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Anti-wrinkle injections are one of the most common treatments I perform, and yet I still get asked the basics almost every week. Do they remove wrinkles? Freeze the face? Do something to the skin itself? What's happening between the injection and the moment someone notices their frown lines have softened? The short answer is simple: the injections reduce the signal travelling from certain nerves to certain facial muscles, which weakens the contraction of those muscles and softens the lines that contraction was creating. But the longer answer is more interesting, and it's worth understanding properly before you have anything done to your own face. So, that's what I want to walk through here. What are anti-wrinkle injections doing? A lot of the lines we develop are down to repeated expression. Every time you frown, squint, or raise your eyebrows, a muscle underneath the skin contracts and pulls the skin above it along with it. When you're younger, that skin just springs back once the expression passes. As the years go on, the combination of that repeated movement with declining collagen and elastin means the crease starts sticking around even after the expression is over — eventually it's visible even at rest. What the injections do is turn down the volume on the muscles behind some of those expressions. I want to be clear that the goal isn't to switch a muscle off completely. Good treatment is about dialing back the excess, not erasing the movement altogether. The mechanism, properly explained Muscles don't decide to contract on their own — they're told to by a nerve. At the point where a nerve meets a muscle, it releases a chemical called acetylcholine, which crosses that tiny gap and instructs the muscle fibres to fire. Small, carefully placed amounts of the prescribed medicine interrupt that handover. Less acetylcholine gets released, the "contract" message arrives weaker, and the muscle simply does less. Because the skin above it is no longer being folded as forcefully or as often, the associated lines soften. And crucially, this whole process reverses on its own — nerve signalling comes back over the following months, and muscle activity returns with it. Does it work on the skin itself? No, and I think this is where a lot of the confusion comes from. People sometimes talk about the injections as though they're filling in a line the way filler might. They're not. The target is the nerve-muscle communication, not the wrinkle itself, which is exactly why this treatment is so effective on dynamic lines — the ones caused or worsened by movement, like the horizontal lines across the forehead, the vertical ones between the brows, or crow's feet when you smile. Dynamic lines vs. static lines This distinction matters more than people realise when they're weighing up treatment. Dynamic lines only really show up when you're mid-expression. Raise your eyebrows in the mirror right now — those forehead lines that appear are dynamic. Relax your face, and if they mostly vanish, that confirms it. These respond very well to treatment, because muscle activity is doing most of the work in creating them. Static lines are the ones still visible when your face is completely at rest. They come from a mix of things — years of repeated movement, yes, but also collagen decline, sun exposure, genetics, smoking, and structural changes as we age. Treatment can still help here, mainly by stopping the muscle from continuing to fold the skin along the same crease, but I won't promise a deep, established static line will disappear entirely just because the muscle underneath has quietened down. I'd rather set that expectation honestly upfront than have someone disappointed at their two-week review. Where it's commonly used The upper face is where most of my anti-wrinkle work happens — frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet. Frown lines sit between the brows and come from muscles that pull the eyebrows down and inward. Softening those muscles eases the frown while leaving normal expression intact. Forehead lines come mainly from the frontalis muscle, the one responsible for lifting your eyebrows. This is an area that needs real care, because eyebrow position depends on a balance between several muscles working together — go too aggressive here and you risk a heavy, flat look rather than a natural one. Crow's feet form at the outer corners of the eyes, especially when smiling. Well-placed treatment softens them without taking away your smile. There are other areas I treat too, but they all demand a solid grasp of the anatomy and how neighbouring muscles interact with each other. Why you won't see results straight away This surprises a lot of people. The injections themselves take minutes, but the biological process behind the result is gradual. Most people start noticing something around day three or four, and it keeps developing from there. I always tell patients to properly judge the result at the two-week mark — checking your forehead the next morning is judging it far too soon. What the appointment is like The injections themselves are quick — a fine needle, a small volume, and most people describe it as barely more than a pinprick. But a proper appointment should involve a lot more than the injecting part. Before I touch a needle to anyone's face, I'm assessing how they move — muscle strength, eyebrow position, symmetry, how different muscles are working together. Everyone's pattern is slightly different, and that assessment is really what decides where the injections go. The injecting is the fast part; the thinking beforehand is what takes the time. Will it freeze my face? It shouldn't. A completely immobile forehead isn't the outcome I aim for. There's a real difference between reducing excess movement and eliminating