Does anti-wrinkle treatment hurt? | Bellissima Faces

Key takeaways

• The needles are tiny and injections take seconds per area.
• Most people describe it as a small scratch or pinch, not pain.
• Any sting fades within seconds; no numbing cream is usually needed.
• A mild headache or tenderness for 24 hours is the most common after-effect.
• Results appear from day 2-3 and peak at 2 weeks.

Does anti-wrinkle treatment hurt?

Does anti-wrinkle treatment hurt? Not really; it feels like a quick scratch or pinch. Most clients find the sensation far easier than expected, with any sting fading within seconds.

At Bellissima Faces, Bella has been doing this for over 18 years and works quickly and gently. She'll talk you through what she's doing so nothing takes you by surprise, and you can ask her to pause at any point.

• The needles are tiny and each injection takes just a few seconds.
• Any sting is gone almost immediately after the appointment.
• Bella works quickly and gently, talking you through the process.

What does it actually feel like?

Everyone's sensitivity is different, but here's what most people report during anti-wrinkle injections for two areas — typically the forehead and frown lines, or frown lines and crow's feet.

• The needle going in: a brief sharp sensation, like a tiny scratch or a light pinch.
• The product going in: a slight cooling or stinging feeling that lasts a second or two.
• Between injections: virtually nothing — the skin settles straight away.
• Straight after: tiny red dots where the needle entered, which fade within an hour.

Do I need numbing cream?

Usually not. The needles used for anti-wrinkle treatment are much finer than those for vaccinations or blood tests, and the product is injected very shallowly. Numbing cream can actually take longer to work than the treatment itself.

If you're particularly anxious or know you have a low pain threshold, let Bella know at your consultation. She can arrange numbing cream or use other techniques to keep you comfortable — but honestly, most clients don't feel the need.

• Numbing cream is usually not needed for this treatment.
• The needles used are much finer than those for vaccinations.
• You can request numbing cream if you have a low pain threshold.

What about afterwards?

Any discomfort after anti-wrinkle injections is mild and short-lived. Here's what you might feel in the hours and days following your appointment.

• Tiny red dots or slight swelling at injection sites — fade within an hour.
• A small bruise — possible for a day or two, easily covered with makeup after 24 hours.
• Mild tenderness or a dull headache — common for the first 24 hours, paracetamol is fine if needed.
• A heavy or tight sensation across the forehead — this is the muscle relaxing, not pain, and passes as you adjust.

How to minimise any discomfort

There are a few simple things you can do before and after your appointment to keep things as comfortable as possible.

• There are simple steps to take before your appointment.
• Preparation helps keep the experience as comfortable as possible.
• Post-treatment care also aids in minimising discomfort.

1. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand — it thins the blood and makes bruising more likely.
2. Skip blood-thinning supplements like fish oils, vitamin E and ginkgo for a week if you can.
3. Come with clean skin and no makeup on the areas being treated.
4. Stay upright for 4 hours after — no lying flat or bending over upside down.
5. Don't rub or massage the treated areas for 24 hours.
6. Avoid the gym, saunas and heat for 24 hours.
7. Skip alcohol for 24 hours after your appointment too.

When will I see results?

You'll typically start noticing a difference around day 2 or 3, with the full effect visible at about 2 weeks. From there, results usually last 3 to 4 months, depending on how strong your muscles are and how quickly your body processes the treatment.

This is a single-session treatment — one appointment and you're done. If you've got a wedding or big event coming up, book at least 2 weeks beforehand so everything has settled beautifully. When it wears off, you can rebook, leaving at least 3 months between treatments.

• Results typically start appearing around day 2 or 3.
• The full effect is visible at about 2 weeks.
• Effects generally last 3 to 4 months depending on muscle strength.

1. Book your appointment at least 2 weeks before any big event.
2. Attend your single-session treatment appointment.
3. Rebook when the effects wear off, leaving at least 3 months between treatments.

Who is this treatment for?

Anti-wrinkle injections for two areas suit anyone bothered by specific lines they want to soften while keeping natural expression. Common combinations include forehead and frown lines, or frown lines and crow's feet.

It's ideal if you want to look fresher without changing your whole face — nobody needs to know you've had anything done. The treatment simply relaxes the muscles that pull your skin into lines, letting the surface smooth out naturally.

• Suitable for anyone wanting to soften specific lines naturally.
• Common areas include forehead, frown lines, and crow's feet.
• Ideal for looking fresher without changing your whole face.

Common questions

Is anti-wrinkle treatment painful compared to dermal fillers?

Most people find anti-wrinkle injections less uncomfortable than fillers. The needles are finer, less product is injected, and the sensation is brief — a quick scratch rather than a deeper pressure.

Can I have anti-wrinkle treatment if I'm scared of needles?

Yes — many anxious clients manage fine once they experience how quick and gentle it is. Bella will go at your pace, and you can request numbing cream if it helps your confidence.

Will I have a headache after anti-wrinkle injections?

A mild headache is fairly common for the first day or two, especially after forehead treatment. Paracetamol is fine if you need it, and it usually passes quickly.

How long does the appointment take?

The actual injections take only a few minutes. Most of the appointment is consultation, consent and aftercare discussion — you'll be in and out comfortably.

Can I go back to work straight after?

Yes — most people carry on as normal. You might have tiny red dots for an hour, so some clients prefer not to schedule important meetings immediately after, but there's no real downtime.