There is growing interest in anti-wrinkle treatments. What used to be an exclusive indulgence for A-list celebrities, has now filtered down to become an accessible treatment for wider society.

Ultimately, everyone wants to look young and beautiful and stay that way for as long as possible. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hype around the subject, and with that comes misinformation, misconceptions, and often enough a missed opportunity to understand how to get the most out of this effective anti-ageing treatment without taking it too far.

This article will clarify how anti-wrinkle treatments work and how long they last. Hopefully, by the end of this blog post, you can decide whether this simple, painless procedure is right for you.

What are anti-wrinkle treatments?

Anti-wrinkle treatments are non-invasive cosmetic procedures involving injections that relax muscles, preventing them from moving.

They are most commonly used on the face but can also be applied to the body.

Anti-wrinkle procedures are considered an anti-ageing treatment as they effectively smooth out deep wrinkles, creating younger-looking skin.

How do anti-wrinkle treatments work?

Anti-wrinkle treatments consist of a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyses muscle activity by blocking the nerve signals they need to move and function. By doing so, the muscles do not tense, preventing frown lines or creases from forming when you make facial gestures.

Beginning treatments at an early age can prevent and delay wrinkles from appearing because natural folds and creases that form when you make facial expressions are a material cause of wrinkles and facial lines later in life when your skin elasticity deteriorates with age.

By preventing the muscles from moving, your skin will maintain its shape and youthful appearance.

How long do anti-wrinkle treatments last?

There is a misconception about how quickly you will notice the benefit from anti-wrinkle injections, and how long the results last.

Most people believe the effect is instantaneous, lasts for a specific amount of time, and then your skin suddenly returns to normal, but actually, it is a gradual process of onset and decline.

This is because it takes time for your muscles to absorb the agent that blocks nerve signals and for your muscles to fully relax. Your muscles are used to moving and some signals will still get through in the early stages.

Typically, the result looks like this:

Before treatment: Muscles can move and lines and creases may be visible during facial expressions.

One week after treatment: You will have 60% of the benefit. Facial muscles will be less active and your skin much smoother.

Between 2-6 weeks following treatment: Your muscles will fully relax, and your skin will be completely smooth with all visible lines reduced or removed. At 6 weeks, you will be at the peak of your result enjoying 100% of the treatment’s effectiveness.

Between 6-8 weeks following treatment: Your muscles will gradually begin to activate, but you will retain around 80% of the result.

Between 9-12 weeks following treatment: Your muscles will continue to regain their functionality, but you will retain 40% of the result.

After 12 – 16 weeks of treatment: Your muscles will return to normal functionality, and it may be time to re-engage with treatment if you want to restore the result.

The results will vary from one individual to another. Several factors contribute to the duration of the results, including metabolism, age, skin condition, and how many prior treatments you’ve had.

Those with faster metabolisms will process the nerve agent quickly. Your body is constantly regenerating and that includes the production of neurotransmitters that counter the effect of the agent. This is more pronounced in younger individuals because their bodies regenerate at a faster rate, but also, they have greater elastin in their skin, so the decline is less noticeable.

On the other hand, there is another factor that is often overlooked: muscle density. Older patients have less muscle density, so the nerve agent has fewer signals to block and the results begin to last longer. The same is true for those who receive treatment regularly, no matter their age because muscle density will reduce in the treated area because of its lack of use. In those cases, it is not uncommon for treatments to last between 6-9 months.

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Must read: Skin Boosters vs Anti-Wrinkle Treatments

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Are anti-wrinkle treatments right for me?

Cosmetic procedures are a personal decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are pros and cons to every procedure and it’s important to weigh them up properly.

If you are conscious about the visible lines in your face, anti-wrinkle injections can reduce or eliminate them, giving you a more youthful appearance over time. At the same time, if you want to prevent lines from forming on your face or body, anti-wrinkle treatments can help prevent them.

Are anti-wrinkle treatments safe?

Anti-wrinkle treatments are deemed safe and millions of injections have been administered over several years, so the risk profile is well understood with very few complications, save for poor practitioners or those who overindulge in treatments beyond what is necessary or appropriate.

All cosmetic procedures come with inherent risks and that is why it is important to choose a qualified professional like Sadie Owens from Opulent Aesthetics in Purley. Sadie maintains a high standard of care ensuring that all risks are appropriately managed.

Will I look natural?

Most people who use anti-wrinkle treatments maintain their natural look. There are of course those who overindulge and excessive use can lead to an unnatural appearance. It is important to take a sensible approach to anti-wrinkle treatments.

Having said that, some people prefer to look less natural, but young, compared to older, with wrinkles, and that is a personal choice.

Opulent Aesthetics aims to provide the minimum treatment required to maintain a youthful and desirable look.

Final thoughts

Anti-wrinkle treatments are effective at smoothing out deep lines, facial marks and creases. If you engage in this treatment early enough it can even prevent wrinkles from forming or at least delay them significantly.

Our image is very personal to us and it is something we often take for granted while we are young, but grapple with its decline as we enter our mature years. Accessing this treatment provides a sense of control over something so important to us, however, it is important to stay mindful that these feelings are borne from insecurity, and while that is natural and OK, it is important not to let those feelings dictate our mindset or decisions.

There is something empowering about embracing ageing, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take steps to slow down or reverse it. Like anything, balance is key, and everything is ok in moderation.

Opulent Aesthetics is Purley’s premier cosmetic service provider. We take your image and health very seriously and aim to deliver the best outcome in improving your image and self-confidence.

We believe that you are already beautiful, and always will be, and we simply help you maintain that beauty naturally and for as long as possible. That’s the Opulent Aesthetics way.