movement altogether, and personally I lean toward the former. I want someone to look fresher, less tired, less tense, not embalmed! How much movement someone keeps depends entirely on them. Some patients want very little left. Others specifically want to hold onto expression. I tend to err on the side of at least some movement though. Why doses differ so much between people Faces simply aren't standard-issue. Two people the same age can have very different muscle strength, proportions, and expression habits — someone with strong frown muscles needs a different approach to someone with naturally weaker ones. Men, on average, tend to carry more facial muscle mass and often need different dosing as a result, often fifty percent more, hence it is a little more expensive for men. Other things I factor in include muscle strength, eyebrow position, forehead height, any existing asymmetry, what's been done before, how much movement someone wants to keep, and general skin quality. This is exactly why I don't work off a standard template — the treatment should be built around the face, not the other way round. How long does it last? For most people, roughly four months, though there's real variation from patient to patient. It doesn't wear off overnight — movement gradually creeps back in, so you might notice a little more expression returning while the overall result still looks good, and it continues from there. Muscle strength, the area treated, and your own biology all play into how long it holds. I've written more on this specifically in a separate piece, if you want the fuller picture. Does it weaken the muscle permanently? No — the effect is built to be temporary. As the nerve-muscle communication recovers, so does the muscle. If you decide to stop treatment altogether, your movement comes back and your face simply continues ageing as it would have anyway; it doesn't rebound worse for having had treatment. That said, with repeated treatment over time, some patients find their strongest muscles calm down somewhat or that they need touch-ups less often — though this varies a lot person to person. Can it prevent wrinkles from forming? To an extent, yes, by reducing one of the mechanisms that creates them. Think of folding a piece of paper along the same line again — eventually there's a crease there even flat. Skin isn't paper, but the same basic principle of repeated folding applies. Less forceful, less frequent folding means less pressure driving a new line to form. That said, facial ageing is a lot more than muscle movement. Sun exposure, genetics, smoking, collagen loss, hormones, and changes in facial fat and bone all play a part too, so I'd never present this as a fix for ageing generally — just one piece of it. Is it safe? It's a well-established treatment with a long track record in both medical and aesthetic use. Temporary effects can include redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising, headache, or some asymmetry. Less commonly, a nearby muscle can be affected unintentionally, which might cause temporary eyebrow or eyelid drooping. This is exactly why careful assessment and proper dosing matter, and why a good consultation should also flag when treatment isn't the right call, or should wait. What makes a result look natural? To me, success was never about eliminating every line possible. A face needs to move — expression is part of how we communicate and part of what makes someone recognisably themselves. My job is figuring out which muscles are driving the lines someone doesn't want, and how much to dial each one back, which sometimes means treating two areas quite differently or deliberately leaving movement in place elsewhere. The best outcome, in my opinion, is one nobody else clocks as "work." You just look a bit fresher, a bit less tense, a bit more like you got some sleep. Common questions How quickly does it start working? Some people see changes within three to four days, developing further from there. I'd assess the true result around the two-week mark. How long does it last? Around three to four months for most people, though it varies. Will I still be able to move my face? Yes — how much depends on the plan and dose, and it can be tailored to keep your expression natural. Does it get rid of existing wrinkles? It works particularly well on dynamic lines caused by movement. Deeper static lines may soften but won't necessarily disappear entirely. What happens once it wears off? Nerve-muscle communication gradually returns and muscle activity comes back with it — a slow fade, not a sudden drop-off. Will my lines be worse once I stop? No. Movement returns and your face carries on ageing normally — treatment doesn't set you back. How often do people come back for treatment? Many patients settle into roughly every three to four months, though there's no single schedule that suits everyone. Final thoughts At its core, this treatment works by quietening the signal between certain nerves and certain facial muscles. Less contraction means less repeated folding of the skin, and that's what softens expression lines. The science itself isn't complicated. The real skill is in the judgment — which muscles to treat, exactly where, and by how much. I've never seen the goal as an expressionless face. It's about using a proper understanding of the anatomy in front of me to get a result that looks balanced, subtle, and right for that person. If you're weighing up anti-wrinkle injections in Dublin, a proper consultation is about two things: working out what you'd like to change, and just as importantly, agreeing on what's better left alone. Dr David Lucey is the multi-award winning founder of The Beauty Doc, a doctor-only medical aesthetics clinic in Dublin. His approach centres on careful facial assessment, subtle treatment, and natural-looking results.

