Anti-Wrinkle Treatments at Skin Medical in Northwood, London

Anti-Wrinkle Pre-Treatment Guidance

To prepare for your anti-wrinkle appointment at Skin Medical:

• Arrive with clean skin, free from make-up or skincare products in the treatment area
• Eat before your appointment to ensure comfort during treatment
• Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen where possible in the days before treatment, unless prescribed by your doctor
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment to minimise the risk of bruising
• Inform Dr Karim of any medications, medical conditions, allergies or previous injectable treatments at your consultation
• A consultation is compulsory before all anti-wrinkle treatments at Skin Medical

During your appointment:

• Clinical photographs and consent will be completed before treatment begins
• The treatment area will be cleansed
• Treatment time is typically 10 to 30 minutes depending on the areas being treated

What to Expect Immediately After Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Anti-wrinkle injections are a quick and well-tolerated procedure with minimal downtime for most patients.

You may experience:

• Mild redness or swelling at the injection sites
• Small bumps or marks at the injection points, which typically resolve within a few hours
• Light bruising, which is rare but temporary and can be covered with make-up if needed
• Mild tenderness or sensitivity in the treated areas for the first day or two

These effects are entirely normal and should settle within a few hours to a few days. Please contact us if you experience anything more severe or prolonged.

Anti-Wrinkle Post-Treatment Care

To allow the treatment to settle correctly and achieve the best possible result, please follow these aftercare instructions in the 24 hours following your appointment.

• Do not rub, massage or apply pressure to the treated areas for 24 hours after treatment
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours following your appointment
• Avoid exposure to heat such as saunas, hot tubs and tanning beds for 24 hours post-treatment
• Avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and Nurofen for 24 hours, as these may increase the risk of bruising
• Avoid lying flat or sleeping face-down for the first four hours after treatment
• Avoid facials, facial massage or any skin treatments in the treated area for at least two weeks
• Continue your usual skincare routine, but avoid applying pressure or massaging the treated areas
• Make-up can be applied gently from the following day if needed

When Will I See Results from Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections work gradually as the botulinum toxin takes effect in the treated muscles.

• Initial softening of the treated lines and areas typically begins within two to five days
• Full results are visible at two weeks, once the product has fully settled
• A follow-up appointment is recommended at two weeks to assess your results and make any minor adjustments if needed
• Results typically last between three and five months, after which a maintenance treatment is recommended to sustain the improvement

With regular treatment over time, many patients find that lines soften further and the interval between treatments can be extended.

Chronic Migraine Treatment with Anti-Wrinkle Injections

At Skin Medical, botulinum toxin is also used as an effective treatment for chronic migraine, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine episodes for eligible patients.

What to expect after chronic migraine treatment:

The aftercare guidance for chronic migraine treatment is the same as for cosmetic anti-wrinkle injections. In addition, please note the following:

• A mild headache following the procedure is not uncommon. Paracetamol can be taken as needed if this occurs. Avoid ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications for 24 hours as these may increase bruising
• Botulinum toxin for chronic migraine typically begins to take effect at around two weeks, with full results becoming apparent over four to six weeks as the treatment takes full effect
• Relief from migraines may last between three and six months, after which a follow-up treatment is recommended to maintain results
• A review appointment is recommended at two weeks to assess the effectiveness of your treatment and discuss your progress

If you experience any unusual neurological symptoms or concerns following your chronic migraine treatment, please contact us promptly or seek medical advice.

Who May Not Be Suitable for Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

Suitability for anti-wrinkle injections should always be assessed during a full consultation with Dr Karim. Treatment may not be appropriate if you have certain neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, a known allergy to botulinum toxin or any components of the product, active skin infections in the treatment area, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

When to Contact Skin Medical

Anti-wrinkle injections are a safe and well-established treatment when performed by an experienced medical professional. However, please contact Skin Medical if you experience:

• Significant or worsening swelling beyond 48 hours
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, heat or discharge at the injection sites
• Drooping of the eyelid, brow or any unexpected asymmetry following treatment
• Any unusual symptoms or concerns following your appointment

We are here to support you following your treatment and to answer any questions during your recovery and beyond.