Anti-wrinkle injections are a quick and simple, non-surgical solution to facial wrinkles and fine lines. The injections weaken facial muscles causing them to relax, resulting in a smoother, fresher appearance. They are most commonly used to give a fresher appearance to the crows feet, forehead and frown, but can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to the lower face, e.g. smokers lines, neck bands and around the mouth.
The answer to the question of how long they last depends on a variety of things outlined below.
These treatments work their magic by targeting the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles and fine lines. They temporarily block nerve signals to these muscles, causing them to relax and smoothen out the skin’s surface.
However, this relaxation isn’t permanent due to the dynamic nature of our facial muscles and the natural breakdown of the injected substance over time.
Anti-wrinkle does gradually wear off as the body processes the toxin through its natural lymphatic system, and therefore the efficacy of the anti-wrinkle product gradually depletes.
That means top-up treatments are necessary.
So naturally you’ll want to know, how often will you need treatments?
It’s great to know that anti-wrinkle, comparatively speaking, is a long-lasting treatment. Patients typically savour the outcomes for a span of 3–6 months, a testament to the quality and efficacy of this injectable.
It’s important to bear in mind that individual experiences may vary, and this can also vary according to age, metabolism and the area being treated.
Some zones of the face are more active than others, and therefore the muscle being relaxed is more active and requires more units of anti-wrinkle, with more frequent refreshes.
This window considers individual variations in metabolism, the specific product used, and the treatment area.
Areas with more robust muscle activity, like the forehead, might see effects wear off sooner than areas with less muscle movement, like the cheeks.
Moreover, the temporary nature of these treatments is often seen as an advantage, as it allows clients to adjust and fine-tune their appearance as desired over time. Regular touch-ups within this timeframe can help maintain the desired look while adapting to any changes in skin and muscle behaviour.
Monitoring Symmetry after Anti-Wrinkle Injections
When is it best to review symmetry if you feel like you have some asymmetry after anti-wrinkle injections? This question is very easy to answer using science.
After a muscle relaxant is injected, typically the results start to show at 2-8 days, they then continue to increase up to 4 weeks after the treatment was performed. The results are then stable until approximately 8-10 weeks, and then movement starts again. At 12 weeks, movement is about 50% back to normal and at 16 weeks, movement is about 80% back to normal.
Before the 4 week (maximal effect) mark, there may be one side or area that kicks in earlier or stronger than the other. Reviewing the results in terms of symmetry, before the drug has reached its maximal effect, is not very useful. The drug needs to reach its maximal effect so that the symmetry can then be assessed and potentially treated. Treating asymmetry before 4 weeks after injections is not advised as the maximal effect hasn’t been reached, so injecting more product may lead to an increase in side effects like brow or lid droop. Patients can be very impatient, but practitioners need to be guided by the science.
Maintaining Your Anti-Wrinkle Injection Results
For a successful anti-wrinkle injection, the product should stay in the same position as where it was injected. For example if you have anti-wrinkle injections for forehead lines, the product should stay in the forehead area.
There are some general aftercare guidelines that are worth adhering to post treatment, to maximise the results and longevity of your anti-wrinkle injections and decrease the risk of the anti-wrinkle product moving south and causing drooping brows/eyelids or ending in a poor cosmetic result.
Here is what you should avoid:
- Rubbing or massaging treated areas for 5 days. Gentle cleansing is fine,
- Excessive alcohol consumption 24 hours before and after treatment,
- Strenuous activity or intensive exercise for 24 hours after treatment,
- Lying flat within 4 hours post treatment,
- Bending forwards or downwards for an extended time, such as in yoga or Pilates movements,
- Facial treatments including laser, peels, needling and waxing for one week post treatment.