Anti-wrinkle Injections Dublin

Your consultation is a crucial first step to ensure you get safe and satisfying results. During your visit, you can expect the following:

• Discussion of Your Goals: We’ll start by chatting about what wrinkles or areas are concerning you. You can point out the lines you’d like to reduce and describe the kind of outcome you’re hoping for (for example, a smoother forehead but with some natural movement intact). This helps us understand your goals and expectations.
• Medical History Review: Our practitioner will go over your relevant medical history. This includes any health conditions, allergies, or medications you’re taking. Don’t worry, this is routine – we just need to make sure there are no reasons the treatment wouldn’t be suitable for you (for instance, certain neurological conditions or if you’re pregnant, which we’ll discuss later).
• Facial Assessment: Next, we’ll examine your face and how your muscles move. The practitioner might ask you to frown, raise your eyebrows, or smile, etc., to see how your wrinkles form. Everyone’s muscle strength and anatomy are a bit different, so this facial assessment helps us determine exactly where to administer the injections and how much product to use for the best result.
• Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, we’ll recommend a tailored treatment plan. For example, we’ll decide which areas to treat (maybe just the frown lines, or perhaps frown plus forehead and eyes, depending on your needs) and discuss how many injection points or “units” might be required. We’ll explain why we suggest this plan and how it will address your concerns.
• Explanation and Questions: We will explain how the procedure works in detail – what the injections will feel like, how long it takes, and what you’ll need to do afterwards (aftercare). We’ll also cover the benefits you can expect (such as smoother skin and a more relaxed look) and any potential side effects or risks (like the possibility of a small bruise, which is generally minor and temporary). This is the perfect time to ask any questions you have. No question is too small – we want you to be completely comfortable and informed before proceeding.
• Consent: If you decide you’re happy to go ahead with treatment, you’ll be asked to read and sign a consent form. This form just confirms that you understand the treatment, the expected results, and any risks, and that you agree to proceed. Our practitioner will make sure you’re comfortable with everything before you sign.
• Possible “Before” Photos: Many clinics (including ours) like to take before-and-after photos for your medical record. A quick photo of the areas we’re treating can be very helpful later when we evaluate your results. These photos are confidential and are used to track your progress.
• Treatment (often on the same visit): In a lot of cases, if time allows and you’re ready, we can perform the treatment immediately after the consultation. This means you won’t have to book a separate appointment – you can have your injections on the same day. If you prefer to think about it or come back another time, that’s absolutely fine too. We schedule the treatment at your convenience.

Overall, the consultation is meant to ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and excited about the procedure. We encourage you to voice all your questions and concerns – our goal is for you to leave the consultation feeling confident that anti-wrinkle injections are right for you (or even to decide they’re not, if that’s the case). There’s no pressure to proceed until you’re completely ready.

Results don’t appear immediately after the injections, so don’t worry if you don’t see a change on day one. Typically, you’ll start to notice a subtle smoothing of the treated areas in 3 to 5 days. For example, you might find that you’re not able to frown as hard, and the lines on your forehead are beginning to look softer. Every person is a little different – some people see a change as early as 2-3 days, but for most it’s around the 3-5 day mark.

The full results develop in about 10 to 14 days (approximately two weeks). By this time, the injected muscles are maximally relaxed and you’ll see the complete effect: significantly reduced wrinkles in the treated areas and a more refreshed look. This is why we often schedule a review appointment at around 2 weeks post-treatment – to check on the results when they’ve fully settled.

In terms of how long the results last, you can expect the effects to endure for roughly 3 to 4 months on average. This duration can vary from person to person. Some individuals find their results last closer to 5 or 6 months, especially after they’ve had a few treatment cycles, whereas others might notice movement returning at about 3 months and be ready for a top-up. The longevity can depend on factors like your metabolism, your muscle strength, the dose used, and even your lifestyle (for example, very intense exercise might make Botox wear off a bit faster in some cases, and smokers might metabolise it sooner as well).

