How Long Does Wrinkle Relaxing Last?

Whether you’re thinking about having your crows feet smoothed, you’ve already started your anti-wrinkle treatment journey, or you’re just Bo-curious, it’s important to know that it’s a treatment that needs to be repeated in order to maintain the great effects it can have on our dynamic lines. So, how long does it last? How often should you go and get topped up? And how much is too much when it comes to the anti-wrinkle injection? Let's take a look...

How long does wrinkle relaxing last?

As we’re all so different, it’s impossible to say exactly how long botulinum toxin - more commonly referred to as Botox - will last for you. It really comes down to how quickly your body metabolises it, which could be faster or slower than your best friend, sister or next door neighbour depending on the strength of your muscles, how animated you are, how good your skincare routine is or how diligently you apply SPF.

However, generally speaking, brands of botulinum toxins like Dysport, Vistabel and Botox last anywhere from 3-6 months. But you might find that its effects last longer or shorter for you. It also depends on the amount you’ve been administered and where on the body. So, I don’t want to go all “How long is a piece of string?” on you, but until you’ve had your first treatment, you won’t know for sure.

It’s also worth noting that it is not an immediate fix - and it can take up to a couple of weeks before you really notice any difference. Having said that, once it kicks in, you’ll likely be blown away by the results.

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^{A before and after photo of the antiwrinkle treatment. You must always seek a consultation before any treatment and see a prescribing practitioner, search here for wrinkle relaxing near you.}

How much is too much?

Here at Glowday, we’re all about treatments that are able to enhance our skin rather than dramatically change the way we look, so we recommend starting off slowly when it comes to wrinkle smoothing treatments. Find a great medically qualified practitioner who really knows what they’re doing, look at their before and after photos, and listen to their recommendations about the best approach for you. Your consultation and treatment should be tailored to you, and you should start off with a low amount of the botulinum toxin - because your practitioner can add more at your review appointment, but you can’t take it away!

Anti-wrinkle treatments using Botulinum toxin (commonly called Botox) can be very obvious if you have too much, resulting in the dreaded frozen face, so keeping it simple and just slightly pepping up your already beautiful skin is all you really need to achieve great results. Anti-wrinkle injections should be subtle and still allow you to show expression - which we all need to do on a day-to-day basis. We have another great article that explains how to avoid the frozen look, which is worth a read.

Generally, as your treatment wears off, you will, slowly but surely, regain movement. Some people prefer to not to "return to baseline movement", so they book in every 12 weeks, religiously. While others prefer to go back to a fully natural look before they get their next treatment. None of these is ‘the right way’ - you can discuss your preferred approach with your practitioner.

How much does it cost?

The price of wrinkle relaxing varies across the UK. It also depends on where on the face you're having it, whether you're male or female. how long the treatment will take and how many units of toxin is needed for the desired result. You'll often see it priced by 'area', so 1,2 or 3 areas. Area means part of the face.

1, 2 and 3 areas usually refers to the following being treated in various combinations:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines/11s
• Crow’s feet (around your eyes - the bits that crinkle when you smile)

Other areas that can be treated include:

• Bunny lines (the cute lil' lines either side of your nose when you scrunch it)
• Neck lines
• Chin dimples
• Gummy smile
• Downturned mouth
• Lipstick lines
• Eyebrow lift
• Lip flip
• Excessive sweating

Some clinics will provide prices for 'areas' or will specify the problem you want to address, for example, gummy smile, and give a specific price for that.

On Glowday you can find practitioners who charge £80 for a lip flip (to reveal more of the top lip without the need for filler) up to £400 for excess sweat treatment. Expect to pay a minimum of £220 for 3 areas.

The important thing to remember is not to be sucked in by offers, discounts and social media 'cheap deals'. These are almost always being offered by non-medically qualified people, and Glowday strongly urge you to only see a medically-qualified practitioner for this treatment - you can find and book one near you right here . Your face is too important to risk for a cheap deal from an inexperienced person.

Can anyone offer wrinkle relaxing treatments?

In the UK, ANYONE can administer injectables. It can be given by anyone. There is no regulation at all, which is terrifying! There are no requirements for them to have been trained appropriately and many beauty salons, hairdressers and nail clinics will offer injectables alongside its beauty treatments. But here's the pinch. the toxin used is a prescription only product, and anti-wrinkle treatments require a thorough face-to-face consultation with a prescriber. If the person is giving you treatment is not a prescriber, or offers you wrinkle relaxing injections without consulting a prescriber, this is a HUGE warning sign to not go ahead. You have no idea what product they are using (fake toxins with all sorts of dangerous stuff in it is rife!) where they have got it from (they could have bought it from a dodgy supplier on eBay) and if they actually know what they're doing.

Do you want to risk blindness? A droopy face? Or something even more serious? No. So don't. Pick a qualified, accountable and insured professional, such as a nurse, doctor, pharmacist or dentist.

Following this consultation, your practitioner will determine the appropriate treatment for you. Your practitioner may suggest an alternative treatment that is better for you.

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^{Wrinkle relaxing before and after by Dr Megan McCallum}

Interested in having a consultation to learn about options to tackle frown lines, bunny lines, crow's feet or forehead lines? Why not book a consultation with a qualified practitioner in your area? Get glowing!

_{Botox, Dysport, Vistabel and Xeomin are registered trademarks}