Forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet that stay even when you relax? How anti-wrinkle injections (除皱针) work, which areas they treat, how long they last, and how to get a natural result instead of a frozen one
Medically reviewed by Dr. Adriene Chee, Medical Director, Verve Clinic. Last updated: 3 November 2026.
You catch your reflection in a photo and notice the lines on your forehead, or the “11” between your brows that makes you look tired or cross when you are neither. Many people want those lines softened, but worry about one thing above all: looking frozen, shiny and unlike themselves.
In this guide, Dr. Adriene Chee, a doctor with more than 10 years of experience, explains how anti-wrinkle injections work, what the research says, which areas can be treated, and how a careful, measured approach keeps your expressions natural.
What are anti-wrinkle injections (除皱针)?
In short: Anti-wrinkle injections (除皱针, or suntikan anti-kedut in Malay) use small, measured doses of botulinum toxin (肉毒杆菌) to relax the muscles that crease the skin when you frown, squint or raise your brows. Lines soften within 5 to 7 days, the full effect develops at about 2 weeks, and results last 4 to 6 months. There is no downtime, and with the right dose you still look like yourself.
Every time you make an expression, the muscles under your skin contract and fold the skin above them. Over the years, these repeated folds become expression lines (dynamic wrinkles), and eventually some remain even at rest. Anti-wrinkle injections block the nerve signal that tells a specific muscle to contract. The muscle relaxes, the skin above it smooths out, and new creasing is reduced while the treatment lasts.
The effect is local and temporary. Only the muscles that are treated relax, and normal movement returns gradually over the following months.
Anti-wrinkle injections before and after
These are real patients treated at Verve Clinic, photographed 1 month after a single session. Results vary from person to person.
Will I look frozen? Our approach to natural results
The “frozen” look comes from too high a dose, or from treating muscles that should be left to move. A natural result comes from treating the right muscles with the right amount, and leaving enough movement for your face to stay expressive.
A note from Dr. Adriene Chee: “We don’t overdo it. The result is natural: all our patients can still make expressions without feeling tight or looking frozen.”
That is also why we review every patient at 2 weeks. Starting with a measured dose and adding a small top-up only where it is needed is a safer way to reach a balanced result than giving too much at the first visit.
Which areas can anti-wrinkle injections treat?
Anti-wrinkle injections are best known for the upper face, but the same treatment can relax muscles in other areas of the face, neck and body:
| Area | What it helps |
|---|---|
| Forehead lines | Horizontal lines when you raise your brows |
| Frown lines (“11” lines) | Vertical lines between the brows that can make you look tired or cross |
| Crow’s feet | Fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes when you smile (crow’s feet treatment) |
| Bunny lines | Lines on the sides of the nose when you scrunch or smile |
| Lip flip | A subtle upper lip roll that shows a little more of the lip, without filler |
| Gummy smile | Less gum showing above the upper teeth when you smile |
| Dimpled chin | A smoother chin instead of a pebbly, orange-peel texture |
| Neck bands | Vertical bands on the neck that stand out when you tense |
| Jaw slimming (瘦脸针) | A softer, slimmer lower face by relaxing a large chewing muscle |
| Micro-injections | Less oil and smaller-looking pores |
The same medicine is also used beyond the face, to slim the shoulders (TrapTox) or calves (calf slimming), and to reduce heavy sweating, as explained in our guide to hyperhidrosis treatment. It can also reduce persistent facial redness, as covered in our article on botulinum toxin for rosacea.
Jaw slimming (瘦脸针): a slimmer lower face without surgery
A square or wide lower face is often caused by a large masseter, the chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw, particularly in people who clench or grind their teeth. Relaxing this muscle allows it to become smaller over the following weeks, which gives the face a softer, more oval shape.
In a study in Dermatologic Surgery, 22 patients with a large masseter were measured by ultrasound after treatment. The muscle thickness reduced by about 25% to 38% at its peak, depending on the dose.
Micro-injections for oily skin and large pores
Micro-injections use much smaller, more diluted amounts placed very shallowly in the skin, rather than into the muscle. This targets the oil glands and the tiny muscles around the pores, so the skin looks less shiny and the pores look smaller, while your expressions are not affected.
The evidence is still early. In one study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 17 of 20 patients reported less oil and smaller pores 1 month after a single treatment, with no complications. Larger studies are needed, but it is a useful option for people with persistently oily skin.
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?
Anti-wrinkle injections usually last 4 to 6 months, for every area we treat. Results start to show within 5 to 7 days and reach their full effect at about 2 weeks. After that, movement returns slowly, and most people come back when they notice the lines returning.
The research is consistent with this. A 2020 systematic review of 42 studies of upper-face treatment found that results most often lasted about 4 months, and some studies showed effects at 5 to 6 months.
Anti-wrinkle injections vs dermal fillers vs skin boosters
Anti-wrinkle injections, fillers and skin boosters are often confused, but they do different jobs. Anti-wrinkle injections treat lines caused by movement. Fillers restore lost volume. Skin boosters improve skin quality, hydration and fine texture.
| Anti-wrinkle injections | Dermal fillers | Skin boosters | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Relaxes the muscles that cause expression lines | Adds volume and support | Improves hydration and skin quality |
| Best for | Forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, jaw slimming | Hollow cheeks, lips, chin, deep folds | Dull, dry or crepey skin, fine lines |
| Results appear | 5 to 7 days, full effect at 2 weeks | Straight away | Gradually over several weeks |
| How long it lasts | 4 to 6 months | Usually many months, depending on the area | Several months, with a course of sessions |
Many people benefit from combining treatments, but more is not always better. Our article on overfilled face syndrome explains why a careful, measured approach matters. You can also read more about dermal fillers and Skin boosters.
