The rise in “preventative” anti-wrinkle injections

The rise in popularity of anti-wrinkle injections is showing no sign of slowing. Not only are these “tweakments” more readily available, but people are now more readily admitting to having them done, and now an estimated 900,000 anti-wrinkle injections are administered in the UK each year.

And it’s not just those correcting their deep-set lines that are behind this aesthetics boom. In fact, there’s a growing trend amongst Gen Z to get “preventative” anti-wrinkle injections, as the aesthetics experts at YourGP explain.

An effective tool in the fight against ageing

Anti-wrinkle injections can be a highly effective way of minimising the lines and wrinkles that naturally form on the face as part of the ageing process. As collagen and elastin levels deplete, the skin becomes thinner, drier and less elastic, meaning it’s less able to snap back into place, leading to the formation of lines which gradually deepen over time.

This common sign of ageing typically becomes more visible as we reach our late 30s, and for this reason the most common age we treat here at YourGP is 40+. These patients come to us on a regular basis for top-up treatments to maintain a smoother, more youthful appearance.

These anti-wrinkle injection treatments work by effectively relaxing the targeted muscles, temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause these muscles to contract. The muscle doesn’t contract so the skin doesn’t wrinkle – resulting in smoother skin.

A growing trend amongst Gen Z

Whilst anti-wrinkle injections can be used to great effect to turn back the clock on wrinkles, we’re now seeing more and more people opt to have them before those wrinkles even appear.

Preventative anti-wrinkle injections can be used to target problem areas such as the forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet before expression lines deepen and become permanent. For this reason, we’re seeing an increase in people in their late 20s and early 30s having anti-wrinkle injections when those very faint fine lines first start to appear.

Whilst this can be a highly effective way of keeping deep lines and wrinkles at bay, it is important to understand that this is not a permanent solution and as soon as treatment is stopped, those lines will form. Therefore, ongoing maintenance treatments are required.

Safety first

Shockingly, there is no specific law in Scotland outlining a minimum age for aesthetic injections. Here at YourGP, however, we would never perform an anti-wrinkle treatment on anyone under the age of 18 and we back the calls for a minimum age to be introduced into Scotland.

Patient safety is always our top priority. For that reason, we urge anyone considering an anti-wrinkle treatment to following this advice:

• Ensure your practitioner is a registered medical professional: All medical professionals at YourGP are strictly regulated by the General Medical Council.
• Ensure your treatment is carried out within a clean environment such as a clinic: YourGP prides itself on its exceptional clinical standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
• Check your practitioner has experience in administering the procedure: YourGP’s aesthetics experts undergo extensive training and attend refresher courses on a regular basis.
• Always ensure you follow the necessary aftercare advice: YourGP is open six days a week so should you have any questions following your treatment, we’re here, right when you need us.

Book your appointment

You can book a consultation with one of our aesthetics experts using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you decide if an anti-wrinkle treatment is right for you.