This might be because wrinkles make them appear older or more tired than they feel on the inside, or there may be other factors that negatively affect them – for example, they might often be asked why they are always frowning and in a bad mood. There are also individuals who might feel passed over in business settings, as they compete for jobs with younger colleagues; or as though the appearance of facial ageing limits their options socially.

Although representations in the media may make it seem that concerns about wrinkles are superficial, stem from vanity, and only affect women, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Both men and women can be negatively impacted by the appearance of wrinkles, and the effects can be far-reaching, interfering with their daily lives in more ways than simply when they’re looking in the mirror.

Contrary to their comedic portrayal in film and television, the goal of anti-wrinkle injections is not to paralyse the face or leave a person looking unnatural; but instead to restore a natural-looking refreshed appearance, using a precise medication dosage customised to the musculature of an individual’s face.

Anti-wrinkle injections might also be called ‘wrinkle relaxing treatments,’ ‘wrinkle reducing injections,’ or ‘toxin,’ and they are commonly referred to as Botox®, after the brand name of the drug – although not all anti-wrinkle injections are exactly the same. At Derma Reading, we only use Botox® injections.

Because the treatment is considered ‘cosmetic’ by most people, it is far less stigmatised than in the past, and may even be glamorised by some. It’s therefore important to note that in the UK, loopholes in regulation has allowed unscrupulous practices to be advertised and performed by unethical or unqualified practitioners. Anti-wrinkle injections should only ever be administered by a medical expert in a sterile clinical setting.

Prior to undergoing anti-wrinkle injections, you shouldn’t have to prepare much, but if you are taking certain medications, or have underlying medical conditions, your dermatologist will advise you of any special considerations prior to your appointment.

It’s best to avoid consuming alcohol or taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory tablets (such as ibuprofen) for at least 24 hours before treatment with antiwrinkle injections since they might cause complications like bleeding or bruising. Additionally, any makeup will need to be removed from the areas to be treated, and you shouldn’t use concealer directly after having injections, so you may want to keep that in mind when planning your day.

Some people may be uncomfortable or anxious about needles or have a history of reactions like dizziness or fainting when they have previously had injections or IV treatment. If this is the case, it will be helpful to advise the clinic when booking your appointment or to let the dermatologist know beforehand, so that they can make you more comfortable.

To determine whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment, you will first undergo a consultation with the dermatologist, who will take your medical history and examine the area to be treated.

You may be asked to make certain facial expressions, like frowning or smiling, so that the dermatologist can see how the musculature is working underneath your skin. They will also explain all of the potential side-effects, to enable you to decide whether the injections are the right treatment option for you.

If it is suitable to proceed, the area to be treated will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe, and sometimes the dermatologist might make tiny marks to indicate injection sites using a sterile pencil. These marks will not be visible after treatment.

The dermatologist, or in some instances, a highly-specialised dermatology nurse will then administer the Botox® injections in specific doses that correspond to the strength of the muscles in various parts of the face. These injections may feel like a sharp scratch, but they are not usually painful, and they don’t normally require any anaesthetic beforehand.

You will be given follow-up care instructions on what to expect and what to avoid after your treatment, and it is important to follow these instructions to the letter. Usually, the patient can leave the clinic straight away after, unless they are experiencing dizziness, in which case they may remain in the waiting room until they are feeling better.

The results of anti-wrinkle injections can take 1-2 weeks to fully take effect in individuals who have never previously had them, however, patients undergoing subsequent toxin treatment are likely to see the results more quickly.