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Anti-wrinkle injection works by blocking the signals from the nerves to the injected muscles. The muscles can no longer contract strongly, which causes the wrinkles to relax and soften. It is most often used on forehead lines, laughter lines and frown lines.

If dynamic wrinkles make you look older than you are, cosmetic "denervation" can smooth these out and give you a more youthful and pleasing appearance. However, this treatment cannot improve wrinkles due to aging and sun-damaged skin since they are unrelated to upper facial muscle contractions. Muscle relaxing injections will not improve sagging skin or replace the need for a facelift or brow lift.

The effects of anti-wrinkle injection usually last between five to six months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles might need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles usually appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.

Recommendation is to schedule treatments about every 6 months to help maintain a consistent appearance in the first year. From then on treatment can be delayed by a few months each time as your wrinkles have become less apparent. However, your cosmetic doctor will be able to make a recommendation that is tailored towards your personal expectations.

Unfortunately, anti-wrinkle injections are a temporary solution for the treatment of dynamic wrinkles. The effects of the injections last from five to six months. You will need to have injections about twice a year. The early clinical studies indicate that the duration of the treatment benefits is increased over time so that you should require fewer injections in the future. The duration of the effect varies from patient to patient and may be less effective for those over 65 years of age.

Anti-wrinkle injection is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. A topical anaesthetic cream may be applied to your skin to decrease the sensation of the injection. It generally takes between two to fourteen days to take full effect and it is best to avoid alcohol and exposure to excessive sunlight at least five days prior to treatment. Aspirin should be stopped two weeks before treatment in order to reduce bruising.

Vertical lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose

• Squint lines (crow's feet) at the corners of the eyes
• Horizontal lines on the forehead

Because anti-wrinkle injection is a natural, purified protein, over time anti-wrinkle injection is slowly absorbed and processed by the body.

A few simple measures may optimize the safety and improve the results of treatment. To minimize the risk of later bruising, it is recommended that patients discontinue any non-essential medications or dietary supplements that can cause thinning of the blood:

• Aspirin (2 weeks prior)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc)
• Fish oil supplements
• Vitamin E
• Gingko and ginseng
• Red wine

Anti-wrinkle injections require no downtime. Expect to resume your normal daily activities immediately. You may have headaches for a few hours after the treatment. Take care, though, not to rub or massage the treated areas. This can cause the toxin to migrate to a different area of your face. If this occurs, temporary facial weakness or drooping is possible.

The most common side effect is temporary bruising. Headaches, which resolve in 24-48 hours, can occur, but these are rare. Rarely, patients may develop eyelid drooping. This usually resolves in three to four weeks. This development is usually caused by migration of the anti-wrinkle injection and for this reason, you shouldn't rub the treated area for 12 hours after injection or lay down for three to four hours. There have been no allergies associated with anti-wrinkle injection to date.

• Droopy eyelids, which can last for a few weeks
• Feeling like you have the flu
• Headache and upset stomach

Since anti-wrinkle injection doesn't work for all wrinkles, a consultation with a doctor is essential.

• Those with allergies or sensitivity to ingredients in the anti-wrinkle injection
• Clients who are pregnant or trying for pregnancy, breastfeeding
• Patients with certain neuromuscular conditions (e.g. myasthenia gravis)
• Those with infections at the treatment site
• Patients taking aminoglycoside antibiotics or captopri preparation / typical procedure

No. You should only get anti-wrinkle injection in a clinic by a doctor. You should never share a tube of anti-wrinkle injection. Anti-wrinkle injections should be performed by doctors who are experts in skin care and facial anatomy. A typical visit usually takes 30 minutes, with a slightly longer visit in the case of a first-time patient for a lengthier discussion that explains the procedure and its side effects.

• Ask about the positives and negaties of anti-wrinkle injection
• Make sure your doctor is trained in the use of anti-wrinkle injection
• Make sure you get treatment in a clinic by a Doctor
• Emergency equipment should be on hand in case of a problem
• Do not use if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant
• Do not use if you are breast feeding
• Tell your doctor if you are taking antibiotics
• Tell your doctor if you have any problems with nerves or muscles

Anti-wrinkle injection treatment areas may include:

• Frown lines between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose
• Crow's-feet at the corners of the eyes
• Forehead creases

Not all facial wrinkles benefit from anti-wrinkle injections. Anti-wrinkle injection won't reverse wrinkles caused by sun damage. Also, it's less desirable to treat the lines around your mouth because muscles in this area are needed for eating and talking. Your skin type, skin thickness and degree of wrinkling all play a role in determining whether these injections are effective for you or not.