filler, which is primarily used to correct hollowness or define contours by adding volume or structure.
In some cases, the placement of dermal filler into the cheekbone area may contribute to a lifting effect for the lower face; however, this is a supplementary measure and not a standalone solution and depends on the individual patient’s facial characteristics.
How many treatments will I need?
This will depend on the strength and severity of your DOA muscles and their effect on your mouth corners.
Generally, one treatment is all that’s required to inhibit the targeted overactive muscle, making this a highly effective and convenient solution. You should see the results of your treatment building over the days following your appointment, reaching their full effect by two weeks.
We welcome our patients to the clinic for a complimentary follow-up appointment to review the results of your treatment, and if required, will provide a complimentary top-up treatment to ensure you are satisfied with the outcome.
The effects of an anti-wrinkle treatment usually last around 3–4 months, depending on the individual. Most patients like to have their anti-wrinkle appointments at this frequency to maintain their result. However, there are no adverse effects if you decide not to proceed with any further anti-wrinkle treatments.
Are the injections painful?
Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the least uncomfortable cosmetic treatments, with most patients describing them as quick and easy to receive.
Treatments themselves take a matter of minutes, and we practice the most advanced injection techniques to minimise any discomfort.
We apply topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) to the area, use ultra-thin needles, and will offer happy gas to make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Is this treatment suitable for all ages, genders and skin types?
Yes – anti-wrinkle treatments are suitable for all adults over the age of 18, and any gender or skin type.
We highly recommend that you come into the clinic for a complimentary consultation with one of our expert practitioners, who can further advise you on your suitability for treatment.
However, it’s important to note that cosmetic injectable treatments are not suitable for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.