Anti-wrinkle injections are a recent discovery that have become popular in the beauty / aesthetic industry.
They contain botulinum toxin, a protein that was previously used for medical purposes, such as reducing muscle spasms. The concept behind the application of anti-wrinkle injections is to inject the product directly into the right facial muscle to help relax it, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
The link between botulinum toxin and the treatment of wrinkles was discovered in the 1980s. In 1989, four physicians at a New York dermatology clinic published a paper describing their work using botulinum toxin to treat facial spasms. The toxin, botulinum toxin type A (commonly known by a familiar brand name), had been discovered a few decades earlier and was being used for treating neuromuscular disorders such as cerebral palsy. The doctors discovered that injecting the toxin into the muscles of the face caused them to relax and soften the skin around them. They found that after these injections, the muscles were no longer producing the muscle contractions that caused the skin to wrinkle. Hey presto! Anti-wrinkle injections were born.
In 2000, this product was approved for cosmetic use. It was used in temporary “freeze-frame” treatments for frown lines on the forehead and crows feet around the eyes. Around the same time, Allergan (a global pharmaceutical company) began research to develop a more permanent form of anti-wrinkle treatment using the same technology as the product used in this treatment. Allergan now produces a wide range of anti-wrinkle / wrinkle-reducing treatment products, which we choose to use here at Face Medical.
In 2001, Allergan sold their rights to other companies who have gone on to develop other products. These products are widely used in anti-ageing treatments and produce great results when combating fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck. The Allergan name is greatly trusted by aestheticians all over the world, and many clinics delight their patients with the results they produce, from reducing the appearance of wrinkles to filling hollows beneath the eyes and restoring firm and full skin.
Anti-wrinkle injections have been continually researched and developed, and they are considered to be extremely safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. The concept of relaxing muscles and softening their movement to reduce the appearance of wrinkles is found to be useful in improving various other medical conditions. In the same way that anti-wrinkle injections are administered directly to the muscle, other facial muscles can be addressed to help improve: teeth grinding (bruxism), excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), jaw clenching and migraines.
Face Medical in Heywood, near Manchester have been administering anti-wrinkle injections for many years, and patients are more than pleased with the results. Our clinic uses this treatment to pause the signs of ageing on the upper face, as well as to help those who sweat excessively enjoy a better quality of life.