Remember that the fading is gradual – you won’t wake up one day and suddenly all your wrinkles are back. Instead, you’ll slowly regain muscle movement. Many people schedule treatments 3 or 4 times a year to maintain a consistently smooth look. If you decide not to continue with further injections, your muscles will return to their normal activity and your wrinkles will gradually go back to how they were before (the treatment doesn’t make them worse). There’s also a bit of a lasting benefit: having those muscles relaxed for a few months often prevents your lines from deepening, essentially pausing the ageing process in that area for a while. In summary, you’ll see your refreshed look by two weeks after treatment, and you can enjoy the results for several months before needing a repeat treatment.

Achieving natural-looking results is one of our top priorities. Many first-time patients worry they might end up with a “frozen” face or an expressionless look – rest assured, in skilled hands that’s not the case. The stiff, frozen look you might have seen on TV or in photos usually happens when too high a dose is used or injections are placed poorly. Our practitioners are fully qualified and very experienced in administering anti-wrinkle injections artfully. This means we use the minimum effective amount of product needed to relax your wrinkles while still allowing normal facial expressions.

Your face will not be completely frozen – you’ll still be able to laugh, smile, frown and look surprised! The goal is for you to look like a fresher, well-rested version of yourself, not like a different person. Most patients report that friends and colleagues notice they look “well” or “refreshed,” but can’t quite put their finger on why – which is exactly the outcome we aim for. We carefully tailor the treatment to your features; for example, if you have a very expressive face and you want to maintain some of that expressiveness, we will adjust the dose accordingly. We can also treat specific areas and not others to balance things – for instance, some people skip treating certain forehead lines if they don’t mind them and want to ensure full eyebrow movement. It’s all personalised.

Communication is key: during your consultation, we’ll ask about your preferences. If you absolutely want no movement in a certain area, we can do that, and conversely, if you prefer a very subtle effect, we’ll proceed cautiously. Often, a conservative approach is best for first-timers – we can always add a bit more with a top-up after two weeks if needed, rather than giving too much at the start. This approach guarantees a soft, natural result. Our philosophy is “less is more” when it comes to anti-wrinkle treatments, focusing on smoothing lines while preserving your ability to show emotions. We’ll help you avoid the frozen look so that you’ll still look like you – just with fewer wrinkles.

Ideal candidates for anti-wrinkle injections are adults who are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by facial expressions. If you have wrinkles that bother you when you frown, smile or raise your eyebrows (like crow’s feet, frown lines, or forehead creases), you’re likely a good candidate. It’s not just for deep wrinkles either – many people use these injections to treat early fine lines or as a preventative measure to stop lines from getting worse. Both men and women can benefit, and treatments are tailored to individual goals and facial anatomy.

There’s no specific “right” age to start; the appropriate time varies from person to person. Most people begin to consider anti-wrinkle injections in their late 20s to early 30s, when they start noticing faint lines that linger after their face relaxes. Starting treatment at this stage can be considered somewhat preventative – by relaxing the muscles early, you can prevent those lines from etching deeper into the skin. However, plenty of individuals wait until their 40s, 50s, or even 60s to have their first treatment, once wrinkles have become more pronounced. The injections can still be very effective later in life, as long as the expectation is to soften the wrinkles. (Deep, long-standing wrinkles might not disappear completely, but they will improve – more on that in a later question.)

The minimum age for cosmetic anti-wrinkle injections is 18 (in fact, in the UK and many other countries, it’s legally required that you are 18 or older). Treating someone younger than 18 for cosmetic reasons is not appropriate. On the other hand, there isn’t an upper age cut-off – older patients in good health can absolutely use anti-wrinkle injections to refresh their appearance. The key factors for candidacy are less about age and more about overall health status and expectations. Ideal candidates should be generally healthy, not pregnant or nursing, and free of any conditions that would contraindicate the treatment (we cover those next). You should also have realistic expectations – for example, knowing that the goal is improvement, not total perfection, and that maintenance treatments will be needed to sustain results.

