Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Is it Time to Consider Them?

While there is nothing wrong with fine lines and wrinkles, some of them can make us look sad, tired, or angry even when we are not. If you’ve noticed some around your eyes, brows, or forehead, it is normal to want to know what your options are for reducing their appearance and formation in the future. 

There is, of course, the issue of deciding if it is time to get anti-wrinkle injections or whether they are right for you. Also, what can you do to make sure you get your desired results? Continue reading as we explore anti-wrinkle injections and a few other related things that can help you make an informed decision. 

The basics of anti-wrinkle injections

Anti-wrinkle injections use a neurotoxin, also known as botulinum toxin type A, to temporarily relax or weaken certain muscles. Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacterium called Clostridium botulinum and is available under different brand names. It works by blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles, which then softens or relaxes the wrinkles. 

You can turn to anti-wrinkle injections to treat or improve the appearance of:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines between the brows or angry 11s 
• Crow’s feet or wrinkles in the corner of the eyes
• Lip or smoker’s lines

What can you achieve with anti-wrinkle injections? 

Before, botulinum toxin injections got a bad rap due to unnatural results from celebrities who were suddenly unrecognizable. Many became wary of such treatments because of the “frozen” or “plastic” look and completely emotionless faces. Fortunately, this has changed nowadays.

If you’re considering anti-wrinkle injectables and are worried about the “frozen face” look, it is good to know that you can avoid that with a qualified provider. Here at Cutis, we have aesthetic doctors that prefer a natural look. We can soften lines and wrinkles but still retain your natural expression. There is a revitalized skin appearance, so you’ll look refreshed and well-rested.  

Are anti-wrinkle injections safe?

Yes, they are among the safest cosmetic procedures available. Just make sure to go to a skilled and experienced injector and have a procedure done in a clinical setting. You should also choose a provider with a conservative approach and prefers a natural look, so you can still look you but more refreshed and energized.   

When administered by a qualified medical professional, there are minimal to no side effects. These may include:

• A localized pain in the injection site
• Bruising 
• Swelling
• Slight redness in the skin
• Mild headaches
• Extremely rare ptosis or drooping of the brow and eyelid

These are relatively minor side effects that resolve quickly. Swelling may last for a few hours or a day, while bruising may take between 2 and 3 days with some cases lasting up to 7 days, depending on several factors.

How soon do results show up and last?

You may see initial improvements after 4 to 5 days, but full effects appear after two weeks. You can enjoy maximum results 14 days post-injection. In most cases, the results will last between 3 and 4 months, or longer up to 6 months in some cases. Multiple factors can affect how the results will last. These include:

• Age
• Dosage
• Treatment area
• Metabolism
• Frequency of treatments

Once the effects wear off, you can consider touch-up treatments to maintain a well-rested look. If you, on the other hand, decide to stop getting anti-wrinkle injections, it is not true that your skin will become or look wrinklier. The treated area will just return to its pre-Botulinum toxin state. You also have to remember that the aging process is continuous, so the skin becomes thinner and more fragile, as well as prone to more wrinkling and sagging. 

Who can benefit from anti-wrinkle injections?

The most popular age groups for anti-wrinkle injections are those in their 30s and 40s. Botulinum toxin can produce great results in just a few sessions, with the patients looking more refreshed and a little bit younger. Those in their 50s and 60s can still get anti-wrinkle injectables, but they are often combined with fillers, peels, or lasers to address other aging concerns. 

Some people do consider getting botulinum injections in their mid or late 20s, which usually requires fewer injections with fantastic results. The choice is always yours, of course, but do take note that not every line or wrinkle needs to be polished or treated. Doing your homework and some advice from a reputable provider can help you make an informed decision.

If you’re younger but have prominent lines that are making you look tired, sad, or angry even when you’re not, botulinum toxin in Singapore is worth considering. It is also good to start with smaller doses and avoid treating your wrinkles aggressively. 

A good skincare routine with SPF and antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E) and some aesthetic treatments such as medical-grade facials and chemical peels can aid in reducing the look of early lines and wrinkles. 

When going to a clinic or a provider regarding anti-wrinkle injections

• Make sure your injector is a trained and qualified medical practitioner. 
• Book a consultation before finally deciding to have the procedure.
• Ask for a treatment plan that details the cost, the amount of work you need, and the frequency of treatment.
• Do your own research about the injectables, including the pros and cons.
• Give yourself enough time (or a couple of days) to think about what was discussed in your consultation and your own research before finally committing. 

Schedule a consultation with us

Want to know more about anti-wrinkle injection or if it is right for you? Call us at +65 6801 4000 and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors. We focus on patient education and a patient-centered approach to create a personalized treatment that suits unique needs and concerns.