Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Muscle Relaxing Injections)
Anti-wrinkle injections are most commonly used to treat the upper face, including frown lines, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet. This treatment is fully tailored to your individual facial anatomy and desired outcome.
Muscle relaxing injections work by temporarily relaxing targeted facial muscles, reducing movement that causes lines and wrinkles to form. This softens existing lines and helps prevent new ones from developing, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed, and youthful appearance. Many clients also report improved confidence and self-esteem following treatment.
Interestingly, research suggests that limiting the ability to frown may positively influence mood. By reducing the physical expression of negative emotions, anti-wrinkle treatments may contribute to a more positive emotional state.
How Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work
Anti-wrinkle injections using botulinum toxin are a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to treat fine lines and dynamic wrinkles of the upper face. As we age, repeated muscle movement combined with a natural loss of collagen and skin elasticity leads to the formation of lines and wrinkles.
Some individuals may develop wrinkles earlier due to genetic factors such as stronger facial muscles, thinner skin, or increased facial expressiveness. Lifestyle factors including sun exposure, smoking, and stress can also accelerate the ageing process and make wrinkles more noticeable.
Types of Facial Wrinkles
There are two main types of facial wrinkles: dynamic and static.
Dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle movement and are visible only when the face is animated, such as frowning or squinting. Anti-wrinkle injections are particularly effective for treating these wrinkles by relaxing the muscles responsible. Treating dynamic wrinkles early can also help prevent static lines from forming — prevention is always better than cure.
Static wrinkles are deeper lines that are visible even when the face is at rest. These develop over time due to gravity, repeated muscle movement, and a gradual loss of collagen and skin elasticity. Static wrinkles cannot be fully corrected with anti-wrinkle injections alone, as volume and hydration are also required. In these cases, dermal filler may be used to soften the lines, while anti-wrinkle injections help prevent further deepening.
Common Treatment Areas
Upper Face Treatments:
- Frown lines (11s): Lines between the eyebrows
- Forehead lines: Horizontal lines formed when raising the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet: Lines at the outer corners of the eyes when smiling or squinting
- Eyebrow lift: Subtle lifting of the brow tail or arch
Additional Areas That Can Be Treated:
- Bunny lines: Lines on the sides of the nose when scrunching
- Chin dimpling: Pebbled or dimpled appearance of the chin
- Downturned mouth corners: Softening drooping corners of the mouth
- Lip flip: Relaxing the upper lip muscle to enhance lip shape when smiling
- Smoker / lipstick lines: Softening fine lines around the mouth
- Gummy smile: Reducing excessive gum show by relaxing the upper lip muscles
- Hyperhidrosis: Treatment for excessive sweating (underarms, face, hands, feet)
- Bruxism: Reducing teeth grinding and jaw clenching by relaxing the chewing muscles
- Nefertiti Neck Lift: A technique targeting the jawline and neck to improve definition and lift using targeted injections along the platysma muscles
Treatment
The treatment is quick and generally well tolerated. The skin is thoroughly cleansed before small amounts of Botulinum Toxin Type A are carefully injected into the targeted facial muscles. A very fine needle is used to minimise discomfort. The number of injections required will vary depending on individual needs and the areas being treated.
When Will I See Results?
Anti-wrinkle treatments require only one treatment session, although a review may be recommended for some clients. Results are not immediate and typically begin to appear within 2–14 days. If there is still some muscle movement at this stage, a review appointment can be booked and a small adjustment dose may be administered. If the desired result has been achieved, no review is necessary.
Longevity & Maintenance
Results typically last around 3 months (12 weeks). Some muscle movement may gradually return from as early as 7 weeks, with full movement usually returning by approximately 13 weeks after treatment. To maintain optimal results, treatments are generally recommended every 3 months (around four times per year).
Aftercare
Detailed aftercare advice will be provided following your treatment to ensure the best possible results.