In summary, if you’re an adult bothered by expression lines or you simply want to proactively keep wrinkles at bay, you’re likely an ideal candidate for this treatment. Whether you’re 28 and noticing the first hint of frown lines, or 58 and wanting to soften deeper wrinkles, we will tailor the approach to your situation. Our practitioner will assess your suitability during the consultation and advise you on whether anti-wrinkle injections are right for you or if an alternative treatment would be better for your goals.

Anti-wrinkle injections are a low-risk, non-surgical treatment, and side effects are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced professional. However, like any medical procedure, some side effects and temporary after-effects can occur. It’s important to be aware of them (and we will discuss these with you during your consultation as well). Common side effects are generally mild and short-lived, and can include:

• Redness or swelling: It’s normal to have a bit of redness, swelling, or small bumps at the injection sites immediately after treatment. These typically look like tiny mosquito bites. Don’t worry – they usually subside within 20-30 minutes up to a couple of hours. By the time you’re back home or back to work, they often have settled.
• Bruising: Because the needle is very fine, bruising isn’t very common, but it can happen if a tiny blood vessel is nicked. If you do get a bruise, it’s usually small and can be easily covered with makeup the next day. Bruises resolve like any normal bruise over a few days to a week. We use techniques (like applying pressure or ice) to minimise any bruising. Avoiding alcohol and certain supplements (like fish oil or vitamin E) a day or two before treatment can also help reduce bruising risk.
• Tenderness or slight pain: The injection sites might be a bit tender for a day. Some people describe a mild headache-like sensation in the treated areas, especially after forehead injections. If this happens, it’s usually mild and goes away within 24-48 hours. You can take a plain paracetamol if needed (though most people don’t find it necessary).
• Headache: A mild headache on the day of treatment or the next day is reported by a small number of patients. This could be due to the injection or perhaps from not frowning (it sounds odd, but changing how your muscles work can feel a little different). In any case, it’s temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
• Temporary droop: In rare cases, the injection can cause a nearby area to droop slightly. For example, if an injection near the forehead migrates a bit, it could cause a slight eyelid droop or a heavy-feeling brow. This side effect is uncommon, and we take precautions to avoid it (proper technique and aftercare greatly reduce the risk). If it does occur, don’t panic – it is temporary and will resolve as the toxin’s effect wears off (over a few weeks). We understand it can be upsetting, but remember it’s not permanent. We will advise you on measures to help if you experience this.
• Asymmetry or uneven result: Sometimes one side may respond a bit differently than the other, leading to a slight asymmetry (for instance, one eyebrow might lift a bit higher than the other). This is usually easily corrected with a small adjustment (top-up) at the follow-up appointment.
• Allergic reaction: It’s extremely rare to have an allergic reaction to botulinum toxin, but it is a remote possibility. Signs of an allergic reaction could include itching, a rash, or swelling away from the injection site. Again, this is exceedingly rare. We’ll review your allergy history beforehand to make sure you haven’t had issues with similar products in the past.
• Other general side effects: Very rarely, some people might feel slightly unwell or have flu-like symptoms for a day or two after the injections. This is uncommon, and if it happens it’s usually brief. There’s no live toxin or anything in your system beyond the injection site, so it’s not an infection – just a quirky response some individuals might have.

It’s worth emphasizing that the vast majority of our patients experience little to no side effects beyond perhaps some redness at the injection sites or a small bruise. You can generally go about your normal activities right after (with just a few aftercare precautions – see the aftercare section below). Serious complications are exceedingly rare, especially when injections are done correctly. We use sterile, single-use equipment and follow strict medical protocols to ensure your safety.

After treatment, we’ll provide you with aftercare instructions (also outlined below) that help minimise side effects. Following those guidelines will further reduce the chance of issues like bruising or migration of the product. And of course, if you notice anything unexpected or have concerns after your treatment, we encourage you to contact us. We’re here to support you and make sure your experience is a positive one from start to finish.

