One of the most common misconceptions about wrinkle-reducing treatments is that you’ll look frozen or that you’re not allowed to move your face for hours afterwards. While there are some immediate post-treatment precautions, moving your face is actually encouraged for optimal results.
Why You Should Move Your Face A Lot After Having A Traditional Wrinkle-Reducing Treatment
Helps Distribute the Product
When you move your face, you’re essentially helping to spread the wrinkle-reducing product more evenly across the treated area. This ensures that the product can work its magic on all the targeted wrinkles and fine lines.
Helps to Activate the Product
Facial movement can stimulate the muscles and tissues beneath the skin, which can help to activate the ingredients in the wrinkle-reducing product. This can enhance its effectiveness and accelerate the results.
Prevents Unwanted Spread
While you want the product to spread evenly, you also want to prevent it from migrating to unintended areas. Gentle facial movements can help keep the product contained within the treated zone.
Maximises Results
Following these post-treatment recommendations increases the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome from your wrinkle-reducing treatment.
So, don’t be afraid to move your face and make the most of your investment.
How Wrinkle-Reducing Treatments Work
It’s best to know how wrinkle-reducing treatments work to understand why facial movement is beneficial after the procedure.
Normally, your brain sends electrical messages to your muscles, causing them to contract and move. This message is transmitted by a substance called acetylcholine.
Wrinkle-reducing treatments work by blocking the release of acetylcholine, effectively preventing the muscles from receiving the message to contract.
As a result, the muscle spasms or movements that cause wrinkling are significantly reduced or stopped. This temporary “paralysis” of the treated area is what leads to the smoothing of wrinkles and fine lines.
Even though the muscles are temporarily relaxed or “paralysed”, they still need to be maintained to prevent shrinking or weakening. Gentle movement helps to keep the muscles toned and healthy.
Also, the effects of the wrinkle-reducing treatment may fade over time. By maintaining a natural range of motion, you can help prevent the muscles from becoming overly stiff or restricted, which could lead to unnatural facial expressions.
Another reason is that if you restrict facial movement for too long, your neighbouring facial muscles may overcompensate, leading to new wrinkles or muscle imbalances.
Other Post-Treatment Care Recommendations
Besides facial movements, here are additional post-treatment care recommendations:
- Avoid facial treatments and massage for at least 24 hours after your treatment. This can help prevent the product from spreading or being absorbed too quickly.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for three hours after your treatment. This can help minimise bruising and swelling.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to heat sources like saunas, hot tubs, or tanning beds for at least four hours. Heat can increase blood flow and raise blood pressure, potentially increasing the risk of bruising.
- Limit alcohol for at least 24 hours. Alcohol can thin your blood, which may increase the risk of bruising.
- If your treatment was on your forehead, avoid wearing accessories like sunglasses that can put pressure on the treated area.
- If you experience discomfort or pain, you can use over-the-counter pain relief medication as directed by your doctor.
The Importance of a Qualified Practitioner in Wrinkle Reduction
Besides the aftercare tips mentioned above, the success of wrinkle-reducing treatments heavily relies on the practitioner’s expertise. A qualified dermatologist or aesthetic doctor is the best choice for these procedures due to their extensive training and understanding of skin anatomy, physiology, and ageing.
Our cosmetic dermatologists at ENRICH Melbourne, for example, undergo years of specialised training, including medical school and a residency program focused on skin disorders. Our aesthetic doctors have also undertaken further training in cosmetic skin treatments and are continually in touch with new methodologies and treatments in this area. This rigorous training equips them with the knowledge and skills to:
- Accurately assess your skin condition and identify the most suitable treatment options.
- Safely administer wrinkle-reducing treatments while minimising risks and side effects.
- Address any potential complications that may arise during or after the procedure.
- Provide personalised post-treatment care to optimise results and ensure a smooth recovery.
Wrinkle-Reducing Treatments At ENRICH
Every face is unique, and so should your wrinkle-reducing treatment. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team to discuss your concerns. Our qualified dermatologists will assess your concerns and goals during the consultation and develop a personalised treatment plan for a natural-looking result.
