Treatments
Understanding anti-wrinkle injections: consultation, effects and risks
A plain-language guide to how prescription anti-wrinkle injections are assessed, what temporary change they may offer, and which risks belong in an informed consultation.
This article provides general educational information only. It is not a diagnosis, personal medical advice or a substitute for assessment by an appropriate regulated health professional.
Anti-wrinkle injections use a prescription medicine to temporarily reduce the activity of selected muscles. In aesthetic care they are most often discussed for expression lines, such as frown lines, forehead lines and lines beside the eyes. They do not improve every kind of line, change the underlying ageing process or replace skin care.
The consultation comes first
A safe plan starts with the movement of your face, not a standard number of injection points. The physician needs to understand the change you want, examine the relevant muscles and decide whether treatment is appropriate.
The assessment also covers previous reactions, medicines and supplements, pregnancy or breastfeeding, infection near the treatment area, neuromuscular conditions, eye symptoms and prior facial procedures. Sometimes the right outcome is a smaller plan, a different treatment or no treatment.
What effects are realistic
The intended effect develops gradually rather than immediately. It is temporary, and both the amount of softening and its duration vary with the medicine, dose, treatment area, muscle activity and individual response.
The goal at London & Glow is proportionate softening while preserving a recognisable expression. A frozen appearance is not a required endpoint. Photographs and a review plan can help assess change more reliably than memory alone.
Common and less common risks
Small bumps, redness, tenderness or bruising can occur around injection points. Headache, temporary heaviness, asymmetry or an unwanted change in expression are also possible. Treatment around the upper face can occasionally cause eyelid or eyebrow droop, eye irritation or visual disturbance.
Rare spread of effect beyond the intended muscles can cause more serious symptoms. Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing needs urgent medical attention. Your physician should explain treatment-specific risks, aftercare and who to contact if something is not settling as expected.
Questions worth asking
- What are we treating, and what will this medicine not change?
- What dose and placement are proposed for my movement pattern?
- Which effects are expected, and which symptoms need prompt review?
- When should the result be assessed before considering more treatment?
At London & Glow, anti-wrinkle consultations and treatments are provided by Dr Sundeep Varma. Your consultation is the place to explore the degree of softening you would like and agree a plan that suits your natural movement.