Dr David Lucey, The Beauty Doc, Dublin Wondering how long anti-wrinkle injections last? Learn when results begin, how long they typically last, what affects longevity, and how to make your results last longer. How Long Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Last? One of the most common questions patients ask during a consultation is: "How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?" The short answer is that most people enjoy results for around 3 to 4 months, although this varies depending on the treatment area, the individual, muscle strength, metabolism and previous treatment history. Understanding what influences the longevity of your results helps you set realistic expectations and achieve the most natural, consistent outcome over time. In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about how long anti-wrinkle injections last, what affects their duration, and how to maintain the best possible results. How Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work? Anti-wrinkle injections work by temporarily relaxing selected facial muscles that create expression lines. Every time you smile, frown, squint or raise your eyebrows, tiny muscles beneath the skin contract. Over many years, these repeated movements create wrinkles known as dynamic wrinkles. Common treatment areas include: Forehead lines Frown lines between the eyebrows Crow's feet around the eyes Bunny lines Chin dimpling Neck bands Jawline treatments Masseter muscles for teeth grinding Once the muscle relaxes, the overlying skin becomes smoother and repeated folding of the skin is reduced. The treatment does not permanently change the muscle. As the nerve endings gradually recover, muscle movement slowly returns. When Will I Notice Results? Results do not appear immediately. Most patients notice: Small changes after 2–3 days Significant improvement after 5–7 days Full effect after around 10–14 days Because the effect develops gradually, many patients find the change looks subtle and natural. How Long Do Results Usually Last? For most patients: First treatment: around 2.5–3 months Regular treatments: around 3–4 months Some patients: up to 5 months This varies considerably between individuals. Some people naturally metabolise the treatment more quickly, while others maintain excellent results for considerably longer. Rather than disappearing overnight, the effect gradually wears off. Why Doesn't Everyone Get the Same Duration? Several factors influence how long anti-wrinkle injections last. 1. Muscle Strength People with stronger facial muscles often metabolise treatment more quickly. This is particularly common in: Men Athletes People with naturally strong facial expressions Larger muscles generally require more treatment and may regain movement sooner. 2. Treatment Area Different muscles recover at different speeds. Typically: Crow's Feet Often last around 3–4 months. Forehead Usually lasts around 3–4 months. Frown Lines Frequently last the longest because the muscles are thicker and treatment is often particularly effective. Masseter (Jaw Slimming or Teeth Grinding) Can often last between 4 and 6 months because these muscles are much larger and respond differently. 3. Individual Metabolism Your body's metabolism plays a significant role. People who naturally metabolise medications quickly may also notice that anti-wrinkle injections wear off sooner. There is little you can do to change this—it is simply part of normal biological variation. 4. Previous Treatments Many patients notice that results seem to last longer after regular treatments. This isn't because the medication stays in the body longer. Instead, the muscles often become slightly less active over time because they have spent repeated periods in a relaxed state. This can allow longer intervals between appointments for some patients. 5. Lifestyle Lifestyle also affects longevity. Factors associated with shorter-lasting results include: Frequent intense exercise High levels of physical activity Smoking Significant stress Poor sleep Excessive sun exposure While these factors do not completely determine your outcome, they may contribute. Can Exercise Make Results Wear Off Faster? This is a question that I'm frequently asked. Current evidence suggests that very high levels of exercise may be associated with slightly shorter duration in some individuals. This is thought to relate to increased metabolism rather than the exercise itself. For most recreational exercisers, the difference is likely to be small. There is no good evidence that normal gym attendance significantly reduces results, however, I have observed that patients that go to the gym daily or engage in regular, heavy exercise, such as long distance running, generally get less longevity from their anti-wrinkle injections. Can I Make Anti-Wrinkle Injections Last Longer? While nobody can permanently extend the effect, several habits may help you maintain optimal results. Protect Your Skin Daily sunscreen is arguably the most effective anti-ageing product available. Ultraviolet light accelerates collagen loss and wrinkle formation. Using a broad-spectrum SPF every day protects the improvements achieved through treatment. Follow a Good Skincare Routine Healthy skin always produces better cosmetic outcomes. Ingredients with good scientific evidence include: Retinoids Vitamin C Niacinamide Hyaluronic acid Ceramides These improve overall skin quality but do not directly prolong muscle relaxation. Avoid Smoking Smoking accelerates skin ageing and collagen breakdown. Stopping smoking benefits both your overall health and your skin. Attend Regular Reviews Rather than waiting until all movement has returned, many patients choose regular maintenance appointments. This helps maintain smoother results over time. I can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your individual response. What Happens When It Wears Off? Nothing dramatic happens. The muscle gradually regains movement over several weeks. Wrinkles slowly begin to reappear as normal facial movement returns. Importantly: Your wrinkles do not become worse than before treatment. This is one of the most common myths. The treatment simply wears off and your muscles return to behaving as they did before. Will My Face Become Dependent on Treatment? No. Anti-wrinkle injections do not make your skin dependent on treatment. If you stop having treatment: Muscle movement returns Wrinkles gradually return Your face continues to age naturally Many patients actually notice they still look slightly better than before