These injections are most commonly administered on the forehead and around the eyes to soften ageing effects without having a surgical procedure. The injections temporarily block the signals from nerves to the underlying tiny muscles and prevent them from contracting. This leaves the overlying skin looking smooth and wrinkle-free while allowing the facial muscles to function as normal.
Other uses of anti-ageing injections are in the underarm to prevent sweating and on the upper lip to treat gummy smiles.
Dentists have thorough knowledge and understanding of the facial anatomy allowing them to safely provide this treatment.
Here is how anti-wrinkle treatment works:
- Once injected into the skin the botulinum toxin relaxes the tiny facial muscles, which cause expression lines, by blocking the nerve impulses in them, leaving the skin looking smoother.
- Areas on the face that can be treated include frown lines (vertical lines which form between the eyebrows), eyebrows, crow's feet, forehead lines and lines around the mouth and top lip, known as 'smoker's lines'.
- The injection is quick and painless, usually lasting around 5-10 minutes and requiring no antiseptic. Results will usually be seen in a few days, sometimes taking between 4-7.