Anti-wrinkle injections are suitable for most adults, but there are certain situations where this treatment is not recommended or should be postponed. You should avoid or delay anti-wrinkle injections if any of the following apply:

• Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we will not perform cosmetic anti-wrinkle injections. This is a precaution – there haven’t been sufficient studies to prove it’s safe for unborn babies or nursing infants, so as an extra safety measure, we simply avoid treating during this period. It’s best to wait until after you’ve finished breastfeeding to have the treatment.
• Allergy to Botulinum Toxin or Ingredients: If you have a known allergy to botulinum toxin (extremely rare) or to any of the components of the injection (for example, some formulations contain proteins like albumin), you must not have the treatment. We will ask about any allergies in your consultation.
• Certain Neuromuscular Conditions: If you have a neuromuscular disorder such as Myasthenia Gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, or Motor Neuron Disease, anti-wrinkle injections may not be suitable for you. These conditions can increase the risk of side effects because they already affect muscle and nerve function. We would require clearance from your specialist doctor, and in most cases, it’s advised to avoid cosmetic toxin treatments altogether in such situations.
• Active Infection or Skin Issue at the Injection Site: If you have an active skin infection, rash, or cold sore in the area we plan to treat, it’s best to postpone the injections. Injecting into an infected area could spread the infection or worsen it. We would wait until the area has fully healed before treating. Similarly, if you have any cuts or open wounds on the face, we’d wait for those to heal.
• Unwell or Recent Vaccination:If you’re currently feeling very unwell (for example, if you have the flu) or if you’ve very recently had certain vaccinations, we might advise waiting a little while before having your treatment. This is just to ensure your immune system is at its best and reduce any risk of adverse reactions.
• Bleeding disorders or Blood Thinners: Having a bleeding disorder (like haemophilia) doesn’t strictly forbid anti-wrinkle injections, but it does increase the risk of bruising. If you are on strong blood thinners (anticoagulants), we’ll evaluate the situation carefully. Often, it’s still possible to treat, but we need to be aware and you should expect that bruises could occur. We might ask you to apply pressure longer after injections or take other precautions. It’s important to disclose any such conditions or medications so we can make an informed decision.
• Under 18 Years Old: As mentioned earlier, cosmetic use of botulinum toxin is not appropriate for minors. We do not treat anyone under the age of 18 for cosmetic wrinkles.

If you’re unsure whether you have any condition that might conflict with the treatment, don’t worry – our practitioner will go through a checklist with you during the consultation. In short, most healthy adults who are not pregnant/nursing are candidates for anti-wrinkle injections. If we determine that this treatment isn’t right for you for any reason, we’ll be honest and upfront, and we can discuss alternative options that would be safer or more effective for you. Your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities.

We often hear patients say afterwards, “Oh, that was much easier than I expected!” Anti-wrinkle injections are performed with a very fine needle, and most people find the discomfort to be very minimal. The sensation is usually described as a quick pinprick. Because the needle is so tiny, it’s nothing like getting a typical injection or giving blood – it’s far more comfortable. You might feel a small sting or a slight pressure with each injection, but each one is over in seconds.

The procedure is also swift. Treating one area can take just a couple of minutes of actual injecting time. Even if you’re having multiple areas done, the needle is not in the skin for long at all; the practitioner will do a series of quick, precise injections. We usually use an ice pack or a cold gauze to briefly numb the area and constrict blood vessels – this helps reduce any sensation as well as the chance of bruising. Some clinics offer a numbing cream, but in practice this isn’t often needed for Botox injections because they’re so quick and mild; however, if you are particularly anxious about needles, let us know and we can certainly discuss numbing options to make you more comfortable.

Many patients are surprised at how painless it truly is. If we were to rate it, most people say it’s more or less a 2 out of 10 on a pain scale (where 0 is no pain). You’ll likely feel a slight pinch and then it’s done. There may be a mild achy or “tight” feeling in the treated area afterwards as the product begins to work, but this is usually not bothersome and fades quickly. After the procedure, you shouldn’t feel any ongoing pain – the treated areas might feel normal or you might forget you even had anything done (until the results kick in!).

