Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections Safe?

While there are a number of anti-ageing treatments for the face, anti-wrinkle fillers remain one of the most popular options.

And it’s no wonder – you can achieve incredible results, even with quite deep, established facial lines.

Despite its popularity, many people who are considering anti-wrinkle treatments remain concerned about whether Botox is safe. In this article, we explain what Botox is, and why it’s important to use only a qualified, experienced practitioner for your injections.

What are anti-wrinkle injections?

Botulinum Toxin Type A is produced by the Clostridium Botulinum bacteria, which works by blocking the nerve signals to an injection site causing the muscles to relax, and this reduces the appearance of fine lines. It’s commonly used to treat crow’s feet, the lines at the corners of the eyes, frown lines on the forehead and the vertical lines which develop over time between the eyebrows.

Are anti-wrinkle injections safe?

Anti-wrinkle injections have been used in medicine for around 40 years and for cosmetic purposes since the early 2000s. Its use carries minimal risk – problems usually arise due to the inexperience of the practitioner who is administering the procedure. At the moment, there is regulation in the UK for anti-wrinkle practitioners – people can offer this treatment with very little training or expertise. That’s why organisations like the NHS advise you to choose an experienced expert who is also a healthcare professional, like our specialist, Adam Goodwin.

“Take time to find a reputable practitioner who is properly qualified and practises in a clean, safe and appropriate environment. Ask the practitioner what you should do if something were to go wrong. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine that should only be prescribed and given by an appropriately trained healthcare professional, such as a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or nurse prescriber. Legally, the prescriber can delegate the administration of the injections to another person, but they are responsible for ensuring it is given safely.”
NHS Guide to Cosmetic Procedures

Side effects are extremely rare and generally only minor but can include some light bruising or redness of the injection site, though this doesn’t usually last long, and there is the risk of an allergic reaction. If the incorrect dosage is used then the muscles can become too relaxed, causing difficulties with swallowing, speaking and breathing, once more reinforcing the importance of using an experienced anti-wrinkle specialist.

Confidence in your results

When you attend your initial consultation, we will be able to talk you through exactly what’s involved in administering anti-wrinkle injections and assess your face to give you a good idea of the results we’re likely to be able to achieve for you. This is also an ideal opportunity for us to answer any further questions you may have to help you make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you.

Find out more about anti-wrinkle injections at Manchester Plastic Surgery and read more about Adam Goodwin who is our resident specialist in all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.