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Anti Wrinkle Injections explained with benefits, safety, expected results and comparisons to Fillers, Profhilo, Sculptra, Polynucleotides, and Sunekos
At the Anti Wrinkle Clinic, I see patients of all ages and skin types who book my Face-to-face hour consultation with different goals. Some want to maintain youthful skin, others want to soften fine lines, and some simply want to look more rested without changing their facial expressions.
Anti Wrinkle Injections are one of the most widely used aesthetic treatments and have been shown to temporarily soften expression lines and refresh the appearance in a subtle, natural way [1][2].
This guide is here to help you understand exactly how Anti Wrinkle Injections work, what to expect, and how they compare to other popular treatments such as Dermal Fillers, Profhilo, Sculptra, Polynucleotides, and Sunekos.
If you’re new to Anti Wrinkle Injections or simply want a deeper understanding of how they fit within the wider world of aesthetic treatments, you’ll find everything you need here.
While I refer to them as Anti Wrinkle Injections throughout this guide, you may be calling this aesthetics treatment something else at home – most likely Botox. Botox is simply one of the licensed brand names for botulinum toxin type A, a purified neurotoxin protein used medically for a wide range of conditions [3][4].
In the UK there are several licensed medical brands that use this same ingredient, and although their formulations vary slightly, they work in a similar way [5][6].
Anti Wrinkle Injections temporarily reduce the activity of specific facial muscles that contribute to expression lines. These lines form over time due to repeated movements such as frowning, squinting, smiling, or raising the eyebrows [1][2].
By gently relaxing the targeted muscles, the overlying skin appears smoother and softer as the repetitive folding of the skin is reduced [1][7].
My patients often describe their results as helping them look well-rested, less worried, and more confident without appearing frozen or unnatural.
Anti Wrinkle Injections work by temporarily blocking the communication between nerves and muscles, preventing the muscle from contracting as strongly as usual [3][7].
It’s important to understand that the effect of Anti Wrinkle Injections is always temporary. As the months after treatment go by, the nerve endings regenerate, and the treated muscles gradually regain full movement [3]. With regular treatments, the muscles often learn to contract less aggressively, which can slow the formation of deeper lines over time [2][7].
There are now two categories of neuromodulators used in aesthetic medicine. The first are the older generations of botulinum toxin type A formulations (such as Azzalure and Botox), and the second are the latest generation of liquid, ready-to-use neuromodulators (such as Alluzience and Relfydess). While both work by relaxing targeted facial muscles, the newer generation is designed for a smoother spread, more precise onset, and longer-lasting effect [21][22].
These differences mean the timelines for visible results vary slightly between the two groups.
It’s important to understand that these durations also depend on dose, muscle strength, metabolism, and lifestyle. When we take a more conservative, natural-looking approach that allows for minimal movement, treatments generally last 2–3 months. For higher-doses, treatments may remain effective a little longer.
Patients considering Anti Wrinkle Injections come to the clinic for many different reasons, and these tend to fall into two main categories – appearance goals and medical or functional concerns.
Some patients don’t just notice lines – they also feel the functional effects of overactive upper-face muscles. This can show up as brow fatigue from screen time frowning without realising, squinting in bright light, or a constant feeling of tension across the forehead. By gently calming this overactivity, Anti Wrinkle Injections can improve both comfort and appearance, and potentially reducing strain and tension-related headaches at the same time.
During your initial consultation (the Face-to-face hour), I assess facial expression, muscle movement, skin quality, and facial proportions. I also look at how your facial muscles behave during everyday expressions to help me understand whether your concerns are more cosmetic, more functional, or a mix of both. This allows me to recommend dosing that looks natural, feels comfortable, and works exactly the way you need it to.
Should you decide to go ahead and book the treatment, the procedure itself typically takes around 10–15 minutes. The injections are very superficial and generally well tolerated. Most patients describe the sensation as light pinches.
Avoid heavy exercise, heat exposure, massaging the area, or lying flat for 4 hours. Makeup can usually be worn the same day. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.
Depending on whether or not you’ve had Anti Wrinkle Injections before, I may recommend coming in for a review. This will usually be around the 2 week mark, but isn’t necessary for all patients.
Anti Wrinkle Injections are well studied in both medical and aesthetic contexts and are considered safe when administered appropriately [2][3][7]. Side effects are minimal but may include:
Because I choose patient suitability carefully and follow precise technique, complications for this treatment remain uncommon at my clinic. I always take a conservative, tailored approach that maintains expression and avoids overdosing. This means no frozen faces walking out my doors.
Anti Wrinkle Injections can also complement other injectables beautifully, for a more comprehensive skin rejuvenation strategy.
