Anti-Wrinkle Injections: What to Expect

Who is suitable for anti-wrinkle injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections are suitable for most healthy adults who wish to soften facial lines and wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement. The treatment is most commonly sought by patients between the ages of 25 and 65, although there is no strict upper or lower age limit. Some patients in their late twenties or early thirties seek treatment preventatively — aiming to slow the development of lines before they become deeply established — while others in their fifties and sixties use anti-wrinkle injections as part of a broader facial rejuvenation plan alongside other treatments such as dermal fillers or skin-tightening procedures.

The most commonly treated areas are the glabellar complex (the frown lines between the eyebrows), the lateral canthal lines (commonly known as crow’s feet around the eyes), and the horizontal forehead lines. Other areas that can be treated include bunny lines on the nose, a gummy smile, dimpling of the chin, downturned corners of the mouth, platysmal bands on the neck, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in the underarms, palms, or forehead.

During your consultation, your doctor will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, and muscle movement patterns to determine which areas would benefit from treatment and how many units are likely to be needed. This individualised assessment is one of the most important parts of the process — a skilled practitioner treats the person, not simply the wrinkle.

Anti-wrinkle injections are not suitable for everyone. You should not have treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome should not receive anti-wrinkle injections. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, have an active skin infection in the treatment area, or have a known allergy to any component of the product, your doctor will advise against treatment. During your consultation at Berkshire Aesthetics, Dr Langdon will take a full medical history to ensure treatment is clinically appropriate for you.

Results and how long they last

Anti-wrinkle injections do not produce immediate results. The prescription medicine takes time to take effect, and most patients begin to notice a softening of their lines within three to five days of treatment. However, it can take up to fourteen days for the full effect to develop, and we advise patients not to judge their results until at least two weeks have passed. The treatment typically reaches its peak effect at around two to four weeks after injection.

At Berkshire Aesthetics, we offer a complimentary review appointment at two weeks post-treatment. This allows Dr Langdon to assess your results, check for symmetry, and make any minor adjustments if needed. This review is an important part of the treatment process and is included as standard — it is one of the advantages of choosing a clinic that prioritises clinical outcomes over volume.

The results of anti-wrinkle injections are temporary. For most patients, the effects last between three and four months, after which muscle activity gradually returns and the lines begin to reappear. Some patients find that with regular treatment over time, the effects seem to last a little longer, as the muscles become conditioned to reduced activity.

Several factors can influence how long your results last. These include the strength and size of the muscles being treated, your metabolism (patients with faster metabolisms may find the effects wear off more quickly), the dose used, and how physically active you are. Patients who exercise very intensely or very frequently sometimes report a shorter duration of effect, although this is not universal. Your doctor will discuss expected longevity during your consultation, based on your individual presentation.

Aftercare and maintenance

Good aftercare helps to optimise your results and reduce the risk of side effects. After your anti-wrinkle injection treatment, you will be advised to remain upright for at least four hours and to avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas for twenty-four hours. This helps to prevent the product from migrating away from the intended injection sites.

You should also avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and excessive alcohol consumption for the first twenty-four hours after treatment. While these precautions are based on practical experience rather than large-scale clinical trials, they are widely recommended by experienced practitioners and are considered good practice.

Some patients notice that gently contracting the treated muscles (for example, frowning or raising the eyebrows) in the hours after treatment seems to help the product take effect. While the evidence for this is anecdotal, it is commonly suggested by practitioners and is unlikely to cause any harm.

In terms of long-term maintenance, anti-wrinkle injections are not a one-off treatment. Because the effects are temporary, most patients return for repeat treatment every three to four months to maintain their results. Over time, your treating doctor will get to know your face, your preferences, and your response to treatment, allowing for increasingly refined and personalised results. Some patients find that after several rounds of treatment, they can extend the interval between sessions slightly.

At Berkshire Aesthetics, we take a long-term approach to treatment planning. Rather than treating each appointment in isolation, Dr Langdon considers your overall facial harmony and how anti-wrinkle injections fit within a broader plan that might include other treatments such as dermal fillers, skin boosters, or skin-tightening procedures. This holistic approach tends to produce the most natural and satisfying results.