Taking the first step toward any cosmetic treatment can feel both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking. You might have questions about what happens during the appointment, how it will feel, what the results will look like, or whether you’re making the right decision. These feelings are completely normal, and we hear them from first-time patients at our Melbourne clinics every day.
The good news? Anti-wrinkle treatment is one of the most straightforward, well-established cosmetic procedures available. With over 20 years of experience at Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, we’ve guided thousands of Melbourne patients through their first appointments, and we’ve learned exactly what information helps people feel confident and prepared.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before, during, and after your first anti-wrinkle appointment, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage of the process.
Before Your Appointment: Preparation Is Key
Choose the Right Clinic
Your first and most important decision is selecting a reputable clinic with qualified clinicians. At Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, all anti-wrinkle treatments are performed by AHPRA-registered clinicians under medical supervision. This isn’t just a nice extra, it’s essential for your safety and results.
Look for clinics that:
Employ AHPRA-registered nurses or doctors
Have a long-established reputation (we’ve been operating since 1999)
Offer complimentary consultations before treatment
Take time to understand your concerns and goals
Use genuine, approved products
Maintain strict hygiene and safety protocols
Book Your Complimentary Consultation
Before any treatment, Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic offers a complimentary consultation at any of our four Melbourne locations (Collins St CBD, Hawthorn, Mount Waverley, or Viewbank). This no-obligation appointment is your chance to meet your clinician, discuss your concerns, ask questions, and decide if treatment is right for you.
Come prepared with:
A list of your questions and concerns
Details about any medications you’re taking
Information about past cosmetic treatments (if any)
Photos of how you’d like to look (if this helps you explain your goals)
What to Avoid Before Treatment
For the best results and minimal side effects, avoid certain activities and substances in the days leading up to your appointment:
Two weeks before:
Avoid other facial cosmetic treatments such as laser procedures, chemical peels, or intensive facials. These can irritate the skin and should be spaced out from your anti-wrinkle treatment.
One week before:
Reduce alcohol consumption, as it can thin the blood and increase bruising risk
Avoid blood-thinning medications if safe to do so (check with your doctor first)
Stop taking supplements that thin blood, such as fish oil, vitamin E, or ginkgo biloba (again, consult your doctor)
Day of treatment:
Don’t wear heavy makeup to your appointment (though light makeup is fine if you’re coming from work)
Avoid scheduling strenuous exercise for after your appointment
Don’t plan any important events or photo opportunities for the first few days
Medical History Matters
During your consultation, your clinician will discuss your complete medical history. This conversation is crucial for your safety, so please be thorough and honest.
You’ll be asked about:
Current and past medical conditions
All medications you’re taking (prescription and over-the-counter)
Previous cosmetic treatments and your response to them
Any allergies or sensitivities
Whether you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
Important note: Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic does not treat pregnant or breastfeeding patients. If you’re planning to conceive, it’s best to complete your treatment course before trying.
The Consultation: Understanding Your Treatment Plan
Your consultation is a comprehensive discussion about your goals, concerns, and the best approach to achieve the results you’re looking for. This isn’t a quick in-and-out appointment, it’s a thorough assessment that typically includes:
Facial Assessment
Your clinician will carefully examine your face, observing:
Which lines and wrinkles are visible at rest vs when you make expressions
Your facial muscle activity and movement patterns
Your skin condition, texture, and elasticity
Your facial structure and symmetry
Areas that might benefit from treatment
They may ask you to make various expressions (smile, frown, raise your eyebrows) to see exactly how your facial muscles move and where your wrinkles form.
Discussion of Treatment Areas
Based on your concerns and the facial assessment, your clinician will recommend which areas to treat. Common starting points include:
Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic uses two main muscle relaxant products, both containing Botulinum toxin Type-A. One is a European product by Galderma, and one is an American product by Allergan. They work similarly but have slightly different molecular sizes.