Many patients ask how Anti Wrinkle Injections differ from the other treatments available at my clinic. If like them, you’re wondering which option might suit your skin goals best, it’s important to compare and contrast. Most of the other treatments I provide serve entirely different purposes, and understanding them helps you make informed decisions.
Anti Wrinkle Injections work by relaxing specific facial muscles that create expression lines. By reducing movement, the skin has a chance to smooth and soften, particularly in dynamic areas such as the forehead, frown lines, and around the eyes [1][2]. It’s a movement-based treatment that focuses on preventing or softening wrinkles caused by repetitive muscle activity.
Dermal Fillers, on the other hand, are hyaluronic acid gels that physically add volume, structure, and shape. They are placed beneath the skin to contour cheeks, define the jawline, restore plumpness, or correct deeper static lines that remain even when the face is at rest [10][11]. Rather than affecting muscle activity, Dermal Fillers work structurally, almost like a subtle internal scaffolding.
While Anti Wrinkle Injections target movement, Profhilo targets skin quality. It contains a very pure form of hyaluronic acid that spreads evenly beneath the skin, drawing water, improving hydration, and stimulating collagen and elastin production. It doesn’t change facial movement or add volume – instead, it enhances the overall texture and firmness of the skin, creating a healthier, more radiant appearance.
Profhilo is ideal for patients whose skin feels dull or dehydrated, or who want broader improvement rather than focusing on a specific wrinkle. It works beautifully on the lower face, mid-face, and neck, where Anti Wrinkle Injections might not always be suitable or where muscle relaxation is not the priority [12][13].
Sculptra is a collagen-stimulating injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid. Instead of relaxing muscles or adding instant volume, it gradually encourages the skin to rebuild its own collagen over several months [14][15]. This makes it particularly effective for patients with thinning skin, generalised facial hollowing, or early signs of sagging. It offers long-term, progressive improvement rather than immediate results.
Unlike Sculptra, Anti Wrinkle Injections do not influence collagen production. They instead work directly on muscle movement, offering a quick and predictable effect for expression lines. These two treatments often complement each other beautifully – Anti Wrinkle Injections soften movement in the upper face, while Sculptra restores deeper support and firmness in the lower face and mid-face.
Polynucleotides are regenerative injectables derived from purified DNA fragments that imitate some of the skin’s natural repair processes. They improve hydration, elasticity, and overall resilience by supporting fibroblast activity, reducing inflammation, and encouraging tissue repair [16][17]. Polynucleotides are one of the few injectables gentle enough for delicate areas such as the under-eyes, where ageing often appears early.
Unlike Anti Wrinkle Injections, Polynucleotides do not relax muscles and do not target movement lines. Instead, they work on the quality of the skin itself, making them ideal for texture, early fine lines, and skin that needs deeper healing or strengthening. Polynucleotides may also help regulate pigmentation by reducing inflammation and influencing melanocyte activity [23][24]. They are popular among patients seeking subtle, natural rejuvenation without creating any visible change in facial movement.
Sunekos combines hyaluronic acid with essential amino acids to support the extracellular matrix and stimulate natural collagen and elastin production. It is particularly effective for improving elasticity and early ageing changes around the eyes, forehead, and neck [18][19][20]. Because Sunekos strengthens the underlying skin structure, the results tend to look subtle and natural, improving texture rather than altering shape.
In contrast, Anti Wrinkle Injections focus on reducing specific muscle movements that cause wrinkles to fold repeatedly in the same areas. The two treatments work on entirely different mechanisms – one relaxes muscle activity, while the other improves the quality and function of the skin itself. Sunekos is often chosen by patients who prefer a regenerative, low-risk treatment with gradual improvement over multiple sessions.
When planning treatments at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic, I often explain that most patients benefit from a combination of structural, muscular, and skin-quality-based approaches.
By tailoring these together, I can help you achieve results that look harmonious, natural, and long-lasting.
Anti Wrinkle Injections remain one of the most effective and reliable treatments for softening expression lines, preventing deeper wrinkles, and achieving a fresher, more rested appearance. Whether you’re in your late twenties and thinking about prevention, or you’re noticing deeper lines that make you look tired or stressed, this treatment can be customised to your goals.
As part of a modern aesthetic plan, Anti Wrinkle Injections work beautifully alongside Dermal Fillers, Profhilo, Sculptra, Polynucleotides, and Sunekos. Each of these treatments addresses a different layer of the skin and facial structure, and when chosen correctly, they complement each other to create natural, refreshed results.
If you’re ready to explore how Anti Wrinkle Injections can refresh your appearance, book a consultation with me at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic. I would be delighted to guide you through your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
[1] Carruthers A, Carruthers J. Dermatol Surg. 1998.