If you’re nervous about needles, we completely understand – we’ll talk you through it and can even do some breathing techniques or distractions to help. We take a gentle approach, and you can take comfort in knowing that our patients routinely comment that the anticipation was far worse than the reality. In summary, pain is not usually a concern with anti-wrinkle injections, and we will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout.

One great thing about anti-wrinkle injections is that there’s virtually no downtime – you can go back to your day immediately. However, there are some simple aftercare guidelines you should follow to ensure you get the best results and avoid any unwanted side effects. We’ll give you a leaflet or sheet with aftercare instructions in person, but here are the key points to remember:

• Do Not Rub or Massage the Injection Sites:  For the first day (at least 24 hours), avoid rubbing, pressing, or massaging the areas where you’ve been injected. The reason is we don’t want to accidentally cause the product to move from where it was placed. Treat your face gently. When cleansing or applying skincare, be very light-handed.
• Stay Upright for a Few Hours:  It’s advisable to remain upright (no lying down or bending over) for about 4 hours after your injections. This is a precaution to prevent the injected solution from migrating before it has had a chance to bind to the target muscle. So, maybe delay that yoga class or any activities that involve a lot of bending for the rest of the day. If you need to rest, sitting in a comfy chair is fine, just avoid lying flat on your face.
• Avoid Strenuous Exercise and Heat:  Refrain from vigorous exercise, heavy physical activity, or anything that makes you hot and sweaty for at least 24 hours after treatment. Also avoid excessive heat exposure like saunas, steam rooms, or very hot baths during this time. Increased blood circulation from these activities could potentially cause the toxin to move or increase your risk of bruising. Light daily activities are fine; just skip the gym or that long run until the next day.
• No Facial Treatments for 1-2 Weeks:  Avoid scheduling facials, facial massages, microdermabrasion, or other facial beauty treatments for about 7 to 14 days after your injections. These treatments could interfere with the placement of the injections or stimulate circulation in a way that moves the product. It’s best to let everything settle. After two weeks, you’re free to do any facial treatments as usual (and by that time we’ll also know your final result).
• Avoid Alcohol for 24h if Possible:  It’s a good idea to skip alcohol on the day of your treatment and ideally for 24 hours afterwards. Alcohol can increase the risk of bruising because it thins the blood slightly and can also cause you to touch or rub your face more (e.g., if you feel flushed). Staying hydrated with water is great, just save the celebratory wine for the next night.
• Be Gentle and Clean with Makeup:  If you can, avoid applying makeup for at least 4-6 hours after treatment. If you need to use makeup later that day, use clean brushes or applicators and apply very gently – don’t press hard on the skin. The tiny injection points close quickly (usually within an hour), but we want to reduce any risk of introducing bacteria or causing irritation. Many people choose to just wait until the next morning to resume their normal makeup routine.
• Facial Movements:  There are differing opinions on this, but some practitioners recommend that you gently exercise the treated muscles by frowning, lifting your eyebrows, smiling, etc., in the hours after treatment. This might help work the toxin into the muscle (and it certainly doesn’t hurt). Whether or not it makes a big difference scientifically, we usually advise doing some normal facial expressions intermittently after your procedure and certainly avoid deliberately keeping your face completely still. In any case, moving your face normally (not excessively) is fine – just avoid those deliberate massages or heavy pressure as mentioned.
• Pain or Discomfort:  It’s uncommon to need anything, but if you do feel a bit of a headache or soreness, you can take a paracetamol (acetaminophen) as directed. Avoid anti-inflammatory tablets like ibuprofen on the same day if possible, as they can increase bruising risk (though one dose isn’t the end of the world if you really need it).
• Watch for Unusual Symptoms:  It’s very unlikely, but if you experience any unusual symptoms like significant pain, severe headache, extensive bruising, or any signs of allergic reaction (such as widespread redness/itchiness), please get in touch with us. We will provide you with contact information for after-hours just in case, but again, these scenarios are rare.
• Follow-Up Appointment:  We usually schedule a follow-up visit in 2 weeks. Make a note of this and try to attend it. It’s important for us to see how your results have settled and to address any tweaks if needed (see the Top-Up policy below). If you have any concerns before that (or can’t make the follow-up), just let us know.

