Wrinkle treatment – relaxed features, lively expressions

Not every wrinkle needs an operation. Many lines on the face are caused by the work of the facial muscles – when laughing, frowning or squinting. These expression lines can be gently smoothed with an injection treatment.

Which wrinkles are suitable

Wrinkles caused by muscle movement are well suited, for example:

• the line between the eyebrows (“frown line”)
• horizontal forehead lines
• fine lines at the outer corner of the eye (“crow’s feet”)
• certain expression lines around the mouth

Wrinkles that are visible even at rest – such as pronounced nasolabial folds – are usually caused by loss of volume. Other methods make more sense here, for example injectable fillers with hyaluronic acid or autologous fat or, where tissue loss is advanced, a facelift.

How the treatment works

An active substance is injected in very small amounts into individual muscles in a targeted manner. It temporarily inhibits the transmission of signals from the nerve to the muscle. The muscle relaxes, and the skin above it smooths out.

My aim is a refreshed expression – not a frozen face. This can only be achieved with precise knowledge of the anatomy and the correct dosage. On that condition, the treatment is considered low-risk. When applied properly, the active substance remains in the treated area.

Where the limits lie

The treatment works on wrinkles caused by muscle movement. It hardly changes wrinkles caused by loss of volume or slack skin. Restraint is called for on the lips, because speech can be affected. Deep, etched forehead lines often benefit from a combination with fillers.

Also for excessive sweating

The same mechanism of action helps with excessive sweating, especially under the arms. The sweat glands are temporarily inhibited; one treatment is often sufficient for many months.

Procedure: preparation, treatment, aftercare

The treatment is short and straightforward. Even so, a natural result does not happen in passing, but through an honest preliminary consultation and precise planning.

1. 01before the treatmentPreliminary consultation

   Assessing facial expressions at rest and in motion, checking suitability, clarifying medical history and medication, informed consent.

2. 02about 15 minutesTreatment

   fine injections into individual muscles; fit for everyday life immediately afterwards.

3. 03after 3–5 daysEffect and check-up

   the smoothing begins; if required, a check-up after about two weeks.

1. Preparation Make-up is removed and the skin disinfected; ideally, come without make-up.
2. Marking The injection points and amounts are determined individually.
3. Injection With very fine needles, largely painless; anaesthesia is generally not necessary, a topical anaesthetic is possible on request.
4. Afterwards You can return to your everyday life immediately.

After four to six months, the body breaks down the active substance and the muscles work as before. With regular treatment, the effect lasts somewhat longer over time in some people.

Risks and contraindications

Side effects are rare and usually temporary: small bruises at the injection site, mild headaches or – very rarely – a temporarily drooping eyelid or an asymmetry. Treatment is not given, among other things, during pregnancy and breastfeeding or in the case of certain neuromuscular diseases. We clarify your medical history and your medication in the preliminary consultation.

Frequently asked questions