Anti-wrinkle injections

Wrinkles and frown lines can be caused by the effects of the ageing process on the skin, sun damage, the effects of gravity, as well as by muscle contraction. Frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines and crow’s feet (at the side of the eyes) and some lines around the mouth are due to muscle contraction and can be improved by anti-wrinkle injections into the muscle to weaken it.

Anti-wrinkle injections work by blocking a chemical called acetylcholine, that is released from nerve endings and is required to cause muscle contraction. The resultant muscle paralysis, however, is temporary, as the growth of new nerve endings will re-innervate the muscles.

During the procedure, anti-wrinkle injections just underneath the skin overlying the muscles that cause the wrinkles, using a very small needle. Depending on the area to be treated, several injections are usually needed at specific sites. Localised discomfort and bruises can occur, but no sedation or local anaesthesia is required.

It is important to note that whilst anti-wrinkle injections can be very effective in reducing wrinkles due to muscle contractions, it has no effect in reducing the fine lines on the face caused by sun damage, or the age related lines due to the sagging of facial skin.

AT A GLANCE

Length of surgery:

30 minutes

Anaesthesia:

No anaesthetic required

Overnight or day case:

Outpatient procedure

Recovery:

Stay upright for the first 4 hours
Avoid rubbing or massaging the areas
No heavy lifting/gym/sport for 24 hours

Follow-up:

4-6 months for repeat injections

Frequently asked questions

Not everyone is suitable for anti-wrinkle injections. Suitability is a matter for you and Mr Johnson to discuss in clinic, following a thorough analysis of your medical history and a thorough clinical consultation.

The benefits are to reduce the frown lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows and in the crow’s feet region at the side the eyes. This can give the face a smoother, fresher, more youthful appearance and thereby increase patient confidence and improving self esteem.

Anti-wrinkle injections are not particularly painful. Some patients may wish to use cold compresses afterwards to cool the skin down.

Following the injections it is advisable not to lie down for a few hours but otherwise normal activities can be resumed immediately.

It usually takes between 2-3 days for the injections to start to work, with maximum effect at about 1 to 2 weeks. The effects of the treatment last between 4-6 months, at which time repeat injections of anti-wrinkle injections can be given.

Any procedure carries with it the risk of complication. Complications, however, are uncommon following anti-wrinkle injections. During your initial consultation Mr Johnson will have a full discussion with you about the risks and complications of this procedure. Fortunately, with correct patient selection and appropriate procedure selection, the risks are kept to an absolute minimum. It is important that you should be reassured that Mr Johnson will not agree to perform any cosmetic procedure on you unless he feels the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.

Mr Johnson will not usually need to see you in clinic immediately after your anti-wrinkle injections. He will advise you to contact his secretary for repeat injections when the anti-wrinkle injections have worn off, which is usually between 4-6 months.

PATIENT REVIEWS

Thank you ever so much for what you have done for me. I’m over the moon with the result. Thanks again. You’ve changed my whole life.

Breast augmentation, Patient KM

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Facelift, upper and lower blepharoplasties, fat transfer, Patient RB

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Rhinoplasty, Patient Debbie

I would like to thank you and your team so very much once again for your kindness and professional service given to me at the Ridgeway hospital. Having my rhinoplasty operation has given me much more confidence.

Rhinoplasty, Patient SS

Just want to say many thanks for all your support and help both before and after my operation. I am very pleased with the results and appreciated your kindness, throughout my stay at the Manor.

Exchange breast implants with capsulectomies, Patient EH

I don’t think I will ever be able to fully let you know just how grateful I am to you. All you have done for me this last year has changed my life for the better in so many ways… I’ll never be able to put into words what your work has done for me, not only physically but mentally. I have more confidence, more courage, and now after these operations more hope. You have given me one of the greatest gifts – the opportunity of an optimistic future. One in which I can now look in the mirror. Thank you so much for your support, your time but most of all your kindness.

