FAQs

Please see our most commonly asked questions below

What kind of results can be achieved?

In most cases, we soften the glabella lines dramatically; in some, we can completely erase them. It depends on how deep the wrinkles are and whether they have become ‘static’ wrinkles or not. See below for who is suitable or not. Anti-ageing injectables are by far the most effective treatment for upper face wrinkles and far superior to any skin treatments available. However, we always recommend a good skin care regime in combination. This is an area that, when treated, results in a restricted ability to frown. In our experience, this is not an expression people miss, so we usually recommend freezing it completely. In any case, though, you get some return of muscle activity around 6-8 weeks. Some people prefer a lower dose, so they can still frown. This is fine to do, but it may not remove the glabella creases, and your anti-wrinkle injections may not last the full 3 months. Patients often comment that nobody has noticed they have had anything done but have been told their skin looks great, and they look well rested. An added benefit of wrinkle-relaxing injections between your eyebrows is that they can give you a slight brow lift (not a full brow lift). For a full brow lift, you also need to treat the area around your eyes (crow’s feet).

Who is this treatment suitable and not suitable for?

If you target glabella lines before they become static wrinkles, which appear at rest without you moving your face, it is often possible to completely erase them. However, once those lines set in without you making facial expressions, i.e static wrinkles, the toxin does not work as well. This is because it works by freezing the muscle that is causing the wrinkle. If the wrinkles have set in, it will relax the muscles but not erase the wrinkle. However, in these cases, it will still soften the wrinkles; over time, it can reduce them dramatically with repeated treatments. If you have static wrinkles, we recommend combining anti-wrinkle injections with skin care treatments such as home retinol-based skin care, microneedling & peels. We therefore recommend people start doing preventative anti-wrinkle injections before their wrinkles set in, and the frequency of this can be less than normal. Often, people come every 6-9 months if it is more for prevention, and they don’t mind a few lines. The normal frequency is 3-4 months. If you have heavy wrinkles or are over 60, anti-wrinkle injections may not suit you. You can come for a consultation to discuss other options. We would then recommend focussing on skin rejuvenation treatments. Allergies to the toxin are exceedingly rare. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you cannot have this treatment.

How long does it last?

On average, the anti-wrinkle injectable lasts 3-4 months. It is normal to require treatments every 3 months in the first 2 years. Over time, it tends to last longer, and patients who have been doing it for some time come every 6 months. If you do it more for prevention and don’t mind a few lines, you can come every 6-9 months. When the toxin wears off, your wrinkles return to how they were before and are often softer. It does not make them worse in any way. It is not possible to get dependent on the toxin. The reason why people end up attending regularly is because they love the results and how effective a treatment it is. It is normal to start getting some movement around weeks 6-8, but this does not mean it has worn off early. It is a normal return to activity, but full activity takes 3-4 months.

What is the recovery/downtime?

You will have five small bumps that look like mosquito bites above and between your eyebrows that last no more than a few hours usually. Small bruises can happen which can sometimes take 2 weeks to resolve. These can usually be covered with makeup. We do not recommend wearing any makeup for 4 hours after. Please see the aftercare section for more information.

What are the side effects and risks?

Like all medical treatments, there are side effects and risks. Mild bruising is common as are headaches and cold-like symptoms. Sometimes the result can be slightly asymmetrical, especially if you had some asymmetry to begin with. This is usually simple to correct at your follow up appointment. Complications are rare with this treatment. A rare complication is an eyelid droop referred to as ‘ptosis’. If this happens, it only lasts a few weeks and not the duration of the anti wrinkle injections. We can also give you eye drops to correct it. Although this is not an area that usually needs a top-up (unlike forehead anti wrinkle injections), we still recommend all new patients come for a review follow up appointment between 2-3 weeks after so we can check the results and inject more at this point without any extra charge. We will then understand your anatomy better and will usually only need one appointment in the future. Therefore it is helpful to stick to the same injector who learns the special quirks about your face. It is important to follow the aftercare to minimise these risks and ensure you get the best result.

