Skin boosters have become one of the most popular ways to improve skin quality without surgery, and two names come up again and again: polynucleotide...
Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most popular non-surgical treatments available today, valued for their ability to soften expression lines and refresh the face with minimal downtime. Like any cosmetic treatment, however, it is natural to want to know exactly what to expect afterwards, including which side effects are normal and which warrant a call to your clinician.
At Health Excel, Dr Leonardo Fasano and his team believe informed patients make the best decisions. This guide explains the common side effects of anti-wrinkle injections, how long they typically last, and the warning signs that mean you should seek advice.
What Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified protein to temporarily relax the small muscles beneath the skin that cause expression lines, such as frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles. Because the muscle activity is reduced rather than removed, results look natural and gradually wear off over several months, at which point the treatment can be repeated if desired.
The treatment itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes and requires no anaesthesia, making it a convenient option for people with busy schedules in both London and Birmingham. You can read more about the treatment itself on our anti-wrinkle injections page.
Common, Short-Term Side Effects
Most side effects from anti-wrinkle injections are mild and resolve within a few days. These are a normal part of the skin’s response to the injections rather than a sign that anything has gone wrong.
Redness and Swelling at the Injection Site
Small bumps, redness or mild swelling at each injection point are common immediately after treatment. This usually settles within a few hours, though occasionally it can take a day or two, particularly in areas with thinner skin.
Bruising
Because the treatment involves fine needles, minor bruising is possible, especially around the eyes. This is more likely if you take blood-thinning medication, fish oil supplements or have consumed alcohol shortly before treatment. Bruising typically fades within a week and can be concealed with make-up once the skin has settled.
Headache
A mild, short-lived headache is reported by some patients in the first 24 to 48 hours, particularly after treatment to the forehead or frown lines. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient, and this should not recur once the initial period has passed.
Temporary Tenderness
The treated area may feel slightly tender to the touch for a day or two. This is a normal response to the injections and is not a cause for concern.
Less Common Side Effects
Some side effects occur less frequently but are still considered a recognised, temporary part of treatment.
- Eyelid or brow drooping (ptosis): in rare cases, the product can migrate slightly and affect a nearby muscle, causing temporary drooping of the eyelid or brow. This typically resolves as the treatment wears off over a number of weeks.
- Asymmetry: because facial muscles are not perfectly symmetrical to begin with, a slight unevenness can sometimes be noticeable in the days after treatment. Minor asymmetry can often be corrected at a follow-up appointment.
- Flu-like symptoms: a small number of patients report feeling mildly unwell for a day or so, similar to a light cold. This is uncommon and passes quickly.
These effects are well documented and, while they can feel unsettling if you experience them, they are almost always temporary and resolve without any lasting impact.
When to Contact Your Clinician
While the vast majority of patients experience nothing beyond mild, short-term effects, it is important to know when to seek advice. You should get in touch with your clinic if you notice:
- Swelling, redness or pain that worsens rather than improves after the first few days
- Signs of infection, such as warmth, pus or fever
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing or speaking
- Drooping that does not begin to improve after several weeks
- Any reaction that feels severe, spreading or unusual
Choosing a clinician who is properly trained and qualified, and who takes a full medical history before treatment, significantly reduces the likelihood of complications. At Health Excel, every treatment plan is assessed individually by Dr Fasano’s team to ensure it is appropriate and safe for you.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Side Effects
There are a few simple steps that can help minimise the chance of bruising or irritation after treatment:
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after your appointment
- Where possible, pause blood-thinning supplements such as fish oil or vitamin E a few days beforehand (always check with your GP first if you are on prescribed medication)
- Avoid touching, rubbing or applying make-up to the treated area for several hours after injection
- Stay upright and avoid strenuous exercise, saunas or hot baths for the rest of the day
- Follow any aftercare advice given by your clinician
If you are recovering from a surgical procedure alongside non-surgical treatments, our post-operative treatments are designed to support your healing and comfort throughout.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers
It is worth remembering that anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers work differently and carry different side effect profiles. Anti-wrinkle injections relax muscle activity, while fillers add volume beneath the skin using hyaluronic acid. Some patients choose to combine both treatments for a fuller rejuvenation, and our team can advise which approach, or combination, suits your goals. You can find out more on our dermal fillers page.
Book a Consultation with Dr Fasano
Anti-wrinkle injections are a safe, well-established treatment when carried out by an experienced practitioner, and most side effects are mild and short-lived. If you are considering treatment and would like a full assessment of what to expect based on your individual skin and medical history, Dr Leonardo Fasano offers consultations at Health Excel’s clinics in both London and Birmingham.
To discuss your goals and book a consultation, get in touch with our team today.