starting treatment because they spent months or years making fewer repetitive facial movements. Why Do Some People Get Longer Results Than Others? The duration depends on a combination of factors including: Age Muscle strength Genetics Lifestyle Treatment area Individual anatomy Dose selected by your doctor Previous treatment history There is no universal timetable. As an experienced medical practitioner, I will tailor treatment to your facial anatomy and discuss realistic expectations. Does More Product Mean Longer Results? Not necessarily. Using excessive amounts does not automatically create longer-lasting outcomes. The goal should always be to achieve a natural-looking result while preserving appropriate facial expression. Treatment should be individualised rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach. Frequently Asked Questions Can anti-wrinkle injections last six months? Some treatments, particularly larger muscles such as the masseters, may approach six months in certain individuals. However, most facial treatments last around 3–4 months. Why did my first treatment wear off quickly? First treatments often wear off slightly sooner because the muscles have never previously been relaxed. Can stress affect longevity? Stress itself is unlikely to have a major direct effect, although lifestyle factors associated with stress may influence overall skin health. Will stronger muscles always need more treatment? Not always. The amount used depends on your anatomy, muscle activity, treatment goals and your doctor's assessment. Can collagen supplements make treatment last longer? There is no convincing evidence that collagen supplements prolong muscle relaxation. They may support skin quality, but they work differently. Choosing an Experienced Medical Practitioner The longevity of your results depends on far more than the treatment itself. Careful assessment, appropriate dosing, detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and a personalised treatment plan all contribute to achieving results that look natural and last as expected. Choosing a qualified medical practitioner also helps ensure that treatment is delivered safely and appropriately for your individual facial structure. Final Thoughts Most anti-wrinkle injections provide smoother, more refreshed-looking skin for around three to four months. Results develop gradually over two weeks and then slowly wear off as normal muscle activity returns. While factors such as metabolism, muscle strength, treatment area and lifestyle all influence longevity, there is no single "correct" duration for everyone. The best outcomes come from realistic expectations, regular review with an experienced medical practitioner and a long-term approach focused on natural-looking results rather than over-treatment. If you're considering anti-wrinkle injections or simply want to understand how they work, a thorough consultation with an experienced doctor is the best place to start. They can assess your facial anatomy, explain what you can realistically expect, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your goals. Dr David Lucey MB BCh BAO (Hons) MRSCI, is a multi-award winning aesthetic doctor with over 23 years experience. With over 300 individual reviews on Google, he is one of the most trusted aesthetic doctors in Dublin.

If you wake up with a tight or aching jaw, notice tension along the sides of your face, or a dentist has told you that you grind your teeth at night, your masseter muscles are probably working harder than they need to. The masseters are the strong chewing muscles at the back of the jaw. In some people, repeated clenching or grinding makes them persistently tense, uncomfortable, or visibly enlarged. Carefully placed anti-wrinkle injections can reduce excessive activity in these muscles, easing tension and the force of clenching — and, in some patients, softening the lower face at the same time. Masseter treatment isn't right for every jaw complaint, though, and it won't fix every cause of grinding. I've seen patients come in convinced this is what they need when the real problem was sitting somewhere else entirely — a cracked filling, a joint issue, sometimes just how they'd been sleeping. Getting the assessment right matters more than the injection technique. What is teeth grinding? Bruxism is the clinical term. It covers grinding, clenching, or both. Some people do it while awake — usually during stress or concentration, often without noticing. Others grind in their sleep and only find out when a partner mentions the noise, or a dentist spots the wear. Common signs I look for: tightness or fatigue at the sides of the jaw, morning stiffness, headaches around the temples, tenderness when you press on the chewing muscles, flattened or chipped teeth, and a visibly square or widened lower jaw from muscle bulk. Some patients describe catching themselves mid-clench while driving or working. These overlap with other conditions. Jaw-joint problems, dental disease, and some headache patterns can look similar, so I'm cautious about labelling every sore jaw as simple bruxism without a proper look first. What are the masseter muscles doing? The masseters run from cheekbone to lower jaw. Put your fingers just in front of your ears and bite down — you'll feel them contract. They're among the strongest muscles in the body relative to their size, and repeated use through clenching can make them hypertrophy, growing larger and contributing to a broader, more angular jawline. Treatment reduces the strength of excessive contractions for a period of months. It doesn't paralyse the jaw, and at the right dose it shouldn't stop you eating normally. How does it actually work? The injections contain a purified prescription medicine that reduces the signal between selected nerves and the muscle. Small, precisely placed doses into the masseter gradually make the treated fibres less forceful. For the right patient this can ease clenching intensity, reduce tightness and tenderness, take some pressure off the teeth, and — where enlargement is part of the picture — slim the lower face over time. It won't touch the underlying stress, fix a damaged tooth, or correct a structural jaw problem. Some patients need input from a dentist, physiotherapist, or sleep specialist alongside the injections, and I'll say so if that's the case. Is this the same as face slimming? The injection sites overlap, but the goal isn't always identical. When clenching is the main concern, I'm working functionally — reducing force while keeping chewing