The Ultimate Guide to Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botox): Smooth Away Lines & Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, but for many people, they can appear earlier or become more noticeable due to repeated facial expressions, sun exposure, or lifestyle factors. If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to soften these lines without surgery, anti-wrinkle injections may be the right choice for you.

At Maverick Aesthetics, our treatments are medical-led and tailored to your individual needs. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about anti-wrinkle injections so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified protein (botulinum toxin type A) to temporarily relax overactive muscles in the face. While the brand name “Botox®” is often used, there are several licensed products available in the UK.

These injections target dynamic wrinkles – lines that form from repeated expressions such as frowning, squinting, or raising the eyebrows. By relaxing the muscles, the skin above appears smoother and more refreshed.

How Do They Work?

When injected into specific facial muscles, the treatment works by blocking the nerve signals that cause those muscles to contract. This doesn’t “freeze” your face — instead, it reduces excessive movement in targeted areas, helping to soften wrinkles while maintaining a natural look.

Common Treatment Areas

The most frequently treated areas include:

• •Forehead lines – horizontal lines across the forehead.
• •Frown lines – the “11s” between the eyebrows.
• •Crow’s feet – fine lines around the outer corners of the eyes.

Other advanced uses may include:

• •Brow lift (subtle lifting effect).
• •Lip flip (relaxing the top lip to enhance its shape).
• •Softening a gummy smile.
• •Jawline slimming or treating teeth grinding (masseter injections).

What to Expect From the Treatment Process

1. Consultation

Every treatment begins with a face-to-face medical consultation. This is where your practitioner will:

• •Assess your skin and facial expressions.
• •Take a medical history to ensure suitability.
• •Discuss your goals and expected outcomes.
• •Explain the procedure, risks, and aftercare.

2. Treatment

• •The procedure usually takes around 15–30 minutes.
• •Tiny amounts of product are injected with a fine needle into specific muscles.
• •Discomfort is minimal, and no anaesthetic is required.

3. Aftercare

To achieve the best results, you’ll be advised to:

• •Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for 24 hours.
• •Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, or heat treatments (like saunas) for the rest of the day.
• •Stay upright for four hours after treatment.

Results and Longevity

• •Initial results can usually be seen within 3–5 days, with full effects visible at around 10–14 days.
• •Results typically last 3–4 months, though this can vary depending on your metabolism, lifestyle, and the area treated.
• •With regular treatments, some people notice lines becoming softer even when the treatment wears off.

Safety and Side Effects

Anti-wrinkle injections have an excellent safety profile when carried out by trained medical professionals.

Common side effects (usually mild and temporary):

• •Redness, swelling, or small bruises at injection sites.
• •Headache or tightness in the area treated.

Rare side effects:

• •Temporary drooping of the eyelid or brow (ptosis).
• •Asymmetry or uneven results.

These risks are significantly reduced when you choose an experienced medical injector who understands advanced anatomy and can safely manage any complications.

Why Choose a Medical Practitioner?

Choosing an experienced medical professional is essential for:

• •Safety – prescription-only medicines can only be prescribed after a face-to-face assessment.
• •Natural results – precise placement avoids a “frozen” look.
• •Peace of mind – medical expertise ensures proper aftercare and complication management.

Is It Right for You?

You may be a good candidate for anti-wrinkle injections if you:

• •Are generally healthy and over 18.
• •Are bothered by expression lines such as frown lines, crow’s feet, or forehead lines.
• •Want subtle, natural-looking improvements without surgery.

This treatment is not suitable if you are:

• •Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• •Living with certain neurological conditions.
• •Allergic to any of the product’s ingredients.