FAQs

Please see our most commonly asked questions below

What kind of results can be achieved?

In most cases we are able to improve the gummy smile so there are mild to no gums on show when you smile. We often have to split this treatment into two sessions because if we freeze the muscle too much, it can cause a heavy upper lip. There is no extra charge for the second session. In some patients with a very significant gummy smile, we may not be able to achieve a complete correction. Often you have to try the treatment once to know how much it can help. We sometimes recommend lip fillers in combination with this treatment to get the best result.

Who is this treatment suitable and not suitable for?

This treatment is suitable for most patients with a gummy smile. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you cannot have this treatment.

How long does it last?

On average Botulinum Toxin lasts 3-4 months. It is completely normal to require treatments every 3 months in the first 2 years. Over time it tends to last longer and patients that have been doing it for some time come every 6 months. When Botulinum Toxin wears off, your smile will go back to how it was before. It does not make it worse in any way. It is not possible to get dependent on Botulinum Toxin. The reason why people end up attending regularly is because they love the results and how effective a treatment it is. It is normal to start getting some movement around week 6-8, this does not mean it has worn off early. It is a normal return to activity but full activity takes 3-4 months.

What is the recovery/downtime?

You may have a very small amount of redness in the injection areas next to your nostrils. We do not recommend wearing any makeup for 4 hours after. Please see the aftercare section for more information.

What are the side effects and risks?

Like all medical treatments, there are side effects and risks. Mild bruising is common as are headaches and cold-like symptoms. Sometimes the result can be slightly asymmetrical, especially if you had some asymmetry to begin with. This is usually simple to correct at your follow up appointment. If the dose of wrinkle relaxing injections in this area is a bit too much for your muscles, you may feel your upper lip is slightly heavy. This often resolves in a few weeks. To reduce this risk we are cautious with the amount we inject in the first session for our new patients. We recommend all new patients come for a review follow up appointment between 2-3 weeks and we can check the result for you and inject more at this point without any extra charge. We will then understand your anatomy better and will usually only need one appointment in the future. Therefore it is helpful to stick to the same injector who learns the special quirks about your face. It is important to follow the aftercare to minimise these risks and ensure you get the best result.

How painful is the treatment?

There is very minimal pain and hardly any patients require numbing cream. We use the tiniest needles available on the market. We recommend all patients take 1g of Paracetamol 1 hour before their appointment. We find patients sometimes find it a bit more painful around their menstrual cycle.

Duration

The appointment is 30 minutes long but the treatment itself is very quick, it usually takes 5 minutes. At your first appointment we will spend a bit more time assessing your face and discussing the treatment.

No. of sessions

The desired results will usually be achieved with the first session, but new patients will often need to come for the follow-up appointment free of charge (for wrinkle relaxing injections only) at the 2-3 week mark.

How will I look straight after?

Some patients just have a tiny amount of redness at the injection sites which are next to your nostrils and most patients have no signs at all. It takes 2 weeks for the wrinkle relaxing injections to kick in. Most patients notice it starts taking effect from day 5.

How is it done?

We initially undertake a thorough assessment of your whole face and check how it appears at rest and facial expression. We take photographs and then mark out the area to be treated. Numbing cream is usually not needed. We then use the tiniest needles available on the market. It will feel slightly cold as the liquid is injected. It has the consistency of water. Most people say it feels like a pinch. The treatment is complete in 5 minutes.

Can it be reversed?

Wrinkle relaxing injections always wear off so no effect or even side effect is permanent. It is normal to start getting some movement around week 6-8, this does not mean it has worn off early. It is a normal return to activity but full activity takes 3-4 months. It is not possible to reverse wrinkle relaxing injections or remove it which is why we advocate a lighter approach on your first sessions as it is possible to add more at your follow up. However, if you do get a side effect such as asymmetry, it can often be improved by injecting more.

What is the aftercare?

We send a thorough aftercare email to all our patients but please find a summary below.

Looking after your anti wrinkle injections

1. Please do not apply any pressure to the areas treated for the first 24 hours. The wrinkle relaxing injections have been placed into specific muscles very carefully and pressure can dislodge it.

2. Please stay upright for the next 4 hours after treatment

3. No exercise for 24 hours and avoid very intense exercise for the next 3 days

4. Please be careful with wearing hats and caps for the first 24 hours as that can also apply pressure.

5. No facials or facial massages/devices for one week. No eyebrow treatments ideally for 2 weeks.

How many units do I need?

This is completely dependent on your own individual anatomy. We usually inject 2 units each side in the first appointment and check the response at the follow-up appointment at the 2-3 week point. We can then inject more.

Which brand of Botulinum toxin do you use?

We use the original anti wrinkle injections brand in our clinic. It is more expensive than all other brands, but we feel it gives our patients the most reliable and long-lasting results.

How do I prepare before the appt?

Before your Appointment

1. Please stop using topical Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acids, Salicylic Acid and Tretinoin 5 days before your treatment. This will minimise pain and bruising. However, if you have been established on these for a long time and your skin is likely to flare up without them, you do not need to stop them.

2. Please stop using any Vitamin E supplements and Ibuprofen/Neurofen 5 days before your treatment. Please do not stop any Aspirin prescribed by your GP.

3. Laser treatments for the face, microneedling and chemical peels have to be avoided 1 week before and after the treatment. Eyebrow treatments should be 2 weeks after wrinkle relaxing injections as their position may change slightly with treatment.

4. Please do not drink alcohol 24 hours before and after the procedure. You are slightly more likely to bruise with it.

5. Make sure you eat something before your appointment and are well hydrated. This prevents feeling light headed during the procedure.

6. It is advisable to take 1 g of Paracetamol (2 tablets) 30 mins-1 hour before your appointment as it will significantly reduce any discomfort during the procedure.

7. Please attend the appointment alone. There is limited space in the clinic and anybody with you will be asked to wait outside the building.

8. Please come to the appointment with makeup removed and minimal jewellery.

9. Please note, we are not able to carry out any Dermal Filler treatments if you are due to fly in the next 3 days. Wrinkle relaxing injections, Profhilo and Aqualyx are fine.

How does the pricing work?

There are different pricing structures. Please see price list for more information.