Maybe you have been researching anti-wrinkle treatments and came across MediZen online or perhaps you have been recommended to us by someone you trust. Either way, if it is your first time visiting a clinic like ours, it is completely normal to feel a little nervous when you are not sure what to expect.

In this article, we will walk you through exactly what happens during your first anti-wrinkle treatment, so you can feel at ease before your appointment.

Do I Need a Consultation Before My First Anti-Wrinkle Injection Treatment?

Yes, every new patient at MediZen has a proper one-to-one in-person consultation with one of our doctors or nurses before any type of injectable treatment goes ahead. This is your chance to talk through your aesthetic goal or concerns and ask questions to get a clear picture of what’s realistic.

Our practitioners won’t push you towards more than you came in for. If you only want to soften a forehead line, that’s what we’ll focus on. The consultation is also where we’ll review your medical history and confirm the treatment is suitable for you.

Read our article to learn more about what to ask during your anti wrinkle treatment consultation.

Why Do You Need a Consultation First?

Anti-wrinkle injections work by temporarily relaxing the muscle activity that causes lines to form. But what works beautifully for one person may not be right for another. 

Anti-wrinkle injections work specifically on dynamic wrinkles, which are lines caused by facial movement and expression. These are the kind that form when you smile, frown, squint or raise your eyebrows. They are not the same as static wrinkles, which are present at rest and caused by volume loss over time. Your practitioner will assess which type of lines you have during your consultation, because the right treatment depends entirely on understanding what is actually causing them.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections are also a prescription-only medication, meaning a consultation is required in the exact same way it would be for any other medication.

What Happens on the Day of My Anti-wrinkle Treatment?

Once you have had your consultation and are happy to go ahead, the treatment itself is quick and straightforward. Here is how the appointment typically runs:

Treatment Information & Consent

Your practitioner will take some pictures of the treatment area, they will talk through the treatment process with you, explaining any risks, downtime and expected results. They will ask you to read through a consent form and sign to confirm you understand and are happy to go ahead with treatment.

Facial assessment

Your practitioner will ask you to make a series of natural facial expressions, frowning, raising your eyebrows, smiling and squinting. This allows them to map exactly where the muscle movement is happening and identify the precise injection points.

The treatment 

You will be asked to lie comfortably on the treatment bed, the area will be cleaned and prepared ready for treatment to begin. The injections are carried out using very fine needles which most people describe the sensation as a brief sharp pinch at each point, usually lasting only a second. The number of injection sites varies depending on the areas being treated, but the whole process typically takes around fifteen minutes. 

Aftercare guidance 

Before you leave, your practitioner will take some further pictures and go through your aftercare instructions with you. These are also sent to you in your treatment confirmation email so you have them to refer back to. You will then be ready to leave, don’t forget to book your review appointment on your way out!

Our team will always provide you with our emergency contact number after your treatment just in case you need to get in touch with us out of hours. 

Will it Hurt? What Does the Needle Actually Feel Like?

This is a common question from first-time patients, and understandably so. The honest answer is that discomfort is minimal for most people and is described as a quick, sharp pinch.

The needles used for anti-wrinkle injections are very fine, much finer than a standard blood test needle. If you are particularly anxious about needles, just tell your practitioner at the start. They will talk you through each step as it happens so you feel prepared, reassured and comfortable.

When Will I See Results, and How Long Do They Last?

  • Days 3 to 7: initial effects begin to become visible
  • Days 10 to 14: full results are typically apparent
  • 3 to 4 months: how long results generally last before a maintenance treatment  is needed

The gradual onset is actually one of the things that makes results look so natural. There is no sudden change overnight. People around you are far more likely to comment that you look well-rested and refreshed than to guess you have had anything done.

What if I’m Worried About Looking Overdone?

This is one of the most common concerns we hear, particularly from first-time patients. The answer is that natural-looking results from anti-wrinkle injections come down entirely to the skill and experience of your practitioner. When treatments are carried out with a deep understanding of facial anatomy and muscle movement, you will still look like yourself, just more refreshed and confident. A big part of achieving this safely is ensuring your treatment is performed by a qualified medical practitioner or doctor.

At MediZen, all of our injectors have been personally trained by our founder and clinical director, Dr David Eccleston. He was named by The Times as one of the UK’s top ten anti-ageing doctors and by Tatler as the Midlands’ go-to name for injectables. When you sit down for your consultation, you are in exceptionally experienced hands.

How do I know I am Choosing a Safe Clinic for Anti-wrinkle Injections?

The UK aesthetics industry is not yet fully regulated, which means the standard of care varies enormously between clinics.

At MediZen, we are a doctor-led aesthetics clinic in the Midlands registered with the Care Quality Commission, the same independent body that regulates NHS services. We are also registered with Save Face, the government-approved register for non-surgical aesthetic treatments.

When choosing a clinic for anti-wrinkle treatments, look for these things:

  • Medical leadership and qualified practitioners performing treatments
  • CQC registration and accreditations
  • A mandatory consultation before any treatment begins
  • Honest, unpressured communication
  • A clear review process after treatment

Our injectable team is made up entirely of doctors and nurses, who prioritise patient safety. They are all personally trained by Dr David Eccleston, who has been performing anti-wrinkle injections for over twenty-five years.

Ready to Book Your First Anti-wrinkle Consultation at MediZen?

The best place to start is by booking a consultation with our experienced team at MediZen. It is your opportunity to have a proper conversation about your concerns, ask every question you have and find out what is possible for you.

We are based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, with clinic hours that include evenings and Saturdays. You can book online, call us directly or send a message if you would prefer to start that way.