Anti-wrinkle injection results are temporary. How long they last depends on individual factors, including muscle activity, treatment area and response.
Anti-wrinkle injections can soften certain expression lines. Here we explain how they work, why their effects gradually diminish and what duration patients might expect.
We hope that this will be helpful and reassuring to patients when planning their treatment.
How do anti-wrinkle injections work?
Natural muscle activity which causes repetitive facial movement and expression is one of the main reasons why our faces can become lined. Some lines and wrinkles are particularly associated with facial expression, such as frown or glabella lines, ‘bunny’ lines and nasolabial folds.
Anti-wrinkle injections temporarily reduce activity in targeted facial muscles by interfering with the nerve signals that cause them to contract.
By reducing the muscle activity responsible for certain expression lines, anti-wrinkle injections can soften their appearance. They do not guarantee prevention of future wrinkles.
Experienced medical aesthetics practitioners assess facial anatomy and muscle movement to discuss suitable treatments and realistic outcomes.
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?
Results commonly last around three to four months, although duration varies between individuals.
How long anti-wrinkle injection results last differs between patients. Treatment area, muscle activity and individual response can all affect duration.
Anti-wrinkle injections should be administered by an appropriately trained healthcare professional following an individual assessment. The injection sites and dose depend on the treatment plan.
Why do anti-wrinkle injection results fade?
The treatment effect gradually diminishes as nerve signalling and muscle activity recover over time.
As muscle activity returns, expression lines may become more noticeable again. Any further treatment should be discussed with a qualified prescriber.
What factors influence this decrease?
Metabolism
The effects commonly last around three to four months, though the duration varies from person to person.
Extent of lines and wrinkles
The duration of anti-wrinkle injection results varies individually; the depth of visible lines does not, on its own, establish how long the medicine will act.
Area being treated
Results and duration can vary by treatment area, muscle activity and the individual response.
Facial expression
Facial muscle activity may influence the visible effect, but individual treatment duration is difficult to predict.
How often should anti-wrinkle treatment be reviewed?
Repeated anti-wrinkle injections do not guarantee progressively longer-lasting results. Discuss appropriate treatment intervals with your prescribing practitioner.
After the first treatment, a second appointment may be recommended for two or three months later.
After several sessions, the skin has more time to ‘fill in’ the lines and wrinkles through natural collagen production, therefore treatment will last longer and follow up sessions will become less frequent.
On average treatments are three to four months apart.
Discuss lines and wrinkles at a consultation
We offer a free initial consultation where we’ll discuss the most appropriate treatment for your desired outcome. If you’re happy, you can go ahead with your treatment immediately.
Melior Clinics offers medical aesthetics consultations at Harley Street and other clinic locations. Contact the clinic to discuss suitability and available options.
You can also explore our facial rejuvenation results gallery.