Anti-Wrinkle Injections

A dermatologist can perform the treatment during a single office visit. Patients can return to most everyday activities immediately after the procedure. 

After receiving anti-wrinkle injections, it may take a few days for the effects to become noticeable, and the full effects typically develop over the course of 1-2 weeks.

During the first few hours after the injection, it’s common to experience some redness, swelling, or mild bruising at the injection site. Some people may also experience mild headaches, flu-like symptoms, or a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the treated area.

The results of anti-wrinkle injections generally last for 4-6 months, but this can vary depending on the individual and the area being treated.

The effects of anti-wrinkle injections are not permanent because the affected nerves sprout new endings. After around three months, a working connection between the nerve and muscle is re-established. However, an element of atrophy (muscle wasting) occurs with each injection. This incremental atrophy explains why the interval needed for a second treatment can gradually lengthen following repeated injections.

2 Weeks Before the Treatment

Make sure you schedule your anti-wrinkle injections appointment at least 2 weeks prior to any special occasions, such as a vacation or a wedding. Results from the injections take around 4-7 days to appear.

You should also avoid blood thinning medications and anti-inflammatory medicines for the 2 weeks leading up to your treatment. Also, avoid aspirin, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Omega 3/Fish Oil supplements, and NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Advil. All of these can thin your blood, increasing the likelihood of you experiencing swelling or bruising after anti-wrinkle injections. Discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have. It may not be prudent for you to stop taking certain prescription medications.

1 Week Before the Treatment 

Avoid foods that contain Garlic (and Consider Using Arnica). Eating garlic can increase your chances of bruising after the injections. We advise patients should not consume food with garlic for seven days before their procedure.

Dr Miller also suggests her patients to take arnica, a natural herb, to minimise bruising following treatment.

48 Hours Before the Treatment

2 days before your procedure, you should stop using topical vitamin A. Also, please do not take it for the 2 days following your anti-wrinkle injections.

Reschedule your appointment if you have a cold sore or an acne breakout on the target area. If you are prone to cold sores, let us know. You may be given anti-viral medication during your visit.

24 Hours Before the Treatment

Alcohol has a blood thinning side effect. Do not drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours before your treatment.

Make sure you eat a healthy, nourishing breakfast on the morning of your procedure. If your appointment is later in the day, ensure you eat close to your appointment. This will prevent you from becoming faint or lightheaded during your treatment.

Here are what you can expect to avoid following your anti-wrinkle injections; 

• Touching the Injection Site: If you are new to anti-wrinkle injections, you may be tempted to massage the injection site. Resist that desire and leave the area alone. Your skin needs time to recover from the treatment. If you aggravate the injection site by rubbing or massaging the area, you will slow down your healing process.
  
  Do not touch, massage, or rub the affected area for at least 24 hours to prevent the medication from spreading to other muscles.
  After 6 hours, you may gently wash the injection site with soap and water, but not before.

• No Strenuous Activities and Exercise: You need to allow the ingredients in the injections to settle into your body. Plan to avoid exercising or strenuous activity for 24 hours after botulinum toxin injections.

• Avoid Napping Face Down: Most people recover from the treatment within 2-4 hours. You might feel like taking a nap after your treatment, but you should avoid lying down for the first 4 hours. While sleeping, you may inadvertently roll onto your stomach and press your face against your bed or pillow. This may cause the medication to slide into your eyes and cause drooping eyelid. Give yourself something to do in that first 4-hour window, and then you can take a nap. If you can sleep face-up for the next few days following your anti-wrinkle injections, even better.

• No Drinking: One of the most important post- injection instructions is to avoid drinking for at least 1 day following the treatment. It is in your best interest to avoid alcohol to reduce your risk of negative side effects including bruising.

• Don’t Take Blood Thinners: Consult with your family doctor before resuming any blood thinning medications. If possible, do not take any blood thinners for several days after your botulinum toxin injections.

• Avoid Exposure to Heat: After your treatment, you need to avoid being out in the heat, tanning, self-tanning beds, or heat lamps for 72 hours following your treatment. You should not expose yourself to excessive heat until all the redness and swelling have gone from the injection site.

• No Facials:  aftercare includes avoiding facials, laser treatments, or microdermabrasion for a minimum of 10 days following your procedure. Remember that the results will begin to appear 3-7 days after your treatment. Give your face time to recover before undergoing other treatments.

Relieve Symptoms After the Procedure

If you have any discomfort following your treatment, you may take Paracetamol as needed. Applying a cool compress on the injection site can help reduce swelling.

Place the cool compress on the site for 15 minutes every hour. If you have swelling, you can prop up your mattress or head with pillows to help bring the swelling down.

Bottom Line on Post Treatment care

The results of the treatment can take up to a week to appear. If you did not get the results you wanted, you may need additional anti-wrinkle injections for the desired effects. Hence, we advise to come back for a follow up and top up after 2 weeks.

In very rare cases, anti-wrinkle injections can cause more serious side effects, such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing. These symptoms can occur hours to weeks after the injection and should be immediately reported to a healthcare provider.

It’s essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by the healthcare provider who administered the injection, which may include avoiding certain activities or medications for a period of time after the injection. It’s also important to remember that anti-wrinkle injections should only be administered by a licensed and trained healthcare provider.