Procedure
Facial Wrinkle Treatment
Non-surgical treatment of facial lines with botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid fillers and skin-boosting injectables. The effect is temporary in every case, and each option addresses a different kind of line.
Procedure facts
- Duration
- 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the extent of the area treated
- Anaesthesia
- Anaesthetic cream
- Hospital stay
- Outpatient procedure
Overview
Facial lines have more than one cause, and the treatment follows the cause rather than the other way round. Lines produced by muscle movement, lines produced by loss of volume and lines produced by lax skin respond to different things, and treating one as though it were another is the usual reason a result disappoints.
The options
Botulinum toxin
Temporarily blocks the transfer of signals from the nerve to the muscle, so the muscle relaxes and the overlying line softens. It is used for dynamic lines — forehead lines, frown lines between the brows and lines at the outer corner of the eye. It does not address fine lines caused by collagen loss.
Dermal fillers
Hyaluronic acid gels that replace volume lost with age, softening folds and creases and restoring contour. They can also enhance the result of previous surgery such as a facelift. Covered in more detail on the facial fillers page.
Other injectables
Mesotherapy with skin boosters, platelet-rich plasma and Profhilo skin remodelling are also used for the face and neck. Which of these is appropriate, if any, is decided at consultation.
Areas commonly treated
- Forehead lines
- Lines between the eyebrows
- Lines at the top of the nose
- Under the eyes
- Around the eyes
- Brows
- Cheeks
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Vertical lip lines
- Jawline and chin
What treatment involves
The skin is cleaned with an antibacterial agent and an anaesthetic cream applied to numb the area; many of the products used also contain a mild anaesthetic. Fine needles or blunt microcannulas are used to place small amounts of the substance beneath the epidermis, a few seconds per site. Depending on the extent of the area, the appointment runs from 15 minutes to an hour.
The area is cleansed afterwards and an ice pack offered for swelling or bruising. Most patients return to their usual activities, including work, immediately. The change may be visible the same day or over the following few days. More than one treatment is sometimes needed.
Afterwards
- Follow the instructions given to you at your appointment
- Keep well hydrated
- Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily
- Use the skincare recommended for you rather than adding actives of your own
- Wash with lukewarm rather than hot water
- Do not over-exfoliate; a mild exfoliant once or twice a week is enough
- Moisturise regularly
- Leave any flaking or peeling skin alone
- Attend the follow-up appointment
Risks and considerations
Anti-wrinkle treatment is non-surgical and generally well tolerated. Small bruises, redness or a mild headache can follow and settle within days. The effect specific to it is a temporary weakening of nearby muscles: occasionally this shows as a slight drooping of an eyelid or brow, or a small asymmetry of expression, which wears off as the treatment does over a few months. Results are not permanent and are built up conservatively rather than overdone, because a natural, unfrozen expression is the aim. It is avoided in pregnancy and in certain neuromuscular conditions. Suitability and realistic expectations are discussed before treatment.
Questions patients ask
Can wrinkles be removed permanently?
Non-surgical treatment with toxin or filler is temporary. The effect wears off as muscle movement returns or the filler is absorbed, which may be three to four months or as long as a year depending on the substance used and the individual. Where lines are caused by lax skin rather than muscle movement or volume loss, a facelift, neck lift or brow lift addresses a different problem and is discussed on its own terms at consultation.
At what age do wrinkles start?
The first changes in the skin generally become visible from the mid twenties, beginning with fine lines. Wrinkles, loss of elasticity and loss of volume become more apparent with age. What is appropriate to do about them, if anything, depends on the individual assessment.
How long does botulinum toxin last?
Between three and six months for most patients. It is common for the first treatment to last less than six months, with the duration increasing after a second treatment.
What causes wrinkles?
Falling collagen and elastin production with age is the underlying cause. Ultraviolet exposure damages collagen fibres and elastin and is a significant contributor, as is smoking, which reduces blood flow to the skin. Repeated facial expression produces dynamic lines that become fixed over time. Dehydration, genetics, poor nutrition, alcohol, inadequate sleep, pollution and neglected skin care all play a part.
Can wrinkles be reduced without treatment?
Their appearance can be delayed. Avoiding unprotected sun exposure, not smoking, moisturising, drinking enough water and eating well all help. Once wrinkles are established, they do not resolve on their own.
What suits deep wrinkles?
Deep lines associated with lax skin are addressed surgically — a facelift or brow lift removes excess skin and tightens the underlying tissue. Non-surgical options can complement or defer that: hyaluronic acid filler plumps a deep line, toxin relaxes the muscle producing it, and microneedling addresses skin texture. Which applies depends on what is causing the line in your case.
Where it is performed
- Surgery in Cyprus
- The Surgery Center 3i, Strovolos
- Surgery in Athens
- Iatriko Athinon, Marousi Mediterraneo Hospital, Glyfada
Where yours takes place is agreed at the consultation.
How we quote
A quotation follows consultation, because what it costs depends on what the operation actually involves for you — the technique, the time in theatre, and whether anything is being addressed at the same time. We do not publish price lists and we do not quote before examining you.
Arranging a consultation
Book a slot in the clinic diary directly, or send the details of what you are considering and we will reply with the times we have.