comfortable and the smile natural. When a wide lower face is the concern, reducing masseter bulk is what produces the slimming effect. Plenty of patients want both. But not every broad jawline comes from big masseters — bone structure, fat, and skin laxity all play a part, and injections won't narrow bone or remove fat. That's why I need to actually examine the jaw before promising a cosmetic change, not just take a photo reference at face value. What happens at consultation I start by asking about your symptoms, dental history, and what you're hoping to get out of treatment. Then I assess the jaw at rest and while clenching — looking at strength, size, and symmetry — along with facial proportions and smile movement. It helps me to know about: Jaw-joint pain, locking, or restricted opening Recent or planned dental work Any difficulty chewing or swallowing Previous facial surgery or nerve injury Neuromuscular conditions, pregnancy, or breastfeeding Medications affecting bleeding or muscle function Past reactions to anti-wrinkle injections Sleep apnoea or significant snoring If there's real tooth wear, joint symptoms, or an unclear diagnosis, I'll often send someone to their dentist first rather than treat before that's ruled in or out. Injecting shouldn't delay a diagnosis that needs a different kind of attention. The treatment itself I clean the skin and identify the muscle borders by feel, asking you to clench so I can map it accurately. Small injections go into the lower portion of each masseter — the number of points and the dose depend on muscle size, strength, and what we're aiming for. It takes a few minutes. The needles are fine and most patients find it more uncomfortable than painful, over quickly. No anaesthetic needed, and you can go straight back to your day. Mild tenderness or small bumps at the injection points are common and settle on their own within a day or two. When will I notice something? Not immediately. Muscle activity starts to reduce over the first one to two weeks, with the fuller effect becoming clear over the following month. Jaw tension usually eases before any visible change in shape — if the masseter is enlarged, the slimming develops gradually over several weeks and tends to be subtle rather than dramatic. I like to see patients back once the treatment has settled, particularly after a first session, so we can judge the actual response rather than assume and add more product on a schedule. How long does it last? Generally three to six months, though this varies a fair amount between patients — muscle strength, metabolism, dose, and how much someone continues to clench all play into it. Some people find the benefit lasts longer with repeated treatment, as the muscle loses some of its bulk over time. Others clench through it as the effect wears off and need more regular sessions to hold the result. I don't repeat treatment on a fixed timetable. Each visit is a fresh reassessment, because muscle size and symptoms genuinely change. Will I still be able to eat normally? Yes, that's the aim — reducing excessive strength, not switching off the chewing muscles altogether. Other muscles share the work. Some patients notice their jaw tires faster on tough or chewy food, especially after a first treatment, but this settles. Overdosing is what causes real weakness, which is exactly why conservative dosing and a solid grasp of the anatomy matter here more than in most areas I treat. If someone already struggles with chewing or swallowing, or has a relevant neuromuscular condition, I won't treat. Possible side effects Redness, swelling, tenderness, and bruising are possible with any injection, and headache can occur. Specific to the masseter: temporary chewing fatigue, asymmetry if the muscles respond unevenly, a change to the smile if the medicine spreads to a nearby muscle, or a temporary change to the lower-face contour. Occasionally patients notice an indentation over the treated muscle, or bulging in an untreated portion when they clench hard. In someone whose masseter bulk had been supporting looser skin above it, treatment can unmask that laxity. None of this is common, but it's why I'd rather under-treat on a first visit and build up than start aggressively. No injectable is risk-free, and this is an area where experience genuinely changes the outcome — the masseter sits close to muscles that control the smile and lower-face movement. Can it affect the jawbone? This is worth being straight about: research has looked at whether long-term reduction of chewing muscle activity could affect the jawbone underneath, and the human evidence isn't fully settled — particularly at different doses over years of repeated treatment. I take that seriously. It's part of why I treat conservatively, avoid unnecessarily high doses, and reassess rather than putting patients on autopilot maintenance. Do I still need a night guard? Possibly, and it's not an either-or. A properly fitted dental splint protects the teeth directly from wear — it won't stop the clenching itself, but it limits the damage. Masseter injections reduce the force behind the clenching but don't put a physical barrier between the teeth. Plenty of my patients use both. Your dentist is the right person to assess bite and wear and decide if an appliance is worthwhile — an off-the-shelf guard isn't automatically suitable and can make things worse if it doesn't fit well. Who shouldn't have this treatment? I won't treat if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, if there's an infection at the injection site, if you're allergic to the medicine, or if certain neuromuscular disorders are present. Some medications and a history of swallowing difficulty also need caution. If the pain is really coming from the jaw joint, a tooth, or a nerve or headache condition rather than the muscle itself, injections won't do much — and I'll tell you that rather than treat anyway. Significant lower-face laxity is also worth discussing beforehand, since reducing a large masseter can change how the skin above it sits. Suitability only gets decided properly in person. Is this an approved use? Using anti-wrinkle injections in the masseter for bruxism or facial slimming is off-label — outside the medicine's specific licensed indications. That's genuinely common in medicine and doesn't mean it's experimental; plenty of well-established treatments started this way. I'll walk you through the rationale, what to expect, the alternatives, and the relevant risks so you're deciding with full information, not just