Anti-Wrinkle Injections: Everything You Need to Know

What Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections?

Anti-wrinkle injections — commonly known as Botox — use a purified protein called botulinum toxin to temporarily relax specific facial muscles. When those muscles contract repeatedly over years of smiling, frowning, and squinting, they create dynamic wrinkles: the lines you see when your face is moving. By gently interrupting the nerve signals that tell those muscles to contract, anti-wrinkle injections smooth existing lines and prevent new ones from forming. The treatment has been used safely in clinical settings for more than 30 years and remains one of the most evidence-backed procedures in aesthetic medicine. At Anti-Wrinkle Treatments at Carisma Aesthetics, every session is performed by a qualified doctor who specialises in facial anatomy — so your results are precise, natural, and never overdone.

How Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work?

The botulinum toxin protein blocks acetylcholine, the chemical messenger that tells a muscle to contract. When injected in tiny, controlled doses into a targeted muscle, it reduces the strength of that contraction — or pauses it altogether — for a period of three to four months. The surrounding tissue, nerves, and skin remain completely unaffected. Once the protein naturally breaks down, muscle activity gradually returns. Regular maintenance sessions allow many patients to enjoy continuously smooth skin, and over time some find that treated muscles become trained to relax, meaning results can last a little longer.

Which Areas Can Be Treated?

Anti-wrinkle injections are incredibly versatile. The most commonly treated areas for cosmetic purposes include:

• Forehead lines — horizontal creases that form when you raise your brows
• Frown lines (glabellar lines) — the vertical "11" lines between your eyebrows
• Crow's feet — fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes
• Brow lift — a subtle elevation of the brow arch for a more open, rested look
• Lip flip — a small amount relaxes the muscle above the lip for a fuller appearance
• Gummy smile correction — reduces excess gum exposure when smiling
• Chin dimpling — softens the "orange peel" texture on the chin
• Bunny lines — the diagonal creases on the nose when you scrunch it
• Jawline slimming (masseter reduction) — reduces the bulk of the jaw muscle for a slimmer face shape
• Nefertiti neck lift — refines the jawline and softens neck bands
• Hyperhidrosis — excessive underarm sweating, treated with a targeted injection protocol

Treatment is always guided by a thorough assessment of your facial anatomy. At Carisma, our doctors never follow a one-size-fits-all approach. We map exactly where and how much product to use based on your unique muscle structure, the depth of your lines, and the look you want to achieve. If you are also considering volume enhancement alongside muscle relaxation, our Dermal Fillers Malta page explains how both treatments can be combined safely for a comprehensive facial refresh.

What Results Can You Expect?

Most patients notice a visible softening of lines within three to five days, with full results settling in at around two weeks. The treated areas look smoother and more relaxed, while your natural expressions remain intact. The goal at Carisma is never to "freeze" your face — it is to create a refreshed, rested version of you that still moves naturally. Results typically last three to four months, after which a maintenance appointment keeps the look consistent. Over the long term, many regular patients require slightly less product per session as the muscles adapt.

Is the Treatment Painful?

Anti-wrinkle injections are well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. The needles used are extremely fine, and most people describe the sensation as a brief, mild pinch — comparable to a small insect bite. Sessions typically take between 15 and 30 minutes from start to finish, including the consultation element. If you have a lower pain threshold, a topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand. There is no downtime: most patients return to normal activities immediately after their appointment.

Are There Any Side Effects?

When performed by a qualified practitioner, anti-wrinkle injections are very safe. The most common side effects are temporary and mild: slight redness, minor swelling, or tenderness at the injection site, all of which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Bruising is possible but uncommon, and can be minimised by avoiding blood-thinning medications and alcohol for 24 hours before treatment. Rare side effects such as temporary eyelid heaviness are almost always the result of incorrect placement — which is why choosing a medically qualified, experienced injector matters enormously. At Carisma, every treatment is doctor-led and conducted within a clinical environment, giving you maximum confidence in both safety and outcome.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Anti-wrinkle injections are suitable for most healthy adults who want to soften the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles. They are equally popular as a preventative measure among patients in their late twenties and thirties, helping to slow the formation of deeper lines before they set in. The treatment is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those managing certain neurological conditions. A thorough free consultation at Carisma Aesthetics ensures the treatment is appropriate for your health history and cosmetic goals before any needles are used.

How to Prepare and What to Do Afterwards

Preparation is simple. In the 24 hours before your session, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E, and aspirin (unless medically prescribed). Pause strenuous exercise the day before. Arrive with a clean face and be ready to share your full medical history with your doctor. After treatment, avoid touching or massaging the injected areas for 24 hours, stay upright for the first four hours, and skip heavy exercise, alcohol, and saunas for 24 to 48 hours. These small precautions help the product settle where it was placed and ensure optimal results.

Combining Anti-Wrinkle Injections with Other Treatments

Anti-wrinkle injections address muscle-driven dynamic lines, but they do not restore lost volume or improve skin texture. For a more comprehensive result, many of our patients combine their Botox with complementary treatments. Our Face Treatments range includes options such as skin boosters, PRP, mesotherapy, and profhilo — all of which work alongside anti-wrinkle injections to nourish and hydrate the skin from within. For deep skin rejuvenation, our HydraFacial Treatment is a popular add-on that cleanses, exfoliates, and infuses the skin with targeted serums — leaving you with a luminous, refreshed complexion that pairs beautifully with freshly relaxed muscles.

How Much Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Cost in Malta?

At Carisma Aesthetics, pricing is transparent and straightforward. Targeted single treatments such as a lip flip, gummy smile correction, or chin start from €59. Single-area treatments — forehead, frown lines, or crow's feet — start from €139. Full upper face or a Nefertiti neck lift starts from €249, and hyperhidrosis treatment starts from €399. If you attend treatments regularly, the Carisma Membership programme offers exclusive savings and priority booking across all our aesthetic services. Exact pricing is confirmed at your consultation based on the number of units required for your unique anatomy.

Why Choose Carisma Aesthetics for Anti-Wrinkle Injections in Malta?

Carisma Aesthetics is Malta's leading medical aesthetics clinic, trusted by thousands of patients for safe, natural-looking results. Every anti-wrinkle treatment is carried out by a fully qualified doctor with advanced expertise in facial anatomy — never a nurse or beautician working outside their scope. We use only CE-marked, clinically approved products administered via evidence-based injection protocols. Our ethos is simple: enhance, never overcorrect. From your first consultation through to your aftercare review, you are supported every step of the way. Explore our full range of Anti-Wrinkle Treatments or take the first step and Book a Free Consultation with one of our doctors today — no commitment, no pressure, just honest expert advice.