By adhering to these aftercare instructions, you’ll greatly help your skin recover quickly and ensure the treatment works as intended. The rules may sound strict, but remember, it’s all on a short-term basis (mostly just the first day or two). Most patients find it easy to resume normal life with only minor adjustments after their injections. We’ll give you a printed summary of these do’s and don’ts to take home, so you won’t have to memorise them. And of course, if you have any questions after your treatment, just call us – we’re here to help.

In many cases, yes – you can have your consultation and treatment in the same visit. We understand that our clients often lead busy lives or might be travelling a long way to see us, so we strive to make the process as convenient as possible. Here’s how it generally works: when you come in, we’ll conduct the full consultation first (as described above). If, after this discussion and assessment, you and the practitioner are both happy to proceed, we can usually perform the injections immediately afterwards, during that same appointment.

There are a couple of practical considerations. Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only medicine in the UK/Ireland, which means a prescriber (doctor, dentist, or prescribing nurse) needs to authorize the treatment. In our clinic, the person doing your consultation will be a qualified prescriber or will have a prescriber on-site, so getting the prescription is straightforward and can be done on the spot. Time is another factor – we always allocate enough time in our schedule for new patient consultations to include treatment, so you won’t feel rushed. However, if you have lots of questions or if your consultation takes longer and you prefer to take time to think about it, it’s absolutely fine to book the treatment for a later date instead. There is no obligation to do the treatment on the same day if you’re not ready.

We find that a large number of patients do opt for treatment immediately after the consultation, especially if they feel well-informed and eager to proceed. It can be a relief to get it all done in one go and start the clock on seeing those results! On the other hand, some people like to go home and mull over the information, which is perfectly okay. We will never pressure you – the decision is yours.

If you’re coming in specifically expecting same-day treatment, it can be helpful to mention that when booking, just so we ensure the appropriate practitioner (prescriber) is assigned to your consultation slot. In summary, same-day consultation and treatment is normally available and quite common, but we’re flexible. Your safety and comfort in making the decision come first, and whether you choose to treat on the day or later, we’ll support you either way.

Cost can vary depending on the specifics of your treatment, but we will always provide a clear breakdown before you proceed so you know exactly what to expect. Typically, the price of anti-wrinkle injections is based on the number of areas being treated (and sometimes the amount of product needed). An “area” usually refers to a specific region like the forehead, the frown lines, or the crow’s feet.

At our clinic, we charge per area treated. As a general guide:

• Treating a single area (for example, just the frown lines between the brows) costs approximately €260.
• Treating two areas (for example, frown lines + forehead lines) might be around  €350.
• A common combination is three areas (forehead + frown + crow’s feet), which is roughly €420 as a package.
• Full face – €520
• Full face & neck – €620
• Masseter treatment – €360

(Please note: These figures are illustrative – please check our current price list or ask us for the latest prices, as they can be subject to change or special offers.)

Some clinics price by “units” of botulinum toxin used, but we find charging per area is more straightforward for patients. If a patient requires an unusually large dose due to very strong muscles or opts for additional smaller areas (like bunny lines or lip lines in addition to the main areas), the cost might adjust slightly. We will tailor the quote to your needs and clearly explain it.

There are no hidden fees. The price we quote for your treatment includes everything – the consultation, the treatment itself, and the follow-up review appointment. We also include any top-up (adjustment) at the 2-week follow-up if it’s needed, in the initial price (more about top-ups in the next section). This means you won’t be charged extra if we need to add a little more product at the review visit to perfect your result.

We understand cost is an important consideration, and we strive to offer competitive pricing while maintaining the highest standards of care. During your consultation, once we’ve decided on the treatment plan, we’ll confirm the exact cost with you before proceeding. If you’re ever unsure about pricing, just ask – we’ll be happy to break it down for you. We want you to feel that the treatment is a valuable investment in yourself, with no surprises when it comes to payment.

