Wrinkle reducing injections
Wrinkle reducing injections have become the short-hand term for non-surgical anti-ageing interventions.
Just what is behind the treatment which so many are turning to?
Frown lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles around the mouth are just a few factors that can cause a person to look worn out, tired and old. Repetitive facial expressions over time can cause wrinkles and fine lines. An example would be the repetitive facial expression of furrowing the brow.
Over time, this action may cause a permanent, vertical line or wrinkle between the eyes, giving the permanent appearance of being worried, angry, tired or unapproachable. You may have other reasons for being curious about wrinkle reducing injections. Ask the doctor about wrinkle reducing injections to find out if it is right for you.
Fewer wrinkles will show up on the areas of the face that were treated with wrinkle reducing injections. This means fewer crow’s feet and frown lines on the forehead. It is usually possible to place injections to create a non-surgical eyebrow lift during the treatment to improve results even further.
Discover the proven results that more than 12 million women and men have experienced worldwide
Click on FAQ to find out more information
After an initial discussion and assessment, the doctor will map out the areas needed on your face that would benefit from injections with Botulinum toxin wrinkle reducing injections. Local anaesthetic cream is left on for about 10 minutes after which a series of tiny painless injections precisely place the wrinkle reducing injections in the correct position. The injections take about 5 minutes.
Wrinkle reducing injections are done using a medication called Onabotulinumtoxin-A, and the use of this product in Aesthetic treatments turns 21 years old in 2023! It has been used for many years in other areas such as treating people with cerebral palsy and squint (strabismus), and in very small children. It was first registered by the FDA in the United States in 1989 and in South Africa in 1993. Its safety profile is tested and proven, and as long as a properly qualified medical doctor is injecting it, the results are predictable. The Doctor will ask you some medical questions to make sure these injections will be safe and effective in you.
Yes, Onabotulinumtoxin-A injections can also be used for:
- To treat increased muscle stiffness in elbow, wrist, and finger muscles in adults with upper limb spasticity and in muscles of children with cerebral palsy.
- To treat the abnormal head position and neck pain that happens with cervical dystonia (CD) in adults.
- To treat excessive sweating in a condition called Hyperhidrosis.
- To treat certain cases of strabismus (squinting).
- To treat Bruxism, a condition of grinding of the jaw and teeth causing pain.
It takes approximately 4 days for wrinkle reducing injections to start to relax the muscles. The effect grows stronger up until about day 14, after which no improvement will occur. (That is why it’s important to wait 2 weeks before you do any top ups to a treatment).
The results last approximately 4 months (in around 80% of patients). Therefore, to keep the muscle relaxing effects, you will need to repeat treatments every 3 to 4 months.
It appears that the longer you do the treatments for, the more positive your profile of ageing will be. Lines remain smoother and your face appears rested and relaxed with regular treatments.
Wrinkle reducing injections should be administered by a healthcare professional – a Doctor, who has specifically been trained in the techniques of how to inject this medicine, and also performs them on a regular basis. The injections are a non-surgical treatment that is directed into the muscles in areas where it is needed. Expert and ongoing training is required to perform the procedures to ensure the procedure is effective, safe, non-invasive and has the desired outcome.
The entire consultation and treatment takes between 30 to 45 minutes for the first session, and no longer than 30 minutes for subsequent treatments. It is considered to be an outpatient procedure and people may return to their normal activities immediately (please note important post-procedure instructions to follow after treatments).
The most common side effect after treatment is a small bruise which will fade rapidly after 2-7 days (even though this is also quite rare). Before your treatment the Doctor will also discuss any rare side effects which are possible, and answer any of your questions. Be sure to ask any lingering questions and make sure all your questions are answered.
In a nutshell:
- Wrinkle reducing injections should aim to look natural and beautiful, augmenting your own natural beauty. The aim should not be to look frozen or expressionless.
- They should be performed my a qualified Medical Doctor who has specialised training in these injections.
- They are usually repeated 3 times per year.
- Over time, they assist with positive ageing and an improvement in your overall appearance and self confidence.
Slide bar on photo to see before and after results
