Wrinkle reduction treatment

If you’re thinking about Botox, you may be wondering whether it could help with the lines you’ve noticed and what an appointment involves. At SkinHampshire, anti-wrinkle injections are carried out by Dr Naureen Akhtar (MBBS, MRCGP, DRCOG), a GP and Advanced Aesthetic Doctor, at our clinic in Worting House, just outside Basingstoke.

Here you can find out what the treatment may help with, what to expect at a consultation, and information about aftercare, safety and prices.

What can anti-wrinkle injections help with?

Anti-wrinkle injections are used to soften lines caused by repeated muscle movement. At the clinic, people commonly ask about treatment for:

• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
• Neck (platysmal) bands
• A gentle brow lift
• A gummy smile
• Jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)

These injections do not address lines caused by sun damage or skin sagging. If those are your main concerns, Dr Naureen can discuss whether another option, such as dermal fillers, Profhilo, radiofrequency microneedling or HIFU, may be more suitable.

How does the treatment work?

The treatment uses botulinum toxin type A. Small amounts are injected into selected muscles that contribute to expression lines. By temporarily reducing the signal to those muscles, the treatment can soften the lines in the skin above them.

The effect develops over time. A change may be noticeable within three to seven days, with the full result showing at around two weeks. Results usually last three to six months, although this varies. Dr Naureen can talk through what may be realistic for you at your consultation.

What happens at a consultation?

Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine, so treatment starts with a face-to-face consultation with Dr Naureen. She’ll ask about your medical history and medicines, assess how your face moves and discuss what you’d like to change. She’ll also tell you if she doesn’t think the treatment is suitable for you.

If you decide to go ahead, the injections take only a few minutes. People often describe each one as a small pinch. The needles are very fine and no anaesthetic is needed. You may have some redness or a small bruise at an injection point, which usually settles within a day or two.

Aftercare

For the first 24 hours after treatment, the current advice is to:

• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Not lie flat
• Not touch or rub the treated areas
• Avoid putting make-up directly on the injection points
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms and very hot baths

If anything concerns you after your appointment, call the clinic on 01256 280275.

Safety and suitability

As with any prescription treatment, anti-wrinkle injections are not suitable for everyone. Possible side effects include redness, slight swelling or bruising where the needle went in, and sometimes a headache for a day or two. Less often, a brow or eyelid can droop for a few weeks if the product affects a nearby muscle.

The treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with some neuromuscular conditions and medicines. Dr Naureen will discuss your medical history and suitability with you before any treatment.

How much does treatment cost?

One area starts from £170. The exact cost depends on the areas discussed and will be explained at your consultation before you decide whether to proceed. You can see the costs for two or three areas and the other treatments on our price list. Card and PayPal payments are accepted.

Request a consultation

SkinHampshire is at the Wellness Suite, Worting House, Church Lane, Worting, Basingstoke RG23 8PY. The clinic is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 8pm and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

To request a consultation, call 01256 280275 or send us a message. The contact link opens an enquiry form; sending it does not confirm an appointment. You can find out more about Dr Naureen on our About page.

Frequently asked questions