Yes, anti-wrinkle injections can indeed be used to create a subtle brow lift, and this can be done in conjunction with treating forehead lines. It’s a bit of a technique trick: by carefully placing injections in specific muscles, we can influence the position of your eyebrows. The basic idea is to relax the muscles that pull the eyebrows downward, which then allows the muscles that lift the eyebrows (like the forehead’s frontal muscle) to raise the brows slightly higher.

For example, we often inject the frown muscles between the eyebrows (the glabellar area) – this not only softens frown lines but also reduces the downward pull those muscles have on the inner parts of the eyebrows. Additionally, a few small injections at the outer tail of the eyebrows can relax the orbicularis oculi (the muscle that can pull the brow tail down when you squint), resulting in a slight lift of the brow tail. The combined effect is a gentle elevation of your brows, which makes your eyes appear more open and gives you a refreshed, youthful look. This is sometimes called a “chemical brow lift”.

It’s important to note that the lift achieved with injections is subtle – we’re not talking about a dramatic change in brow position like you might get from cosmetic surgery. Most patients see a lift of a few millimetres at most, which is enough to make the eyes look brighter without looking surprised or unnatural. We will assess your facial anatomy to determine if you’re a good candidate for a Botox-assisted brow lift. Factors like how low or heavy your brows are to start with and the strength of your forehead muscle come into play. We also have to be cautious: when treating forehead lines, if too high a dose is placed across the forehead, it can actually weaken the forehead muscle too much and cause the brows to drop. Our practitioner will use the right balance of injections – typically a lighter touch in the forehead itself, and more focus on the muscles that pull down – to give you a smoother forehead and a slight brow lift simultaneously.

Many patients love this approach because it can give a more open-eyed, refreshed appearance without any surgery or extra procedures. If a brow lift effect is something you’re interested in, please do mention it during your consultation. We will tailor the injection pattern to aim for that result. As always, the treatment will be customised to what will look best and most natural for you.

After the botulinum toxin has taken full effect (about two weeks post-treatment), you might notice that most of your wrinkles are greatly reduced when you make expressions. However, if you had very deep lines or long-standing wrinkles, you could still see faint lines at rest on the skin even when you’re not moving the muscle. This is normal and common, especially for things like deep forehead creases or etched crow’s feet. Here’s why: anti-wrinkle injections work by relaxing muscles – they stop the cause of the wrinkle (muscle movement), but they don’t directly erase lines that are already etched into the skin like a crease in fabric. Once the muscle is relaxed and not constantly creasing the skin, those grooves in the skin will often diminish over time, but they may not vanish immediately from one treatment.

If you find you still have some lines visible, there are a couple of things to consider:

• Give it a Bit of Time:Sometimes, even after 2 weeks, the skin is still in the process of smoothing out. You might notice further improvement in the weeks following as your skin has a chance to regenerate collagen without the constant folding from the muscle. Repeated treatments also tend to yield smoother skin over the long term – many patients find that after doing injections a few times in a row (spaced a few months apart), the residual lines at rest become much less noticeable or even disappear because the skin has effectively had a “wrinkle holiday” and can recover.
• Top-Up Adjustment:If the issue is that you can still move a certain part of the muscle (indicating perhaps the dose wasn’t quite enough for that area), then a top-up injection could be beneficial. For example, if you can still frown a little and a faint line appears, a small additional injection can fully relax that muscle. This is why the follow-up appointment is useful – we can assess if any area needs a tweak. (Our clinic’s policy is to offer a complimentary top-up at the 2-week mark if needed – see the next question for details.)
• Static Line Treatment:For lines that are still visible even with your muscles relaxed (these are called static lines), we might recommend additional treatments aside from toxin. One option is dermal fillers – these can plump up deep creases (like a deep crease in the forehead or a line across the brow) from beneath the skin. Another option is skin resurfacing or collagen-stimulating treatments (such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microneedling) which can improve the overall texture of the skin and help smooth out etched lines. We can discuss these options if we feel they would benefit you. Often, a combination approach gives the best result: the Botox stops new creasing and softens the dynamic part of the wrinkle, while a filler or skin treatment addresses the existing crease.
• Expectation Management:It’s also worth noting that our goal is to make your lines far less noticeable, but if you look super closely in a magnifying mirror, you might see where a wrinkle was. Most patients are thrilled that what was once a deep furrow is now just a faint line that’s hard to see. In cases of very deep wrinkles, achieving 100% smoothness might not be possible with a single session of injections alone. We’ll advise you honestly about what sort of improvement you can expect. Our aim is for you to look significantly improved and happy with the outcome. If anything is bothering you after the treatment, let us know – we’re committed to working with you to get the result just right, whether that means a small top-up or discussing complementary treatments.

