Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Treatment Advice & Aftercare
Updated: Oct 5
Before & After Your Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
Anti-wrinkle injections use small amounts of botulinum toxin type A to temporarily reduce the activity of selected facial muscles.
This can soften the appearance of expression lines such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet while maintaining a natural-looking result.
At Eco Skin Clinic, anti-wrinkle injections are prescribed and administered following an appropriate medical assessment.
Before Your Treatment
Very little preparation is normally required.
Before your appointment:
Avoid alcohol for around 24 hours if possible, as this may increase bruising.
Avoid irritating skincare, waxing or other treatments that have left the area inflamed.
Tell us about all medication, supplements and herbal remedies you take.
Tell us if you take medication that affects bleeding or bruising.
Let us know if you've recently taken antibiotics or started any new medication.
Tell us about previous botulinum toxin treatments, including when and where you were treated.
Tell us if you've recently had dermal fillers, skin boosters, facial surgery or another advanced facial treatment.
Let us know if you're unwell or have an infection on the day of your appointment.
Tell us if your health or medication has changed since your consultation.
Do not stop prescribed medication for treatment unless the healthcare professional who prescribed it has advised you to do so.
Is Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Suitable for Everyone?
Anti-wrinkle injections are prescription-only treatments and your suitability will be assessed individually.
Please tell your practitioner if you:
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have an infection or inflammation at the proposed injection sites
have previously had an allergic reaction to botulinum toxin or any of the product's ingredients
have a condition affecting your nerves or muscles
have problems with swallowing or breathing
have a significant bleeding disorder
take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication
have recently taken certain antibiotics or medicines that affect nerve or muscle function
have recently had surgery
have previously experienced an unexpected reaction to botulinum toxin
have a significant medical condition or your health has recently changed.
Your prescriber will decide whether treatment is appropriate for you.
What Does Treatment Feel Like?
Very small amounts of the product are injected into carefully selected muscles using a fine needle.
Most clients describe the injections as brief pinpricks.
The treatment itself is usually relatively quick, although your appointment also allows time for assessment, discussion and treatment planning.
What to Expect Afterwards
Immediately after treatment you may notice:
small raised bumps at the injection points
mild redness
tenderness
occasional bruising
mild swelling.
The small bumps usually settle relatively quickly.
Some people experience a temporary headache following treatment.
When Will I See the Result?
Anti-wrinkle injections do not work immediately.
You may begin to notice an effect within the first few days, with the result developing gradually afterwards.
We wouldn't promise an exact day because response varies between clients and treatment areas.
The effect is temporary and gradually wears off as muscle activity returns.
Aftercare
For the first few hours after treatment:
Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas.
Avoid unnecessary pressure over the injection sites.
Leave the small injection points clean.
Follow any additional instructions given by your practitioner.
For the remainder of the day, we recommend avoiding:
strenuous exercise
saunas, steam rooms and excessive heat
facial massage
other facial treatments that involve pressure over the injected areas
excessive alcohol.
You can otherwise continue with your normal daily activities.
Do I Need to Stay Upright?
A sensible approach is simply to avoid rubbing, massaging or putting prolonged pressure on the injected areas immediately after treatment.
There's no need for clients to become anxious about bending over briefly or carrying out ordinary activities.
Makeup & Skincare
Where possible, allow the injection sites to settle before applying makeup.
When applying skincare or makeup later, do so gently and avoid vigorous rubbing or massage.
Use clean hands and makeup applicators.
Other Facial Treatments
Avoid facial massage and treatments involving significant manipulation, pressure or heat immediately following treatment.
If you're planning facials, microneedling, radiofrequency, laser, skin peels, facial acupuncture or another injectable treatment, ask us about appropriate timing.
Your Review Appointment
The effect develops gradually, so the final result shouldn't be assessed immediately after treatment.
If your practitioner has recommended a review appointment, this allows the result to be assessed once the treatment has had time to take effect.
Any additional treatment should only be performed where clinically appropriate rather than automatically assuming everyone requires a 'top-up'.
Possible Side Effects
Most side effects are temporary and related to the injection itself.
These can include:
redness
swelling
bruising
tenderness
headache.
Less commonly, treatment can cause temporary effects associated with weakening a nearby muscle, such as:
eyelid or eyebrow drooping
facial asymmetry
altered facial expression.
These effects are usually temporary, but please contact us if you experience something unexpected or concerning.
When Should I Contact Eco Skin Clinic?
Please contact us if you experience:
significant or worsening swelling
increasing redness, heat or pain
signs of infection
an unexpected change in facial movement
eyelid or eyebrow drooping
troublesome asymmetry
visual symptoms
another reaction that concerns you.
Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Serious reactions to botulinum toxin are rare.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, severe weakness or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Tell the healthcare professional that you have recently received botulinum toxin injections.
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