Anti-wrinkle treatments are a non-surgical injectable treatment used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial movement. By relaxing targeted muscles, these treatments help smooth the skin while maintaining natural expression. 

In this article, we will discuss the benefits of anti-wrinkle treatments as well as their safety and results.

What Are Anti‑Wrinkle Treatments?

Anti-wrinkle treatments are a non-surgical injectable treatment used to soften fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing targeted facial muscles. These treatments use a prescription-only muscle-relaxing drug and should be carried out by a qualified medical professional following a full and thorough consultation.

Anti-wrinkle treatments can help to:

  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
  • Prevent lines from becoming more pronounced over time
  • Create a smoother, more relaxed appearance while maintaining natural expression
  • Refresh the face without changing how you look
  • Improve symptoms of medical conditions such as Raynaud’s Disease and Hyperhidrosis
  • Reduce teeth grinding and jaw clenching

Anti-wrinkle injections are carefully placed into specific muscles depending on your concerns and facial movement to ensure only the targeted area is affected.

Common areas include:

  • Frown lines between the eyebrows
  • Forehead lines caused by repeated expressions
  • Lines around the eyes
  • Raised eyebrow lines
  • Smile lines which for some patients can sit lower on the cheeks
  • Around the mouth to relax depressor muscles

What are the Benefits of Anti-Wrinkle Treatments?

The benefits of anti-wrinkle treatments include reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing a fresher, more youthful look. These treatments are non-surgical, making them a popular option for those wanting visible results without invasive procedures or downtime.

Beyond the physical results, anti-wrinkle treatments can also have physiological benefits, having a positive impact on confidence.

Effectively softens dynamic wrinkles

Anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing targeted muscles that cause lines through repeated movement. This makes them especially effective for dynamic wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet around the eyes. By reducing muscle activity in these areas, the skin appears smoother while still looking natural and expressive.

Combats the appearance of ageing

As we age, repeated facial movements combined with reduced skin elasticity can cause wrinkles to deepen. Anti-wrinkle treatments help slow this process by reducing the muscle movement. The result is a fresher, more rejuvenated appearance without changing the natural character of your face.

Quick results without waiting months

Although results are not immediate, most people begin to notice visible improvements within 3 to 7 days after treatment. This gradual onset allows for subtle, natural-looking results rather than a sudden change. Full results are typically seen within two weeks, which is why follow-up appointments are often offered to ensure balanced outcomes if you are new to this treatment.

Minimal downtime

Anti-wrinkle injections are a quick, straightforward treatment that usually takes between fifteen and thirty minutes including a consultation or review of your previous treatment. There is no need for time off work or social downtime. Some patients may experience mild bruising, particularly around areas with increased blood flow such as the eyes, but this typically settles within a few days.

Non-invasive with no surgery required

Unlike surgical procedures, anti-wrinkle treatments do not involve incisions, anaesthetic or lengthy recovery periods. The treatment consists of a series of very small injections, making it a popular option for patients looking for noticeable results without the risks or commitment of surgery.

Can be used as a preventative treatment

Anti-wrinkle injections are not only used to soften existing lines but can also be used preventatively. By limiting excessive muscle movement, they help reduce the formation of new expression lines over time. This makes them an effective option for patients who want to maintain smoother skin as they age.

Can lift and balance facial features

When administered by experienced medical practitioners, anti-wrinkle treatments can be used strategically to lift certain areas of the face and improve facial symmetry. Treatments can help subtly elevate the brows, soften downward pull around the mouth and balance asymmetrical features, all while maintaining natural facial movement.

Improves confidence and self-esteem

Many patients  feel more confident and positive about their appearance following anti-wrinkle treatment. Looking refreshed rather than tired or stressed can have a significant impact on how people feel day to day, improving their self-esteem. 

Can you still show facial expressions after anti-wrinkle treatment?

Yes, you can and should still show facial expressions after anti-wrinkle treatments. Using a high-quality product and proper injection techniques ensures patients retain natural animation. The goal of anti-wrinkle injections is to reduce lines, not eliminate expression. It’s about looking refreshed, not frozen or unnatural.

How Safe are Anti-Wrinkle Treatments?

Anti-wrinkle treatments are considered safe when administered by a qualified medical practitioner. 

A doctor or qualified nurse prescriber:

  • Is trained to understand facial muscles and how they interact
  • Can accurately assess which muscles should and should not be treated
  • Knows how to tailor dosage and placement to your face
  • Understands how to preserve natural expression rather than over-treating
  • Will listen to your concerns, goals and create a bespoke treatment plan to ensure natural results

Safety is not just about how the treatment is performed, but also about the quality, regulation and origin of the products being used. Medical practitioners and accredited clinics are legally required to obtain prescription-only treatments from regulated pharmacies and authorised suppliers. 

This means products are:

  • Legitimate as they are directly from the manufacturer or a reputable supplier
  • Stored correctly to maintain their effectiveness
  • Handled according to medical safety standards
  • Prescribed specifically for the individual patient
  • Used within strict clinical guidelines

Non-medical providers do not have access to the same regulated supply chains, which increases the risk of counterfeits.

Anti-wrinkle injections are used not only for aesthetic purposes but also for medical treatments, including:

When Will You See Results From Anti-wrinkle Treatments?

Results from anti-wrinkle injections can vary from person to person.

  • Initial effects begin to appear after around 3 to 7 days
  • Full results develop within 10  to 14 days
  • A smoother and more relaxed appearance as the muscles soften

Anti-wrinkle treatments typically last around 3 to 4 months, although this can vary between individuals.

Factors that may affect longevity include:

  • Smoking
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • High levels of intense exercise
  • Skin quality and muscle strength

Looking after your skin, avoiding smoking and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can help prolong your results. To make the most of your consultation, read our guide on the five essential questions to ask during your anti-wrinkle injection consultation.

Anti‑Wrinkle Treatments at MediZen

At MediZen, we are a CQC-registered, medically-led aesthetic clinic in Sutton Coldfield, in Birmingham. We specialise in offering non-surgical anti-wrinkle treatments designed to provide natural-looking improvements without disrupting your normal lifestyle. Over the years, we have helped thousands of patients feel more confident in their appearance with injectable treatments. 

Our clinical director, Dr David Eccleston is a leading aesthetic doctor in the field of cosmetic injectables with over 25 years of experience in aesthetic medicine. Dr Eccleston underwent personal training with Professor Jean Carruthers, the renowned Canadian physician who pioneered the use of anti-wrinkle injections for cosmetic treatments in the late 1980s.

All anti-wrinkle treatments are carried out following a full medical consultation and prescribed by qualified professionals using licensed, regulated products. We take a personalised approach to every patient, focusing on subtle, balanced results that enhance your natural features rather than change them.

If you’re considering anti-wrinkle treatment and would like expert medical advice, book a consultation with our expert team here at MediZen. 

For a broader overview of how injectable treatments work and what options are available, check out our article on everything you need to know about injectable treatments.