Your clinician will recommend the product best suited to your needs, considering factors such as:
The areas being treated
Your facial muscle strength
Your previous experience with treatments (if applicable)
Your individual goals
Setting Realistic Expectations
One of the most valuable aspects of your consultation is setting realistic expectations. Your clinician will be honest about:
What results are achievable in your specific case
How long it takes to see results (3-5 days to start, peak effect at 14 days)
How long results typically last (3-4 months)
What the treatment will and won’t do
The importance of a conservative, natural approach
At Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, we prioritise natural results over dramatic changes. Our goal is to help you look like a refreshed, well-rested version of yourself, not a different person entirely.
Understanding Costs
Your clinician will provide a clear quote for your treatment before proceeding. The cost depends on:
The areas being treated
The amount of product required (based on your facial anatomy and muscle strength)
Which product is used
There are no hidden fees or surprise costs. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before any treatment begins.
During Your Appointment: The Treatment Process
If you decide to proceed with treatment on the same day as your consultation (many patients do), here’s what happens:
Preparation
Your clinician will clean the treatment areas and may mark injection points on your face. These marks ensure precise placement of the muscle relaxants for optimal results.
If you’re particularly concerned about discomfort, a numbing cream can be applied, though most patients find this unnecessary. The needles used are very fine, and the injections themselves are quite quick.
The Injections
Most patients describe the sensation as a small pinprick or a quick, mild sting. It’s generally much less uncomfortable than people expect. The entire injection process typically takes just a few minutes, even when treating multiple areas.
Your clinician uses advanced techniques to minimise discomfort and ensure even distribution of the product. They’ll inject precise amounts of muscle relaxant into specific points within the targeted muscles.
You might notice:
A slight pressure sensation
A quick pinching feeling as the needle enters
A slight burning or stinging that passes quickly
Some mild tightness or aching immediately after
These sensations are normal and temporary.
Immediately After Injection
Right after your injections, you might notice small bumps at the injection sites. These typically disappear within 10-20 minutes as the product is absorbed into the muscle.
Your clinician will provide specific aftercare instructions, which typically include:
Don’t touch, rub, or massage the treated areas for at least 4 hours
Remain upright (don’t lie down) for at least 4 hours
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or hot yoga for 24 hours
Skip facials, massages, or other facial treatments for at least 24 hours
Avoid alcohol for the rest of the day
Following these instructions helps ensure the product stays in the intended areas and doesn’t migrate to surrounding muscles.
The First 24-48 Hours: What to Expect
Common Experiences
In the first day or two after treatment, you might notice:
At the injection sites:
Mild redness (usually fades within a few hours)
Small bumps or raised areas (resolve within hours)
Slight tenderness when touching the area
Tiny pinprick marks where the needle entered
General feelings:
Mild headache (quite common and easily managed with paracetamol)
Slight tightness or heaviness in treated areas
A feeling of mild fatigue
These are all normal responses and shouldn’t cause concern. However, if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, vision changes, or any other concerning symptoms, contact your clinic immediately.
Managing Minor Side Effects
Bruising: Some patients develop small bruises at injection sites. Bruising is more likely if you’re taking blood thinners, have thin skin, or are treating areas with many blood vessels (like around the eyes). Bruises typically fade within 7-10 days and can be covered with makeup after the first day.
Swelling: Minimal swelling is normal and usually resolves within a few hours to a day. Applying a cold compress (not directly on the injection sites, but nearby) can help.
Headaches: If you develop a headache, it’s usually mild and responds well to over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen for the first 24 hours, as they can increase bruising.
What You Won’t Notice Yet
Don’t expect to see results immediately. The muscle relaxant needs time to take effect, gradually reducing muscle activity over several days. This is a good thing, results that appear too quickly often look less natural.
Days 3-14: Watching Your Results Develop
The Early Days (Days 3-5)
Most patients start noticing subtle changes around 3-5 days after treatment. You might observe:
Your forehead feels slightly “heavier” or different when you try to raise your eyebrows
It’s harder to frown deeply
Your lines appear slightly softer
These early changes are subtle and continue developing over the next week.
