Anti-Wrinkle Injections at Gorgie Road Dental Edinburgh: What to Expect

Deciding to try anti-wrinkle injections for the first time can feel like a significant step, and it is perfectly natural to want to know exactly what will happen before you commit. Understanding the full process — from your initial consultation through to your follow-up appointment — makes the whole experience far less daunting and helps you feel confident that you are making an informed choice. This guide walks you through what you can expect when you come to Gorgie Road Dental Practice in Edinburgh for anti-wrinkle treatment.

Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified form of muscle relaxant type A to temporarily relax the small muscles beneath the skin that cause expression lines. The result is a smoother, more rested appearance — without altering the natural movement of your face when the treatment is administered well. These injections are quick to deliver, require no general anaesthetic, and involve very little downtime. Most patients return to their normal daily routine the same day.

Your Initial Consultation

Every treatment journey at Gorgie Road begins with a thorough consultation. This is not a quick formality — it is a genuinely important conversation in which we take the time to get to know you, understand your concerns, and assess whether anti-wrinkle injections are the right approach for your specific goals. We will also use this time to carry out a full facial assessment, examining your skin, muscle strength, and existing lines to build an accurate picture of your anatomy.

During the consultation, we will:

• Review your full medical history and any medications you are currently taking
• Discuss the areas you would like treated and what results are realistically achievable
• Explain exactly how the treatment works and what it involves
• Answer any questions you have about safety, potential side effects, and aftercare
• Ensure you are giving fully informed consent before any treatment takes place
• Discuss the product being used and confirm it is licensed for cosmetic use in the UK

We will never pressure you to proceed on the day of your consultation. If you need time to think things over, that is absolutely fine — in fact, we actively encourage it. An informed, considered decision is always the best foundation for a positive treatment experience.

Preparing for Your Treatment

Once you have decided to go ahead, there are a few simple steps you can take to prepare. In the days before your appointment, it is advisable to avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen (unless prescribed by your GP) and to reduce your alcohol intake. These measures help to minimise the risk of bruising at the injection sites.

You should arrive with a clean face, free from heavy make-up, and be prepared to sit or recline in a treatment chair for approximately 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The injections themselves are usually completed much more quickly — most treatment sessions take between 10 and 20 minutes depending on the number of areas being addressed. It is a good idea to take some photographs of your face before treatment so you have a clear baseline for comparison once the results develop.

During the Treatment

The actual injection process is carried out using a very fine needle, and most patients describe the sensation as a slight pinch or sting that lasts only a fraction of a second per injection. A topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand if you are particularly sensitive or anxious about needles, though many patients find this unnecessary for such brief, superficial injections.

We work methodically through each treatment area, applying the muscle relaxant precisely to the target muscles at carefully measured depths. Common areas treated include the horizontal lines of the forehead, the vertical lines between the brows (known as frown lines or glabellar lines), and the radiating lines at the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet). We may treat one, two, or all three of these areas depending on your individual plan and what you have discussed at consultation.

Throughout the treatment, we will check in with you to ensure you are comfortable. Patients who have previously been nervous often report that the procedure is much easier than they anticipated. We are experienced in treating anxious patients and will always work at your pace.

After Your Treatment

You can return to your normal daily activities straight after treatment — anti-wrinkle injections genuinely require no downtime. However, there are some important aftercare guidelines to follow in the first 24 hours to help achieve the best possible results:

• Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated areas
• Do not lie down flat for at least four hours after treatment
• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and steam rooms for the first 24 hours
• Avoid alcohol for the rest of the treatment day
• Do not apply make-up for at least four hours after your appointment
• Avoid facial massage, facials, or any treatment to the face for two weeks

Some mild redness, swelling, or small pinprick marks at the injection sites are entirely normal and should resolve within a few hours. Bruising is possible but uncommon in experienced hands, and if it does occur it generally fades within seven to ten days. Arnica cream or gel can help speed the resolution of any bruising if needed.

When Will You See Results?

Anti-wrinkle injections do not produce instant results. The muscle relaxant gradually takes effect over the days following treatment as the targeted muscles begin to relax. Most patients notice the first visible changes after two to three days, with the full effect typically visible at around two weeks. In the early days, it is common to notice a slight heaviness or a feeling of tightness in the treated area as the muscles begin to respond — this is normal and settles quickly.

We recommend a follow-up appointment at two weeks after your first treatment. At this point the full effect will be visible, and we can assess your results accurately. If any fine adjustment is needed — for example, a small additional injection to balance a slight asymmetry — this can be done at the follow-up visit.

Safety and the UK Regulatory Framework

Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do at Gorgie Road Dental Practice. The NHS provides clear information on muscle relaxant injections for cosmetic use, including guidance on the importance of choosing a qualified practitioner — you can read their full overview at nhs.uk. As a dental practice registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, we adhere to the highest clinical standards, and all muscle relaxant products we use are fully licensed for cosmetic use in the UK.

Muscle relaxant is a prescription-only medicine, which means it can only be legally administered following a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber. Our practitioners are registered with the General Dental Council and are fully authorised to prescribe and administer these treatments. We never use unlicensed products or administer treatment without a proper pre-treatment assessment.

The Treatment Journey at a Glance

Stage	What Happens	Approximate Duration
Consultation	Medical history, facial assessment, discussion of goals, consent	20–30 minutes
Preparation	Cleanse skin, apply numbing cream if requested	5–15 minutes
Treatment	Precise injections to target muscles	10–20 minutes
Results visible	Gradual relaxation of treated muscles	2–14 days
Follow-up	Assessment of results, fine adjustments if needed	2 weeks post-treatment
Top-up required	Results begin to wear off naturally	3–6 months

Ready to Find Out More?

We understand that choosing to have any cosmetic treatment is a personal decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our team at Gorgie Road Dental Practice combines genuine clinical expertise with a warm, patient-centred approach — and we are proud to offer anti-wrinkle injections to patients across Edinburgh in a safe, regulated, and professional environment. If you would like to book a consultation or simply have a few questions you would like to discuss, please give us a call on 0131 337 3936 and we will be happy to help.