Soften the Frown Lines That Make You Look Tired or Stressed
The “11s” between your brows come from the muscles that pull your skin into folds every time you concentrate or frown. After years of repeated movement, those creases can stay even when your face is relaxed. At Hauw Han, MD in West Chester, OH , anti-wrinkle injections are a quick, nonsurgical way to temporarily relax those muscles and smooth moderate to severe frown lines in adults ages 18 to 65.
Are anti-wrinkle injections right for me?
If frown lines between your brows make you look angry, tired or unapproachable when you feel nothing of the sort, this treatment may be a good fit. Good candidates are men and women between 18 and 65 who want a refreshed look without surgery or recovery time. Dr. Han will examine your brow area, talk through your goals and tell you honestly whether injections are the best option. If your concerns go beyond frown lines, he may also discuss dermal fillers or surgical options such as an eyelid lift.
How do anti-wrinkle injections work?
Very small doses are placed with a few tiny injections directly into the muscles that create the frown lines. The treatment blocks the release of the chemical signal that makes those muscles contract. With the muscles relaxed, the skin above them looks smoother and the lines soften.
What are the risks of anti-wrinkle injections?
Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all aftercare instructions are important steps toward a safe treatment. Possible side effects include:
- Temporary eyelid droop
- Nausea
- Localized pain
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Tenderness, swelling, redness and/or bleeding or bruising at the injection site
Serious heart problems and serious allergic reactions have been reported rarely. If you think you are having an allergic reaction, or you have difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, call your doctor immediately. Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders, such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, may be at increased risk of serious side effects.
How are anti-wrinkle injections performed?
Treatment takes about 10 minutes in the office, which is why many patients fit it into a lunch break.
- Nonsurgical. Tiny injections go directly into the muscles that cause the frown lines between your brows.
- No downtime. The visit is brief and you can return to your day without recovery.
- Minimal, brief discomfort. Anesthesia is not required, although Dr. Han may numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream first. Some localized pain, swelling, redness or bruising can occur.
Dr. Han determines the exact injection technique to achieve the best result for your face.
What should I know about my results?
Within 1 to 2 days, you may notice your frown lines beginning to soften. The area between your brows can keep improving for up to a month, and visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months. Individual results vary.
The goal is a natural look. Muscle activity is reduced, not eliminated, so you can still smile, frown or look surprised without the deep creases between your brows. Men and women of many ethnicities and skin types have been treated successfully. Because the treatment works only on the underlying muscles, it does not change your skin color or texture. To explore everything we offer for facial rejuvenation, visit our injectables page.
Anti-Wrinkle Injection Questions, Answered
How long does an anti-wrinkle injection appointment take?
The injections themselves take about 10 minutes. Plan on a little extra time for your consultation, a review of your goals and any numbing preparation before treatment.
Is there downtime after treatment?
No. There is no formal recovery period and most patients return to normal activities right away. Minor redness, swelling or bruising at the injection sites can occur and typically fades quickly.
Does the treatment hurt?
Discomfort is minimal and brief. Anesthesia is not required, but Dr. Han may numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream before injecting if you prefer.
When will I see results, and how long do they last?
Many patients notice softening within 1 to 2 days, and the area can continue to improve for up to a month. Visible results have been shown to last up to 4 months, though individual results vary.
Will I look frozen or like I have had work done?
No. The treatment reduces the muscle activity that causes frown lines rather than eliminating it, so you can still show natural expression like smiling, frowning or looking surprised, just without the creases between your brows.
Who should not have anti-wrinkle injections?
Patients with certain neuromuscular disorders, such as ALS, myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome, may be at increased risk of serious side effects. Treatment is intended for adults ages 18 to 65. Be sure to share your full medical history with Dr. Han during your consultation.
What are the most common side effects?
Possible side effects include temporary eyelid droop, nausea, localized pain, infection, inflammation, and tenderness, swelling, redness or bruising at the injection site. Serious allergic reactions are rare, but call your doctor immediately if you have trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing.
Ready for a Smoother, More Rested Look?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Han at Hauw Han, MD or call (513) 755-8115 to talk about treating your frown lines.