Wrinkle relaxing injections affect the ability of injected muscles to contract by blocking nerve signals to them. Weakening specific muscles temporarily minimises their effect on the overlying skin and reduces dynamic wrinkles; those we get when moving this muscle. E.g. injecting the forehead muscles ‘frontalis’ reduces expressive forehead wrinkles when raising our eyebrows.  These injections can also be used very superficially in the skin to block nerve signals to sweat glands and thus reduce excessive sweating in areas like the armpits (axilla). 

Injected muscles treated with wrinkle relaxing injections will often see results from 3 days, but the full result will not be assessable until 2 weeks. Superficial sweat glands usually respond within a week.

Static wrinkle lines, those seen when the muscle is relaxed can also be treated with wrinkle relaxing injections. By reducing the movement of the muscle over time the overlying skin gradually plumps back out. This often requires successive treatments and the results generally take several treatments to become more apparent. 

What happens if I choose to proceed?

If you chose to have wrinkle relaxing injections, you will have:

• A face to face consultation with our doctor
• The opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns 
• Photographs of the proposed treatment areas before treatment
• Your chosen areas treated
• A recap of aftercare and the opportunity to ask any questions again

You will also receive written aftercare advice and be offered a follow-up appointment to review your treatment in approximately 2 weeks.

Do the injections hurt? 

Most patients find the injections only cause mild, temporary discomfort. We can offer a local anaesthetic cream if required though most patients do not find this necessary. If you do wish to have a numbing cream applied, this will need to be applied for around 15-20 minutes prior to injecting

How will I look after the treatment? 

Immediately after the injection there may be small blebs which resolve within a few hours. Mild swelling or bruising can occur and usually subsides within 24-48 hours. You may notice some heaviness in the injected muscles (especially in the forehead) soon after treatment and this is completely normal. 

How many treatments will I need?

After 2 weeks additional wrinkle relaxing injections can be added if required to attain the desired result; this can be done at your review.

Repeat treatments are usually administered approximately every 3 months though this varies depending on you and your lifestyle - our doctor will discuss with you.