The Journal
Written by: ACRE | Published On: February 05, 2026
Practitioner's Complete Guide to Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Anti-wrinkle injections have quickly become one of the most popular aesthetic treatments, offering incredible results for maintaining a youthful appearance while being minimally invasive.
With this increase in demand, it’s vital for practitioners to have a comprehensive understanding of anti-wrinkle injections, the different brands, and which is most suited to their patients and clinic.
What are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections are aesthetic treatments that temporarily relax targeted facial muscles to soften lines and prevent new wrinkles from forming.
They are most commonly used to treat frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet and other dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement. For practitioners, they remain one of the most effective, quick, and predictable non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
These injections work by injecting botulinum toxins into muscles to prevent the release of acetylcholine, blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle contraction. As the muscle relaxes, the overlying skin appears smoother and more refreshed.
Benefits of Anti-Wrinkle Injections
- Smoothing visible lines and wrinkles for a younger, more refreshed appearance
- Preventing deeper wrinkles by reducing repetitive muscle movement
- Quick treatment time (usually under 15 minutes)
- Minimal downtime and non-invasive, making it suitable for busy patients
- Customisable dosing for natural or more dramatic results
- High patient satisfaction and predictable efficacy
For practitioners, these benefits make anti-wrinkle injections a core treatment offering in aesthetics clinics.
How Long do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Last?
Most anti-wrinkle injections last between three and four months in the average patient. However, longevity varies based on factors such as:
- Treatment area and muscle strength
- Patient metabolism
- Dosage used
- Frequency of previous treatments
- Lifestyle factors such as exercise intensity and sun exposure
Some patients may maintain results for up to six months, while first-time patients or those with strong muscle activity may experience a shorter duration.
Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections Safe?
When administered by trained professionals, anti-wrinkle injections are considered safe with a well-documented clinical profile.
Some common, temporary side effects include mild redness, swelling, or small injection-site bumps that typically resolve within minutes to hours. Less common risks include bruising, headache, or temporary eyelid heaviness. These events are rare and usually linked to incorrect placement or post-treatment behaviour, making practitioner expertise paramount.
To avoid complications, it’s crucial that patients consult qualified, licensed professionals and that practitioners use trusted, CE-marked toxin brands, such as Botox, Azzalure, and Bocoture.
Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Botox: What’s the Difference?
The difference between anti-wrinkle injections and Botox is that the former refers to a broad category of treatments used to relax muscles and reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, while the latter refers to a specific brand of toxin injection.
Botox is the most popular brand of anti-wrinkle injection and is often used as a catchall term to refer to all toxins and diluents; however, it’s essential for practitioners to know the difference between all anti-wrinkle injection brands, as differences between brands mean differences in formulation, diffusion, storage, and treatment outcome.
Read our ‘Practitioner’s Guide to The Best Anti-Wrinkle Injections’ for a breakdown of each brand that ACRE offers.
Shop Anti-Wrinkle Injections with ACRE Pharmacy
ACRE Pharmacy supplies licensed, high-quality anti-wrinkle injection products to registered practitioners across the UK. As a GPhC-registered pharmacy, we guarantee the authenticity and integrity of our products, ensuring optimal patient safety and results.
Explore our full range of toxins and diluents, including market-leading brands, such as Azzalure and Bocouture, or browse our wider collection of aesthetics products. For any further information regarding our product, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