taking my word for it. Beyond injections The right approach depends on why you're clenching in the first place. Alongside a dental check, it's worth looking at daytime awareness of clenching, stress and concentration habits, caffeine and alcohol intake later in the day, any medications that might be contributing (worth raising with the prescriber rather than stopping on your own), sleep apnoea if it's suspected, and physiotherapy where appropriate. A custom splint helps some people more than any injection would. There's rarely one clean answer. Injections earn their place when excessive masseter activity is genuinely a meaningful part of what's going on. Questions I get asked often Will this stop me grinding completely? Not necessarily — it reduces the force, but the underlying habit can continue. I'd rather set the expectation as improvement than promise a cure I can't guarantee. Will it slim my face? If enlarged masseters are contributing to your jaw width, yes, gradually. It won't change a jawline that's mainly down to bone structure. Will I look different in an obvious way? Done conservatively, no — that's the point. Over-treatment is what causes narrowing, weakness, or a jawline that looks "done." I'd rather stay under than over. Does it hurt? Most people find it very manageable — a handful of quick injections on each side with a fine needle. How often do I need to come back? Most patients return around the three-to-six month mark, but I'd rather go by what your symptoms and muscles are actually doing than a fixed date. Will it help my jaw clicking? Not reliably — clicking often comes from the joint itself rather than the muscle, and deserves its own assessment, especially with pain or restricted movement involved. My approach Masseter treatment can make a real difference for the right patient — less clenching force, less tension, sometimes a softer jawline where muscle bulk is part of the story. But it starts with being honest about what it can and can't fix. Every consultation and treatment at The Beauty Doc is carried out by me, Dr David Lucey. I keep my approach conservative and anatomically led, aiming for a genuine functional improvement while keeping chewing comfortable, the face balanced, and the result looking like you. If jaw tension, grinding, or an enlarged masseter is something you're dealing with, you can book a consultation with me at The Beauty Doc in Dublin 2 to talk through whether treatment makes sense for you. Dr David Lucey MB BCh BAO (Hons) MRSCI, is a multi-award winning aesthetic doctor with over 23 years experience. With over 300 individual reviews on Google, he is one of the most trusted aesthetic doctors in Dublin.

If you're looking for a subtle yet powerful skin boost with minimal downtime, and located in Dublin or Kildare area, this could be the perfect treatment for you If you're considering a polynucleotide treatment, you're likely curious about what the experience actually involves, from preparation to aftercare. Here's everything you need to know before your appointment. How to Prepare? Preparation is simple and low-stress. Ideally, you should: Avoid coffee and alcohol for 24 hours before your treatment to help reduce the risk of bruising ☕🍷 Arrive without makeup, if possible 💄🚫 *But don’t worry, if needed, it can be removed at the clinic just before the procedure These small steps can make your experience smoother and help support better results. What Happens During the Procedure? The treatment itself is relatively quick and minimally invasive 👨‍⚕️ There are different techniques practitioners may use. At my clinic, I prefer using a very fine meso-needle. This allows me to “pepper” the face with tiny, precise injections, distributing small volumes of product for maximum rejuvenating benefits While some professionals use a cannula, my method targets specific areas with more control and precision, especially effective for polynucleotide delivery Does It Hurt? Will I Bruise? Discomfort is minimal. I apply a local anaesthetic to sensitive areas to ensure you're comfortable throughout the session 💆‍♀️ Because the needles I use are extremely short, bruising tends to be minimal. However, it's still possible, especially around the eyes, a particularly vascular area. As I often tell patients, you're more likely to get a tiny bruise than to walk away without one 🌼 Tip: Arnica cream can be helpful in reducing bruising and supporting faster recovery. What About Downtime? There’s very little! The main things to remember after the procedure are: Avoid rubbing your face Don’t apply makeup immediately afterward Keep the treated area clean to prevent irritation or infection *A full list of aftercare recommendations will be provided during your appointment Most clients are more or less back to normal by the next day, looking refreshed and feeling confident. Final Thoughts Polynucleotide therapy is one of the most innovative approaches in regenerative aesthetics. It’s quickly becoming a client favourite thanks to its natural, long-term benefits. If you're looking for a subtle yet powerful skin boost with minimal downtime, and located in Dublin or Kildare area, this could be the perfect treatment for you

I've just won "Most Influential Aesthetic Practitioner 2025 Dublin" from the Irish Enterprise Awards, and I'm genuinely honoured. Also mildly confused...But mostly honoured :-) When I started posting on Instagram back in 2020, I had about 30 followers, most of whom were either bots, cousins, or people who thought I was selling suits. I was just trying to explain what I do, why it matters, and why "just one ml into the lips" isn't always the answer. Now here we are. Almost 12k followers, a ton of needles, and a few shiny awards later. Feels a bit surreal. I never actually set out to be "influential" I just wanted to share real, educational content without the hard sell. The fact that people found value in it (and didn't unfollow after my first awkward video attempts) is something I'll always be grateful for. To my patients: thank you for trusting me with your faces, your time, and sometimes your life stories mid-treatment. To everyone who recommends me to friends, shares my posts, asks questions, and keeps my DMs full: I appreciate you more than you know And huge respect to my peers and fellow injectors who keep pushing this industry forward. It's great to be part of something that mixes art, science, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Appreciate the recognition. Now back to Nassau Street, because wrinkles won't disappear on their own!