[2] Hexsel D et al. Clin Dermatol. 2011.
[3] Micheli L et al. Drugs of Today. 2012.
[4] FDA Prescribing Information for Botulinum Toxin Type A.
[5] MHRA guidance on botulinum toxin products.
[6] EMA product assessment reports for botulinum toxin.
[7] Rzany B et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010.
[8] Guarda-Nardini L et al. Cranio. 2012.
[9] NICE Guidance: Hyperhidrosis management.
[10] Sundaram H et al. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015.
[11] Tezel A, Fredrickson G. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2008.
[12] Lacarrubba F et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020.
[13] Philipp-Dormston WG et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021.
[14] Vleggaar D, Fitzgerald R. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2008.
[15] Goldberg DJ. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010.
[16] Chernoff WG et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023.
[17] Kim J et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2021.
[18] Nobile V et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020.
[19] Polak SH et al. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019.
[20] Zerbinati N et al. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2018.
[21] Alluzience (liquid botulinum toxin type A) Summary of Product Characteristics, Galderma; first approved 2021.
[22] Relfydess clinical performance and duration data (relabotulinumtoxinA), Galderma; approved July 2024.
[23] Noh TK et al. Effects of PDRN on melanogenesis in human melanocyte–keratinocyte co-cultures; published 2016.
[24] Noh TK et al. Intradermal PDRN injections for facial hyperpigmentation in six women; published 2016.
Yes – every treatment at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic starts with a consultation. This is an important step to make sure the treatment you’re considering is both suitable and safe for you. During your consultation, I’ll take the time to understand your goals, review your medical history, and discuss what’s best for your skin.
Please note that payment doesn’t automatically guarantee a treatment. If anything comes up during your consultation that makes a procedure unsafe or unsuitable, I will explain why and recommend alternative options.
All treatments are personally performed by Dr Yiannis (that’s me!), a fully qualified medical aesthetic practitioner with over 20 years of experience. My academic and clinical background includes:
Over the past 20 years, I have also completed extensive postgraduate training in facial aesthetics, participating in numerous advanced, hands-on training modules both in the UK and across Europe. This includes training delivered by internationally recognised experts in medical aesthetics as well as by the pharmaceutical and medical device companies whose products I use in clinic, ensuring my techniques are up to date, evidence-based, and aligned with the highest safety standards.
Everything that happens at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic, I personally carry out – ensuring consistency, safety, and care from start to finish.
Yes – all injectable treatments at the Anti Wrinkle Clinic are prescription-only and fully regulated under UK medical guidelines. Treatments are prescribed and administered exclusively by Dr Yiannis, following an in-person consultation to confirm suitability.
Rest assured, we follow strict clinical and hygiene protocols, source products only from licensed UK pharmacies.
Anti Wrinkle Injections are well studied and considered safe when administered appropriately. Most patients experience only mild, short-lived side effects such as small red bumps, light swelling, slight bruising, or a temporary headache.
More significant side effects are rare but you should be mindful that they can happen. These can include bruising, infection, or allergic reaction.
If you ever have concerns after treatment – especially if you notice severe pain, increasing swelling, or changes in vision – you should contact the clinic immediately on +44 20 3598 7358
Anti-Wrinkle Injections aren’t suitable for everyone. You shouldn’t have treatment if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have an active skin infection, or have known allergies to any of the ingredients.
If you have certain medical conditions, are taking blood-thinning medication, or have recently had facial procedures or vaccinations, treatment may need to be delayed. Rest assured, all of this will be discussed in your consultation.
There is virtually no downtime for Anti-Wrinkle Injections. Most patients are able to resume normal activities straight after leaving the clinic. You may experience some slight redness or bruising at the injection site, but this should clear up within a day.
As for results, you should expect to see a difference within the first 2-4 days. Full treatment effect usually becomes visible at around 10 days to 2 weeks. Please keep in mind that while Anti-Wrinkle Injections typically last between 3-4 months, results vary from person to person as well as are variation of injectable chosen.
For the first 24 hours, I recommend all my patients take it easy. You can certainly cleanse and moisturise the skin, but please avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas. Wearing makeup is perfectly fine, but keep it light-handed. It’s also a good idea to skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, and hot yoga for the rest of the day.
For the next 1-2 weeks, I would also recommend staying clear of facials, peels, and microneedling. Importantly, I urge you to use daily SPF (30-50) and keep hydrated. Remember – good skincare supports great treatment results.
If you experience any unusual symptoms – be that pain, discomfort, itching, redness, then please contact the clinic immediately on +44 20 3598 7358.
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