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Anti-Wrinkle Injections Before and After: Real Results and What to Realistically Expect
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Anti-wrinkle injections are the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in Australia. Before you book, here’s a clear-eyed look at how they work, what the results actually look like, and what every honest provider should tell you upfront.
TL;DR: Anti-wrinkle injections use botulinum toxin to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for expression lines. Treatment takes 10–20 minutes with no downtime. Results appear within 3–7 days, peak at 2 weeks, and last 3–5 months. Common areas include forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet, bunny lines, jaw slimming, and lip lines.
Learn about our anti-wrinkle injection treatments, explore all cosmetic injectables we offer, read about dermal fillers and how they complement anti-wrinkle treatments, and discover our skin treatment options.
How Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Actually Work?
Anti-wrinkle injections — commonly known by the brand name Botox, although several products are available — use a purified form of botulinum toxin to temporarily block the nerve signals that cause specific facial muscles to contract. Without that contraction, the overlying skin cannot crease, so wrinkles soften or disappear.
It’s worth being precise about what this treats and what it doesn’t. Botulinum toxin works on dynamic wrinkles — lines caused by repeated muscle movement (squinting, frowning, raising eyebrows). It does not address volume loss, skin laxity, or static wrinkles (lines present at rest in older skin). For those concerns, dermal fillers are the more appropriate treatment.
Treatment Areas and What Before & After Results Look Like
| Treatment Area | What It Treats | Typical Dose | Duration | Before & After Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead | Horizontal forehead lines when raising brows | 10–20 units | 3–4 months | Lines visibly smooth; brow position may lift slightly |
| Frown Lines (Glabella) | “11” lines between brows when frowning | 15–25 units | 3–5 months | The “resting rude face” effect often resolves immediately |
| Crow’s Feet | Lines at outer eye corners when smiling | 6–15 units per side | 3–4 months | Eye area looks more open and refreshed |
| Bunny Lines | Diagonal lines on the nose when smiling | 3–6 units | 3–4 months | Often treated in combination with frown line treatment |
| Lip Lines | Vertical lines above the upper lip | 4–8 units | 2–3 months | Conservative dosing important to preserve natural lip movement |
| Jawline (Masseter) | Jaw clenching (bruxism), jaw slimming | 20–50 units per side | 4–6 months | Gradual slimming of jaw visible at 6–8 weeks |
| Chin | Dimpled or “peau d’orange” chin skin | 4–8 units | 3–4 months | Smooth, even skin texture achieved quickly |
| Neck (Platysmal Bands) | Vertical neck bands, Nefertiti lift | 20–40 units | 3–4 months | Lifts lower face and softens neck bands simultaneously |
When Do You See Results — and How Long Do They Last?
The muscle relaxation from botulinum toxin takes time to become visible. Most patients notice the first changes at 3–5 days. Full effect is visible at 10–14 days — which is why reputable providers offer a 2-week review appointment to assess the result and address any asymmetry with a small top-up if needed.
Duration varies by individual metabolism, the area treated, and the dose used. For most patients:
- Forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines: 3–4 months
- Jaw and masseter: 4–6 months (muscle responds more slowly)
- Lip lines: 2–3 months (more frequent muscle use speeds metabolism)
Patients who have regular treatments over several years often find their results last progressively longer, as the muscles partially reduce in size from repeated relaxation.
What Does the Treatment Feel Like?
Anti-wrinkle injections use very fine needles — most patients describe the sensation as a small, sharp pinch lasting less than a second per injection point. Numbing cream is available on request, though most patients don’t require it for this treatment. A standard multi-area treatment takes 10–20 minutes from start to finish.
There is no downtime. You can return to work or social activities immediately. The main aftercare rules are simple: avoid lying flat, strenuous exercise, and direct heat exposure for 4 hours post-treatment. Do not rub or massage the treated areas, as this can displace the product before it binds to the target tissue.
How Much Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Cost in Australia?
Pricing in Australia is typically charged per unit of product used, not per area. This is the most transparent pricing model, as dose requirements vary between individuals based on muscle strength.
- Per unit cost: typically $10–$18 per unit at reputable medical clinics
- Forehead + frown lines + crow’s feet (the “Big 3”): usually 40–60 units, approximately $500–$900
- Single area (e.g. frown lines only): approximately $150–$350
- Jaw (masseter): 40–100 units total, approximately $500–$1,200
Be cautious of heavily discounted “per area” pricing that doesn’t specify the dose included — some clinics use below-therapeutic doses to advertise attractive price points while delivering results that fade within 6–8 weeks.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers: Which Do You Need?
The distinction matters because many patients come in thinking they need one when they actually need the other — or both. A thorough consultation should cover this.
- If your concern is active wrinkles that appear when you move your face (squinting, frowning), anti-wrinkle injections are the primary treatment.
- If your concern is volume loss — hollowed cheeks, thinning lips, deep nasolabial folds at rest — dermal fillers address the root cause.
- For static wrinkles (lines visible even at rest) combined with volume loss, a combination approach often achieves the most natural-looking result.
Learn more about dermal fillers and how they work alongside anti-wrinkle treatments.
Related Treatments Worth Considering
- Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Medical-grade botulinum toxin treatments across forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet, jaw, lip lines, neck and more. All performed by our qualified injectable team.
- Cosmetic Dermal Fillers: Volume restoration for lips, cheeks, tear troughs, jawline and chin. The ideal complement to anti-wrinkle treatment for complete facial rejuvenation.
- Skin Needling: Improves skin texture, fine lines, and collagen density. Works well alongside injectables to address the skin surface layer rather than the muscle layer.
- Cosmetic Injectables — Full Range: Explore our full range of injectable treatments including jaw slimming, neck lifting, lip enhancement, and full-face rejuvenation combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anti-Wrinkle Injections
How long until I see results from anti-wrinkle injections?
Initial changes appear within 3–5 days. Full effect is visible at 10–14 days. Most providers offer a 2-week review to assess the result and fine-tune with a small top-up if needed.
Will anti-wrinkle injections make my face look frozen or unnatural?
Only if overdone. The “frozen” look comes from excessive dosing or injecting into areas that shouldn’t be treated. A skilled, conservative injector preserves natural expression while smoothing lines. The goal is to look refreshed, not paralysed.
Can I exercise after anti-wrinkle injections?
Avoid strenuous exercise for 4 hours post-treatment. After that, normal activity can resume. Intense exercise in the first few hours increases blood flow which can theoretically spread the product from the target area.
Do anti-wrinkle injections hurt?
Most patients rate the discomfort as 1–2 out of 10. The needles used are extremely fine. Treatment typically takes 10–20 minutes. Numbing cream is available on request for sensitive patients.
How often should I get anti-wrinkle injections?
Most patients return every 3–5 months to maintain their results. Treating too frequently can lead to resistance in some cases. It is generally better to allow full expression to return before retreating than to top up early.
Are anti-wrinkle injections safe for first-time patients?
Yes, when performed by a qualified medical practitioner using TGA-registered product. It is one of the most studied cosmetic procedures in existence, with a strong long-term safety record. Always ensure your provider can explain what product they are using and confirm it is legally prescribed.
Ready to Book Your Anti-Wrinkle Consultation?
Our injectable team will assess your facial anatomy and recommend a personalised treatment plan. First appointment always starts with a consultation — no obligation to proceed on the day.