It seems to be quite controversial topic on social media, yet every now and again I get inquiries about it in my DMs.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m always happy to see my clients coming back to me😅 and still let’s talk about things that can potentially increase duration of the aesthetic results. 📌Schedule before it wears off And it’s absolutely not about going overboard by having multiple appointments frequently (which, in fact, can lead to the opposite effect — even making your facial muscles resistant to the product!) What we want to achieve by keeping regular schedule is to train you facial muscles to work without wrinkle-forming expressions and, hence, to make your visits to my clinic even less frequent. Always feel free to contact me if you’re in doubts about scheduling your next injection. 📝Follow your injector’s instructions After any procedure I’ll give you some post-care recommendations such as avoiding lying down, heavy exercising and drinking alcohol for the next few hours. Please, follow them to reduce any risk and prolong our desired beauty results. 👒Avoid sun exposure Well… it’s not a secret that the sun burns and dries skin on many levels. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also indirectly compromise results of aesthetic injections (as damaged by UV rays skin tries to heal itself breaking down toxins or fillers along the way). I strongly encourage you to wear SPF and not to stay in the sun for long periods. 🤍Be kind to yourself Last but definitely not least. We’re all given only one body -- and it 100% deserves to be loved. Eat well, sleep well, exercise or rest when you need it. Not only will you feel better but the results of aesthetic procedures will also last longer. ________________________________ 🖥TheBeautyDoc.ie 📞0867225735 📧DrLucey@TheBeautyDoc.ie

So, how much anti-wrinkle toxin do you really need? Facial aesthetics is a very individualised process, but in general, I strongly believe, that every drop of the product, including Anti-Wrinkle Injections must be perfectly measured and placed⚖️ Also, it’s better to consistently take smaller steps, as it gives us flexibility in achieving our desired result and sufficiently decreases any risks. The most important part of my job is a detailed examining of my clients’ facial features and an honest consultation during which we combine their wishes and my professional advice. I do not want my patients to look unnatural and faced-frozen, that is why I would NEVER perform a procedure, which I believe they do not need. Finally, a piece of advice from the practitioner with 17+ years medical experience: always make sure you trust morals of your injector and understand the process you undergo. ________________________________ 🖥TheBeautyDoc.ie 📞0867225735 📧DrLucey@TheBeautyDoc.ie

Hands are the first thing to reveal signs of ageing and the first thing to suffer from sun, water and cold weather😐 In autumn and winter I always get a lot of enquiries from patients who are concerned about pigmentation, wrinkles and dryness of their hand skin. So in today’s post I’ll share some thoughts on hand care👨‍⚕️ From what I notice as a professional, many people religiously use skincare products on their face daily while absolutely ignoring their hand area. Please keep in mind that your hands —  like your face — need to be hydrated, nourished and exfoliated on a regular basis. 👋 There are lots of highly effective beauty treatments to restore and protect beauty and youth of your hands. From what I personally love: injectable hydroboosters and especially Profhilo❤️ It gives your hands prolonged hydration, thickens the skin and makes capillaries less visible. I’ve seen its effects many times in patients and it’s striking — not only because hands look better after the procedure, but also because they don’t feel dry anymore. Highly recommend👍🏻 A very boring point, still true though: lifestyle matters👨‍⚕️ Drink water, eat healthy, avoid stress and wear gloves when it’s cold. I guarantee, your skin will pay you back! In the end, I’ll show you a little trick to check your hand skin condition . Pinch a little bit of skin from your hand, pull it and hold for a few seconds. Then let it go and observe how fast it smooths back. Of course, it’s not a wholesome check up, however it could give some idea on how hydrated your hands are😉 ___________________________ 🖥TheBeautyDoc.ie 📞0867225735 📧DrLucey@TheBeautyDoc.ie

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of Profhilo. (For those who don't know me, my name is Dr. David Lucey I run my beauty clinic in Dublin and share tips on aesthetics on my Instagram page @ thebeautydoc.ie .) The pros of Profhilo are fairly easy to explain: it's made of two forms of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural skin component, resulting in a natural look. It increases skin hydration, improves texture, and elasticity, without being easily detectable by others. Another advantage is that Profhilo is very versatile. It can be used on the face, necklines, décolletage, or back of the hands to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines. Furthermore, there is minimal downtime. Any temporary lumps disappear after a few hours, and occasionally, there may be a small bruise, but generally, the downtime is minimal. Regarding the cons of Profhilo, it's slightly more inconvenient compared to anti-wrinkle injections because it requires two appointments a month apart . It is also more expensive than anti-wrinkle injections. There may be a little more discomfort during the procedure since Profhilo is more viscous than anti-wrinkle injections and requires a special needle. Lastly, as I always say, 9 out of 10 people love it , while 1 out of 10 may not be as satisfied initially. However, often even those individuals notice a difference when they come back after a month for the second Profhilo session to my Dublin clinic.

