What to Expect After Anti Wrinkle Treatment

• 4 March 2025
• Dr Zil Yassine

Last updated on March 24, 2025

There are a lot of myths and horror stories about what happens after anti-wrinkle injections. So, to give you a better understanding of the results and post-treatment care, here’s what to expect after anti-wrinkle treatment.

How long until I see results?

We use a naturally occurring protein in our treatments. This protein relaxes the muscles for a smoother skin appearance. Unlike fillers, the effects of which you’ll see immediately, anti-wrinkle injections typically take a bit longer. Most patients see initial results within a couple of days. It may take a week or two before you get the full effect.

Additionally, dynamic wrinkles (i.e., those that form when you move your face) tend to respond to treatment better than static wrinkles (those that are always present).

How long does anti-wrinkle treatment last?

It varies from patient to patient, though the average is around 4 months. Your injections may last longer or shorter depending on several factors, including your skin condition, age, muscle mass, diet, and lifestyle. 

• Generally, healthy, hydrated skin will retain the results longer. Make sure to cleanse your skin, moisturise, and wear sunscreen.
• Unfortunately, the older we get, the thinner and less elastic the skin becomes, leading to wrinkling, sagging, and a loss of resilience. The weaker your skin, the quicker the results will fade.
• If you have strong facial muscles and are very expressive, your injections will wear off faster.
• A higher metabolic rate means a quicker breakdown of the toxin.
• Smoking and excess sun exposure will also shorten the lifespan of your treatment.

Potential side effects and complications

Common side effects of anti-wrinkle injections include slight skin redness and local swelling. You may also experience some bruising, especially if we treated a more delicate area, like around the eyes. 

In rarer instances, you may experience temporary headaches and eyebrow spocking. Essentially, your eyebrows have muscles that move them up and down. If the muscles that move them down get more relaxed than those that move them up, your eyebrows may take on a raised, quizzical appearance. 

Extremely rare risks include dry eyes or a droopy eyelid. These will typically only develop with anti-wrinkle treatment around the eyes. You may also experience an allergic reaction or infection, but we will do everything we can to ensure your comfort and safety.

Anti-wrinkle injection bumps

Along with bruising and minor swelling, protein injections can cause small bumps around the treatment area. These are perfectly normal and will resolve within 30 minutes of treatment. 

In most cases, lumps form due to a localised inflammatory response as your immune system reacts to the foreign substance. In others, you may experience some unevenness due to muscle spasms as the toxin begins to take effect. 

What to do (and not to do) after your injections

• Avoid massaging the skin and getting into any hot tubs, baths, or saunas for at least 24 hours. 
• Apply a cool compress to minimise any discomfort.
• Avoid laying down or ínverting (such as downward dog in yoga) for at least 4 hours, as this can spread the toxin into unwanted areas
• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 12 hours as this can affect how the toxin settles. 
• Keep moving your face. Smile, frown, raise your eyebrows as high as they’ll go – this can help speed up absorption.
• Avoid blood thinners like ibuprofen and fish oil as they can worsen the bruising.
• Follow your usual skin routine. Cleansing, moisturising, and applying sunscreen are essential for skin health and can help prolong results.

What to Expect after Anti-Wrinkle Treatment: The Takeaway 

Anti-wrinkle treatment isn’t as scary as you might think! While it does have certain risks (like with any cosmetic procedure), in experienced hands it will be a safe and comfortable process. To further ensure a good recovery after your wrinkle treatment, make sure to follow our specialist’s advice. 

About The Author

Dr Zil Yassine

Dr Zil Yassine is a practising doctor of over 15 years and an expert in non-invasive varicose vein treatments. Zil is dedicated and passionate about vascular health and staying up-to-date on the latest technology. Providing patients with the best care is Zil’s number one priority. As the Medical Director of The Vein Institute, he’s responsible for training doctors to diagnose vein diseases and ensuring they perform treatments to the highest standard. Dr Zil proudly holds a Bachelor of Medicine (UNSW), Diploma of Diagnostic Ultrasound in Phlebology (ACP), and is a fellow of FRACGP, F(Phleb UK).