In summary, it’s possible you may have some minor residual lines, especially at rest, if your wrinkles were deep to begin with. These should still be greatly reduced compared to before treatment. With ongoing maintenance and possibly combined therapies, even those residual lines can fade further. We will evaluate your results at the follow-up and make a plan to address any remaining concerns so that you’re fully satisfied.

Our clinic’s policy is designed to ensure you get the best possible result from your anti-wrinkle treatment. We include a follow-up appointment about 2 weeks after your injections specifically to review your outcome and provide a top-up if needed, at no additional cost. Here’s how it works:

When you have your initial treatment, we administer what we judge to be the appropriate amount of product to achieve your desired effect while keeping things natural. Everyone’s muscles respond a little differently, so about two weeks later (when the Botox has fully kicked in), we like to see you again. During this follow-up visit, we will assess the treated areas. If everything looks perfect, wonderful – no further action needed. If we see that there’s still a bit of movement in a muscle that we wanted to fully relax, or if you mention that you can still do a certain expression that causes a wrinkle, we can administer a small additional injection (the “top-up”) to fine-tune your result. This might happen, for example, if one eyebrow is a tad higher than the other, or if a small section of the crow’s feet area still crinkles more than desired. The goal of a top-up is to ensure symmetry and optimal smoothing.

Top-ups are complimentary within this follow-up period (typically up to 2-3 weeks post-treatment) as part of your treatment package. We want you to be happy with your results, and sometimes adding a touch more product is the key to turning a good result into a fantastic result. It’s far better to do a conservative dose initially and add more later if needed, rather than overdo it from the start. This “start low and adjust if needed” approach is safer and leads to more natural outcomes. The follow-up also gives you a chance to ask any additional questions now that you’ve lived with the results for a short time.

There are a couple of caveats to mention: A top-up is meant to refine the initial treatment, not to add new areas or make major changes that were not part of the original plan. For instance, if you decided at follow-up that you also want your lip lines treated (which we didn’t do initially), that would be considered a separate treatment, not a free top-up. Also, we generally won’t perform top-ups after that 2-3 week window following treatment. The reason is that after about a month, if you feel you want more, it’s often better to just wait until your next scheduled full treatment, so you don’t end up overlapping doses in a way that could make your results wear off unevenly.

In our experience, many clients don’t even need a top-up – a single treatment does the job. But the safety net is there, so you can rest assured that if you do need a tweak, we’ve got you covered. We stand by our treatment and want you to get the outcome you were hoping for. So, in summary: yes, we offer top-ups after your initial treatment (free of charge within the review period) to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your results. Just make sure to attend your follow-up appointment, and we’ll take care of the rest!

We hope this FAQ has been helpful and answered most of your questions about anti-wrinkle injections. If you have any additional questions or concerns, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and make your experience as smooth as possible.

Contact us: You can call our clinic on 01-6853100 to speak with our friendly reception team, who can answer basic queries or book you an appointment with our specialist. Alternatively, feel free to email us at info@cosmeticdoctor.ie– we typically respond within one business day. If you prefer, you can also visit our website www.cosmeticdoctor.ie to fill out a contact form or use our live chat feature for quick questions.

Our team is always happy to help, whether you want more information, want to discuss if this treatment is right for you, or need guidance on the next steps. Your comfort and confidence are important to us, and we believe an informed patient is a happy patient! We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting you soon to help you on your journey to smoother, more radiant skin.