How painful is the treatment?

There is very minimal pain and hardly any patients require numbing cream. We use the tiniest needles available on the market. We recommend all patients take 1g of Paracetamol 1 hour before their appointment. We find patients sometimes find it a bit more painful around their menstrual cycle.

Duration

The appointment is 30 minutes long but the treatment itself is very quick, it usually takes 5 minutes. At your first appointment we will spend a bit more time assessing your face and discussing the treatment.

No. of sessions

The desired results will usually be achieved with the first session, but new patients will often need to come for the follow-up appointment free of charge (for wrinkle relaxing injections only) at the 2-3 week mark.

How will I look straight after?

You will have small bumps that will take a few hours to resolve. You may have a small bruise. Most people can go out and socialise the same evening. It takes 2 weeks for wrinkle relaxing injections to kick in. Most patients notice it starts taking effect from day 5.

How is it done?

We initially undertake a thorough assessment of your whole face and check how it appears at rest and facial expression. We take photographs and then mark out the area to be treated. Numbing cream is usually not needed. We then use the tiniest needles available on the market. It will feel slightly cold as the liquid is injected. It has the consistency of water. Most people say it feels like a pinch. The treatment is complete in 5 minutes.

Can it be reversed?

Wrinkle relaxing injections always wears off so no effect or even side effect is permanent. It is normal to start getting some movement around week 6-8, this does not mean it has worn off early. It is a normal return to activity but full activity takes 3-4 months. It is not possible to reverse wrinkle relaxing injections or remove them which is why we advocate a lighter approach on your first sessions as it is possible to add more at your follow up. However, if you do get a side effect such as asymmetry, it can often be improved by injecting more.

What is the aftercare?

Looking after your anti wrinkle injections

1. Please do not apply any pressure to the areas treated for the first 24 hours. The wrinkle relaxing injections have been placed into specific muscles very carefully and pressure can dislodge it.

2. Please stay upright for the next 4 hours after treatment

3. No exercise for 24 hours and avoid very intense exercise for the next 3 days

4. Please be careful with wearing hats and caps for the first 24 hours as that can also apply pressure.

5. No facials or facial massages/devices for one week. No eyebrow treatments ideally for 2 weeks.

How many units do I need?

This is completely dependent on individual anatomy. A standard amount for the glabella is 20 units. Men often need higher units.

Which brand do you use?

We use the original anti wrinkle injections brand in our clinic. It is more expensive than all other brands, but we feel it gives our patients the most reliable and long-lasting results.

How do I prepare before the appt?

Before your Appointment

1. Please stop using topical Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acids, Salicylic Acid and medication used to treat persistent or cystic acne 5 days before your treatment. This will minimise pain and bruising. However, you do not need to stop if you have been using these for a long time and your skin is likely to flare up without them. If you are on on prescription-grade cream to promote skin renewal and reduce breakouts, please get in touch before your appointment so we can discuss it and give individual advice.

2. Please stop using any Vitamin E supplements and Ibuprofen/Neurofen 5 days before your treatment. Please do not stop using any Aspirin (or any other medication) prescribed by your GP.

3. Laser treatments for the face, microneedling and chemical peels must be avoided 1 week before and after the treatment.

4. Please do not drink alcohol 24 hours before and after the procedure.

5. Make sure you eat something before your appointment and are well hydrated. This prevents feeling lightheaded during the procedure.

6. Taking 1 g of Paracetamol (2 tablets) 30 mins - 1 hour before your appointment is advisable as it will significantly reduce any discomfort during the procedure.

7. Please attend the appointment alone. There is limited space in the clinic and anybody with you will be asked to wait outside the building.

8. Please come to the appointment with makeup removed and minimal jewellery.

9. Please note, we cannot carry out any Dermal Filler treatments if you are due to fly in the next 3 days. This is because of the small risk of vascular occlusion in the first 48 hours. Wrinkle relaxing injections, Profhilo and Aqualyx are fine.

How does the pricing work?

There are different pricing structures. Please see price list for more information.