Probably it’s not the most common thing to hear from the beauty doctor…but I don’t really like the very idea of “anti-aging”👨‍⚕️ I know that many of you come to my clinic seeking to reverse the signs of time, that flies. And while I’m always happy to help you achieve your desired look, I’d also love to discuss a concept of “pro-aging” as opposed to “anti-aging”. So, what does pro-ageing mean? It’s all about complementing and enhancing the natural aging process. It means taking care of your skin and body, not to look “younger”, but to feel better and more confident. It means celebrating yourself instead of feeling ashamed or even afraid. I believe that pro-aging mindset is probably healthier than anti-aging because aging itself — is actually a very beautiful thing and it’s important that we learn to appreciate it. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with wanting to look x-years younger, as long as it doesn’t come hand in hand with anxiety and panic🤍 In any way, in my clinic I work with my patients to create a customized plan that suits their individual needs and make sure you look and feel your best, at any age. Yours, Dr David ________________________________ 🖥TheBeautyDoc.ie 📞0867225735 📧DrLucey@TheBeautyDoc.ie

What is a Double Chin? A double chin results from an extra layer of fat developing beneath the chin. What causes it? Age From the age of 30, we produce less collagen and elastin, proteins that help our skin retain elasticity. This loss of elasticity can give the appearance of saggy skin which can contribute to a double chin. Diet and weight It is quite possible to have a normal or even low body weight and have a double chin, however, weight gain can certainly contribute to or cause a double chin. Genetics If you have a family history of inelastic skin or double chin you are more likely to develop one yourself. Posture Poor posture can weaken the muscles of the neck and chin. This weakening can cause decreased elasticity of the overlying skin, contributing to the development of a double chin. What treatment can I get? There are a number of treatments available depending on the cause or causes of your double chin. Obviously, if you become a strict vegan and take up Iron Man training it is likely that any fat reserves in your body will decrease. I'm assuming you haven't decided on this route. Double Chin Fat Dissolving Injections in Dublin Aqualyx is a non-surgical fat dissolving injection treatment. The procedure uses a solution of deoxycholic acid, a substance naturally found in the gallbladder. It locally emulsifies fat which is then metabolised away by the body. Sometimes one treatment is enough, however, usually 2 to 3 sessions are required depending on the amount of fat to be dissolved. There is some transient swelling in the treated area as the body metabolises the dissolved fat cells. The effect tends to be long term unless you put on weight etc. The treatment cost starts at €200 or €500 for 3 sessions. Profhilo Profhilo is an injectable moisturiser which increases hydration and decreases laxity by promoting collagen and elastin production. It is helpful in combination with fat dissolving injections and in situations where skin laxity is a significant issue. I have written a separate blog about it. It is usually given in two treatments a month apart. Price starts at €300 in my Dublin clinic. Jawline / Chin Augmentation This involves using filler to buttress or contour the jawline. The effect of this to pull on the skin which can reduce jowls and a double chin. This takes about 30 minutes and the price depends on the number of ml of filler used, but usually costs in the region of €500-600. Liposuction This is a quite effective treatment but has some disadvantages. Firstly, it is an operative procedure which involves an incision. The cost is high and there is significant downtime. It is a good solution for those who do not mind these factors though. Would you like more information or book an appointment? Click here to contact me Text or Call on 086-7225735 (086-SCALPEL) Email me at : DrLucey@TheBeautyDoc.ie You can make an appointment at my Dawson St Clinic or I can come to your home by appointment. I perform several different treatments including Anti-Wrinkle Injections , Lip, Cheek and Jaw Fillers, Profhilo and Fat Dissolving Injections. Feel free to make an inquiry or have a free consultation.