There has been a lot of talk lately about various non-surgical cosmetic procedures, but it seems that anti-wrinkle injections have taken the lead. And this is hardly surprising considering it’s fast, relatively pain-free, and you could see the results and enjoy the effects in days. Furthermore, unlike other treatments that purportedly banish wrinkles and fine lines, anti-wrinkle injections work! Also, it’s a safe method that has been done for years, and you don’t have to go under the knife. But what is it all about? Here’s an overview of anti-wrinkle injections and why it works.

The benefits

Anti-wrinkle injections have more than a few benefits under its belt, namely:

• It softens wrinkles and prevents their formation

Perhaps the most well-known benefit is that it can soften fine lines and wrinkles and even prevent them from forming again. The primary purpose of anti-wrinkle injections is to remove lines and wrinkles, at least temporarily. But it can also serve as a preventative measure that softens current lines and prevents them from getting deeper.

• It makes you look well-rested

Aside from tackling lines and wrinkles, anti-wrinkle injections make you look well-rested – it’s all too true that with age and the repeated movement of the muscles, frown lines will settle, so the face looks fatigued even if you’re not doing anything! These static lines make us look tired, but anti-wrinkle injections can soften those wrinkles and lines and make you look refreshed and relaxed – and much younger.

• It evens out the face and makes it symmetrical

There’s one effect of anti-wrinkle injections that not many know about – it can be used to even out lines and wrinkles and make a face more symmetrical. In addition, the injections can lift different facial areas and make a person’s face look more balanced.

• It isn’t just for fine lines and wrinkles

Did you know that anti-wrinkle injections are not just for fine lines and wrinkles? It was first used for a different purpose altogether – it treated excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis and other conditions.

How it works

Wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, as the skin becomes thinner as we age, and our skin loses elasticity. With this, fine lines and wrinkles begin to form. Another cause for their formation is the continuous contraction of the muscles. This repetitive movement is the cause of dynamic wrinkles – wrinkles that only appear once we use that specific muscle. Over time, these could become static wrinkles, which appear even if the face is at rest.

Anti-wrinkle injections prevent wrinkles from forming by severing the signal from the muscle to the nerve. Since the muscle doesn’t move as much, there isn’t much stress on your skin – which helps it maintain a youthful and fresh appearance. However, note that the treatment is more useful as a preventative measure.

What to expect

Anti-wrinkle injections are fast and efficient, and some call it a ‘lunchtime’ treatment because you can literally do it on your lunch break! The results can be evident after two to seven days, with the full effect seen after 14 days.

Its side effects are minor and include slight swelling in the area and bruising or tenderness. But this only lasts a few hours to a day and will go away once the skin has healed.