Anti-Wrinkle Injections & Muscle Relaxants

Finding out more about toxins

Introduction 

‘Anti-Wrinkle injections’ or ‘Muscle Relaxant injections’ are toxins which are used for a range of different medical and cosmetic procedures. You may hear these procedures also being referred to as toxin injections or individual product names like ‘Botox’.

The purpose of having these procedures is to help release and relax muscle tension by targeting specific areas. 

Toxin injections are used to mainly relax individual muscles on the face and neck to leave a smooth, revitalised youthful look. 

Some of  the main areas which clients look to have treated include – Forehead lines, Frown lines, Crow’s feet, Under eye lines, Bunny lines, Masseter muscle release, Gummy smile, Lip lines, Downturn mouth, Dimple chin and Neck bands, 

What’s involved

Botulinum toxins are classed as POM’s (prescription only medicines) which means that they need to be prescribed by a qualified medical prescriber. Before any toxin treatments can go ahead the client will need to have a consultation from the prescribing professional to make sure the client is able to continue to have the treatment. Once this has been completed the product is then ordered ready for the client. 

The treatment itself normally only takes around 20 minutes, depending on pre-treatemnt consultations, medical forms, and business protocols – We recommend allowing an hour for the whole treatment time. 

Before the treatment the professional will normally ask you to make facial expressions if having (anti-wrinkle injections) to see the specific area to inject. Small gauge needles are used to help ensure minimal discomfort; multiple areas will be injected depending on the specific treatment area. 

The practitioner will then answer any questions or quires the client may have post treatment, along with giving post treatment aftercare.

How long does it last

The products life span is around a 12-16 week period this will very much depend on the individual person and their anatomy, lifestyle etc. Most individuals who have toxin injections will schedule in with their practitioner on this basis over the course of the year. It is important to note that clients may have an additional appointment for any tweaks when the toxins start to relax a specific muscle area. 

Toxin’s need to settle into the muscle, a client should not expect to see instant results. It can take 2 to 3 days for the product to start working and a further 2 to 3 weeks to see the full effect. 

When should you NOT have toxin injections? 

It is not recommended for an individual to have this procedure if – If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you take certain other medicines (it is recommended to consult your GP before booking any cosmetic injection procedures) If you have a skin infection or if you have a neuromuscular condition.

Side effects and Risks 

You may notice the following – Swelling, bruising and redness at the point of needle entry point, headaches in the first 24 hours, reduced muscle movement, ptosis – eyelids or eyebrows may temporarily drop (blepharoptosis). In most cases the above side effects subside between day 2 to 7.

When to seek advice

It is recommended to seek further advice if you notice persistent redness couple with a shooting pain if you have persistent swelling or pain and if you have extensive skin blanching. 

Points to note (these may vary from practitioner to practitioner)

Ptosis can be caused from a singular treatment or by having multiple treatments within a 12-16 week period, it is recommended not having any additional toxin injections until this time has passed. 

Avoid touching the needle injection after the procedure to minimise any chance of an infection.

The consumption of alcohol can have adverse effects on the desired cosmetic results. 

Smoking can have adverse effects on the desired cosmetic results. 

Decorative cosmetics i.e. – Make up, skin products are not recommended for the first 24-hour period.

It is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity for 72 hours after the procedure – Prolonged physical activity can have adverse effects on the products life span.

Overheating the injection area (including direct sunlight and sunbeds) can have adverse effects on the desired cosmetic results. 

Extreme changes in temperature like – hot baths, hot showers, saunas and hot tubs can have adverse effects on the desired cosmetic results. 

Massaging or putting too much pressure on the treated area can have adverse effects on the desired cosmetic results. 

Summary 

When looking at costing vs results in skincare, toxins are a strong favourite amongst clients. Anti-wrinkle injections are an effective way to ensure a younger more revitalised look as opposed to surgical procedures.

The procedure itself is quick and relatively pain free, while the risks and side effects are generally minimal. You can expect to pay between £100 – £400 depending on the treatment area(s) and the toxin brand used. It is important to be aware of the toxin used for your appointment for medical reasons. The results can last for 3-4 months on average. 

Toxin injections help to remove deep lines and wrinkles, which most skincare products struggle to do. The visible results which can be achieved from these injections, means the popularity of this procedure remains very high. 

Even though toxin injections can be a very good way of helping to achieve a smooth, revitalised youthful look. It is important to remember that the variables within your lifestyle will have an impact on the clients desired results.