ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTION*
[* The Belgian Federal Agency for medicines and health products forbids us to mention trademark names and even the generic name of used products /implants online]
What is an anti-wrinkle injection?
A wrinkle relaxing injection is an injection with a natural protein, used to reduce certain muscle activity. It has been used for years already to treat a wide range of medical conditions such as spastic muscles or migraines, in both adults and children. In the medical-aesthetic field, it is used as anti-wrinkle injection and as treatment for excessive sweating (armpits).
The main medical-cosmetic use for wrinkle relaxing injections is to improve expression wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet), eyebrow (frown) and forehead. These wrinkles form with time from (over)activity of muscles in these areas. Wrinkle relaxing injections can be used to temporarily weaken these muscles, causing the lines to diminish as the muscles which produced them no longer move. Wrinkle relaxing injections take away a stressed, worried or angry appearance, making you look younger and more relaxed.
Important to know is that Dr. Nelissen only uses so-called ‘A label’ products’ safely purchased through official pharmacies.
Tip: Please also have a look at our news blog with interesting facts about antiwrinkle injection.
Can wrinkle relaxing injections treat all wrinkles?
If it is used to treat lines that are very shallow, these often disappear completely. If the lines are deep and permanent (static wrinkles in rest state) then other treatments such as dermal fllers may be required if you wish the lines to be removed completely. This might be the case when you start with wrinkle relaxing treatments at an older age.
Can wrinkle relaxing injections prevent new wrinkles?
If you start regular treatments with wrinkle relaxing injections before permanent, static lines start, then you will delay and possibly prevent wrinkles appearing, helping to maintain a youthful appearance. Wrinkle relaxing injections relax the muscles that cause wrinkles; thus no new wrinkles are caused thanks to these ‘sleeping’ muscles. Wrinkle relaxing injections work wrinkle-preventive.
Will I still have expression?
A main concern for many patients is that the natural facial expressions are maintained (natural-looking results), as opposed to a ‘frozen/overdone look’.
For which areas are wrinkle relaxing injections possible?
- The upper part of the face: the forehead, frown wrinkle between the eyebrows and the crow’s feet around the eyes.
- Also for bands in the neck or dimples in the chin (cobblestone).
- Or in case of excessive sweating (armpits).
- It can also be used to lift and reshape the outer eyebrow, to reshape the jawline and even to help reduce teeth grinding.
How does the procedure work?
Wrinkle relaxing product is injected directly into the muscle using a tiny needle. As a result, the nerve can no longer (temporarily) activate the muscle. The wrinkle, caused by this muscle contraction, can no longer occur. All other nerve functions on site remain intact. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the discomfort associated with the injections is minimal. Most patients experience it as small pinching pricks, compared to a bug bite.
If necessary, the treated area is cooled with an ice stick, in order to numb the area and minimize discomfort. Before and after photos are taken.
The treatment itself only takes about 10 minutes.
Additional Service: check-up after 14 days
As a service, we advise the patient to come back after 14 days for a check-up and, if necessary, to get a free touch-up correction (up to 2 weeks after treatment). During this check-up the effect of this wrinkle relaxing injection can be explained again.
How long will the effect of the wrinkle relaxing injection last?
The effects will be noticeable a few days (2 to 10) after the treatment and last for several (3 to 6) months. The results often last longer with further successive treatments, as the benefits increase with each treatment. Treatment with wrinkle relaxing injections can be repeated unlimited.
Is wrinkle relaxing injection safe?
Research shows that wrinkle treatment with wrinkle relaxing injections is a very safe procedure. There are no major or known harmful side effects, at least if the treatment is done by an experienced doctor. It is also used in much higher doses in other medical disciplines for example to get more control over spastic muscles in the leg, to enable someone to walk again. However it cannot be used on pregnant or breast feeding women.
Preparation treatment
We will inform you about the necessary preparation.
Downtime
You can immediately resume your normal activities. The first days after the treatment you must avoid pressure on the treated area. Occasionally a temporary light swelling or bruising may occur. Any bruising can however be perfectly concealed with makeup and should be protected with a sunblock.
After a wrinkle relaxing injection of the forehead/eyebrows, some female patients, especially with excess skin of the upper eyelids, can have some difficulties with applying make-up to the eyelids the first weeks after treatment.
Your personal Anti-Aging Project
Read here about the importance of combination treatments and how we create a personal anti-aging program for each patient, the so-called “customised anti-wrinkle treatment“.
Before-and-After photos
Click here to see before-and-after photos for anti-wrinkle injections.
Price Indication
Click here to see the prices for anti-wrinkle injections.
Side-effects / complications
Complications with wrinkle relaxing injections are uncommon but can occur. The most common complication is partial eyelid droop (occurring in about 2% of injections), and eyebrow droop or asymmetry. This may last up to three weeks, after which it resolves itself. Please also read the patient package insert of Botox.