Peak Effect (Around Day 14)
The full effect of anti-wrinkle treatment becomes visible around two weeks after your appointment. At this point:
Your treated lines and wrinkles are significantly softer
Your face looks more relaxed and refreshed
You can still make natural expressions, but without the deep creasing
The improvements look subtle and natural
This is why Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic schedules review appointments 10-14 days after your first treatment. During this review, your clinician will:
Assess your results
Check that you’re happy with the outcome
Provide a small top-up if any areas need adjustment
Answer any questions that have come up since your treatment
Adjusting to Your New Look
Most people adapt quickly to their refreshed appearance and forget they’ve had treatment at all. However, some patients notice they “can’t frown as much” or “can’t make certain expressions.” This is actually the treatment working as intended, preventing the muscle movements that create wrinkles.
If you feel like the effect is too strong, don’t worry. The treatment is temporary, and the muscle activity will gradually return to normal as the product metabolises over 3-4 months. At your review appointment, you can discuss a more conservative approach for future treatments.
Long-Term Maintenance
How Long Results Last
Most patients find their results last 3-4 months. However, this varies based on:
Your individual metabolism (how quickly your body breaks down the product)
The strength of your facial muscles
The areas treated
Lifestyle factors like sun exposure and stress
Some patients get slightly longer-lasting results from their treatment (4-5 months), while others find their effects fade closer to 3 months.
Planning Your Next Treatment
The key to maintaining your results is regular treatments before the effects completely wear off. When you start noticing some muscle movement returning, it’s time to book your next appointment.
Interestingly, many patients find that with regular maintenance treatments, their results last progressively longer. This happens because the muscles become retrained to remain more relaxed, meaning they don’t spring back into old habits as quickly.
Combining with Other Treatments
As you become more comfortable with anti-wrinkle injections, you might consider combining them with other treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation:
Dermal fillers for volume loss in cheeks, lips, or under eyes
Skin needling for texture improvement and collagen stimulation
Laser treatments for pigmentation, texture, or tightening
Your clinician can create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all your aesthetic concerns in a coordinated, strategic way.
Why Choose Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic for Your First Treatment
Your first anti-wrinkle treatment is an important decision, and the clinic you choose matters significantly. At Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic, we’ve built our reputation on:
Experience: Operating since 1999, we’ve performed millions of treatments for Melbourne patients. Our clinicians have seen every type of face, concern, and outcome, giving them the expertise to handle your treatment with confidence.
Qualifications: All treatments are performed by AHPRA-registered clinicians under medical supervision. This isn’t just about following regulations, it’s about ensuring your safety and achieving the best possible results.
Natural approach: We take a conservative approach that prioritises natural-looking results. You’ll still look like you, just more refreshed and confident.
Comprehensive care: From your complimentary consultation through to your review appointment and beyond, we’re here to support you at every step.
Honest communication: We’ll always be upfront about what’s achievable, what you can expect, and whether treatment is right for you. If we don’t think anti-wrinkle treatment will address your concerns, we’ll tell you honestly and suggest alternatives.
Ready for Your First Appointment?
Now that you know exactly what to expect, you’re well-prepared for your first anti-wrinkle treatment. The process is straightforward, the discomfort is minimal, and the results can significantly boost your confidence and how you feel about your appearance.
The best way to learn more is to book your complimentary consultation at any of our Melbourne clinics. During this no-obligation appointment, you’ll meet your clinician, discuss your specific concerns, have all your questions answered, and decide if treatment is right for you.
There’s no pressure and no commitment, just expert guidance from experienced professionals who genuinely care about helping you look and feel your best.
Book your complimentary consultation today and take the first step toward a more confident, refreshed you. Our team at Victorian Laser & Skin Clinic is here to guide you every step of the way.
