Anti-Wrinkle TREATMENT

Your patient journey starts with a chat by phone – or email – to discuss your treatment objectives and the results you are looking to achieve.

We then arrange an in-depth consultation with a member of our team in clinic, to assess your skin and decide the optimal treatment choices for you.

Virtual consultations are also possible, with the reassurance that we always then assess you in person before undertaking any treatment, to get a clear understanding of your unique skin and facial structure.

When creating your treatment plan, the goal is long-term, sustainable improvements for your skin and overall wellbeing, with continuous care throughout your time with us. The initial consultation helps us ascertain the best options for you, whether that's simply popping in for occasional medifacials or entrusting us with longer term facial rejuvenation.

You'll be able to ask any questions and, particularly if you are considering injectables for the first time, we'll make sure you are fully informed and comfortable with all the options. In short, you're in safe hands and we'll guide you through, led by how you're hoping to feel after treatment.

The range of aesthetic treatments can be overwhelming so we're here to advise you on the best path for you and there is never any pressure to book treatment.

[DON'T USE HERE? At Ardour, we take a 360-degree, personalised approach to help you look and feel your best. With decades of experience in medical aesthetics and state-of-the-art technology - including 3D skin analysis and medical-grade treatments - treatment is tailored to your specific needs, to ensure best possible results.]

Anti-wrinkle injections have both muscle relaxant and neuromodulating properties, making them a popular treatment for patients who wish to reduce the signs of ageing, appear more rested, have a smoother complexion and / or restore their facial symmetry. Still the most widely used aesthetic treatment worldwide, anti-wrinkle injections remain popular due to their simplicity, effectiveness and speed.

They are suitable for all age groups from 20s upwards, and particularly for professionals for whom a less stressed appearance is desirable and who are seeking a quick, reliable, proven treatment. Commonly used as a preventative treatment for patients in their late 20s to early 40s, anti-wrinkle injections are also popular in older age groups who may have developed significant lines and wish to have a more refreshed appearance. This may be achieved in combination with other treatments to great effect.

Anti-wrinkle injections should not freeze nor eliminate facial expression; when administered strategically, they gently lift the brow, smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles (reducing frown & forehead, crow's feet, neck & bunny lines, as well as downturned mouth corners), improve open pores and help faces to look less tired or stressed. They may also be used as a 'lip flip' treatment for patients looking for subtle lip augmentation.

Developed initially as a treatment for medical conditions some 50 years ago, more recently they have been used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), bruxism (teeth grinding), migraine, TMJ / jaw pain and 'gummy' smiles. Studies have also shown a positive side effect in the reduction of some patients' stress, anxiety or depression.

A consultation with a medically trained and qualified prescriber with extensive experience in administering this treatment is imperative; also to ensure they will carry out the treatment, safely and in an effective manner which respects your features and natural facial movement.

Anti-wrinkle injections work by injecting a neurotoxin, botulinum toxin, into the skin and muscle beneath the surface, temporarily reducing the underlying muscle activity that helps dynamic wrinkles to form due to excessive movement.

When injected in small quantities into the muscles responsible for our facial expression, the muscles relax and this can alter the dynamics which lead to the development of lines, wrinkles and / or a heavy brow.

It takes several days for the effects of the neurotoxin to take effect; this is because botulinum toxin acts on the muscles by stopping the release of acetylcholine and first the body has to use up its existing supply of acetylcholine.

Clinical results are normally visible / experienced by around 3 to 5 days, and in full at around 10 to 14 days after treatment.

Before treatment, we recommend you avoid (to reduce the risk of bruising):

• alcohol for 24 hours

• aspirin, ibuprofen & Omega-3 supplements for 2 days

After treatment, we advise you to:

• not apply makeup for 30 minutes

• avoid flying for 24 hours

• avoid extreme temperatures (eg sauna, steam room, hot climates) for 2 weeks

We will also book you in for a treatment review after two weeks, to assess results and adjust / top-up if necessary.

You will be offered numbing cream to reduce any potential discomfort but this isn't usually necessary.

After treatment, you may experience redness or a few small bumps in the treated area - this usually lasts for a couple of hours but may take a few days to subside.

As with any injectable, there is a small chance that bruising and/or swelling may occur (normally within 48 hours from treatment).

Results are normally visible at around 10 - 14 days post-treatment.

You will be booked in for a complimentary review 2 weeks after treatment to assess results at that stage. If required, a complimentary top-up (usually a very small amount) may be offered if further product is needed.

We take a mindful, conservative approach to treatment and will phase treatment as needed to safely and strategically achieve your desired result.

You will have one treatment, with the possibility of a complimentary top-up two weeks later when we review results.

Results then typically last for 3 to 6 months, dependent on the individual, so you may decide to opt for treatment again at 4 to 6 months.