Post weight loss body contouring surgery, Patient BP

Many thanks for your kindness and care. You have changed my life for the better.

Brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, thigh lift, Patient JJ

Thank you very much for my new nose! It has made such a difference to me. I no longer worry when people see me in profile. My friends and family who know about the operation have all said how natural it looks and how well it suits me, so thank you for doing such a good job! I really am thrilled, and much happier.

Rhinoplasty, Patient NA

You really do work miracles! Many, many thanks for the fabulous results. Ts superb. Feeling great too.

Abdominoplasty, Patient LB

Thank you so much for your wonderful work. You have given me so much more confidence. Thank you again for everything you have done for me.

Breast reduction and liposuction, Patient MK

I feel the need to write a few lines of thanks following the breast augmentation surgery you performed on me last month. I knew this was something I wanted desperately for a very long time but the final result, I have to say, is above and beyond all my hopes and expectations. I am totally amazed and reeling still at the new me, both physically and mentally.

Breast augmentation, Patient AH

Thank you so much for the amazing surgery that you have done on our little girl. We felt so confident in you, and knew that if we needed to hand her over to anyone, we wanted it to be you. Thank you for allowing her the chance to grow up normally.

Craniofacial surgery, Parents of patient SH

I would just like to say thank you for your care in performing my surgery. You have made a big difference and given me the confidence I needed. You are a true professional.

Rhinoplasty, Patient SJ

A big thank you for everything that you have done for me. It’s a dream come true.

Blepharoplasty, Patient MO

Thank you so very much for doing my surgery, and for your compassion and care. The results are wonderful. You have given me back my self esteem.

Patient EG, Breast reduction

Thank you for repairing me and making me feel normal again! The operation has already had a huge impact on my life.

, Patient SM

Thank you for the fantastic job you have done for my daughter. You saved her life and gave her the best possible chance in life.

Craniofacial surgery, Patient KJ

Thank you for all your care in arranging my breast augmentation. I’m delighted with the results!

Breast augmentation, Patient V

I wanted to thank you for an amazing mastopexy. I’ve never been so happy! The level of care you showed me and my family was fantastic.

Mastopexy, Patient KW

I love my new nose. It means so much to start my new job feeling confident.

Rhinoplasty, Patient NA

This seems so little in thanks for all you have done for me. It seems such a big step to take, but you gave me confidence and encouragement to go on with the operations. Thank you so much… I feel very honoured to have this operation performed by you.

Major scalp reconstruction, Patient PK

Thank you for the lovely job you did on me the other week. I am absolutely thrilled! Thanks for putting me at ease throughout.

Minor skin surgery, Patient GL

Thank you just doesn’t come close! Jacob looks absolutely amazing already and it’s thanks to you. You have changed his life in more ways than one. We really appreciate your knowledge, understanding and support. You are an inspiration. A million and one thank you’s again.

Craniofacial surgery, Patient JL

Thank you so much for fixing our daughter’s ears. They are looking so much better. We are very grateful for your expertise.

Prominent ear correction, Patient OR

Thank you so much to you and your whole team for changing my whole life! I’ve waited and wanted this operation for so long and now it’s done I cannot begin to tell you how much it’s changed my like. Thank you thank you thank you.

Abdominoplasty, Patient TS

I would like to thank you very much for my surgery that, for me, has been a complete success. It has given me loads of confidence and made such a difference to my life.

Breast reduction, Patient EW

I cannot thank you enough for the care and attention during my operation. You have truly changed my life and I am so grateful. I cannot be happier with the results. You and your team are inspirational. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.

Abdominoplasty, Patient KS

It’s been 10 and a half years since you saved my life in April and May 2006 from necrotising fasciitis. I am always grateful to you.

Emergency surgery, Patient MS

Following my brow lift procedure, I am writing express my great thanks for the treatment and care you have provided. The eyebrow is a brilliant result. I am now so much more at ease with myself and appearance.

Brow lift procedure, Patient GT