What happens during anti-wrinkle injections at Verve Clinic?
- Consultation. Your doctor asks you to make different expressions, looks at how your muscles move, and discusses which areas bother you and the result you would like.
- Planning. We plan the injection points and a measured dose for each area, based on the strength of your muscles.
- Treatment. Small amounts are injected with a very fine needle. Most people describe a quick pinch.
- Straight after. Small bumps at the injection points settle within about an hour. There is no downtime, so you can return to work or your normal routine.
- 2-week review. We check your result once the full effect has developed and give a small top-up if any area needs it.
| Anti-wrinkle injections quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Results begin | 5 to 7 days |
| Full effect | About 2 weeks |
| Review | At 2 weeks, with a top-up if needed |
| How long it lasts | 4 to 6 months |
| Downtime | None; small bumps settle within about an hour |
| Popular areas | Forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet, jaw slimming |
| Our approach | Measured doses for natural, not frozen, results |
Are anti-wrinkle injections safe? Side effects to know
Anti-wrinkle injections have a long safety record when they are given by a trained doctor. Botulinum toxin was first approved for frown lines in the United States in 2002, and it has been used in medicine for decades to treat conditions such as eye muscle spasms and excessive sweating.
Side effects are usually mild and short-lived:
- small bumps or mild redness at the injection points, which settle within about an hour
- a small bruise, which fades within a few days
- a mild headache in the first day or two
- less commonly, a brow or eyelid that feels heavy for a few weeks, which is temporary
Careful dosing and accurate placement keep these risks low, which is one reason anti-wrinkle injections should only be given by a doctor who understands the anatomy of the face.
Who should not have anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections suit most healthy adults who want to soften expression lines. We postpone treatment during pregnancy, while breastfeeding and when there is an active infection in the area. Please tell your doctor about any nerve or muscle condition, previous reactions and the medicines or supplements you take, so that your treatment can be planned safely.
Is it safe to have anti-wrinkle injections at a beauty salon?
No. Botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine, and in Malaysia aesthetic procedures should only be carried out by a registered doctor at a licensed clinic. According to the Ministry of Health’s requirements, a doctor needs a Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) that covers the specific procedure before performing aesthetic treatments.
Before you book anti-wrinkle injections anywhere, ask:
- Is the treatment carried out by a registered doctor with an LCP in aesthetic medicine?
- Is the clinic licensed by the Ministry of Health?
- Is the product genuine and registered for use in Malaysia?
- Will I be reviewed afterwards, and what happens if I am not happy with the result?
How much do anti-wrinkle injections cost in Malaysia?
The cost of anti-wrinkle injections in Malaysia depends on the areas treated and the dose your muscles need. A single area such as the frown lines needs less than a combination of forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet, and jaw slimming usually needs a larger dose. That is why we give a personalised quote after your consultation.
Be cautious of very cheap offers. You cannot always be sure the product is genuine, how much has been diluted, or who will look after you if something goes wrong.
Frequently asked questions
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?
Usually 4 to 6 months. Movement returns gradually as the effect wears off, and most people repeat treatment when lines start to reappear.
When will I see results?
Most people notice the lines softening within 5 to 7 days, with the full effect at about 2 weeks.
Will I look frozen?
Not when the dose is planned for you. We use small, measured doses so that you can still frown, smile and raise your brows, without looking tight or frozen.
Do anti-wrinkle injections hurt?
Most people describe a quick pinch. A very fine needle is used, and the treatment is over quickly.
Is there any downtime?
No. Small bumps at the injection points settle within about an hour, and you can return to work or your normal routine straight away.
What happens at the 2-week review?
We check your result once the full effect has developed. If one area or one side needs a little more, we give a small top-up so that the result looks even and natural.
What happens if I stop having anti-wrinkle injections?
The muscles gradually return to how they moved before. Your lines will not become worse than they were before treatment.
Are anti-wrinkle injections safe?
In the hands of a trained doctor, they have a long safety record. Botulinum toxin was first approved for frown lines in the United States in 2002 and has been used in medicine for decades. Side effects are usually mild and temporary.
What are the side effects?
The most common are small bumps, mild redness or a small bruise at the injection points. A mild headache can occur. Less commonly, a brow or eyelid can feel heavy for a few weeks; this is temporary and is why careful dosing and placement matter.
Who should not have anti-wrinkle injections?
We postpone treatment during pregnancy, breastfeeding or an active skin infection in the area. Please tell your doctor about any nerve or muscle condition and any medicines you take.
Can anti-wrinkle injections slim the jaw?
Yes. Jaw slimming (瘦脸针) relaxes the masseter, the chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw. Over the following weeks the muscle becomes smaller, which gives a softer, slimmer lower face.
Can anti-wrinkle injections help oily skin and large pores?
Yes. Very small, shallow micro-injections can reduce oil production and make pores look smaller. In a small study, 17 of 20 patients reported less oil and smaller pores at 1 month.
Are anti-wrinkle injections the same as fillers?
No. Anti-wrinkle injections relax the muscles that cause expression lines. Dermal fillers add volume, for example to restore the cheeks or lips. Many people benefit from one or the other, and some from both.
What are 除皱针, 肉毒杆菌 and suntikan anti-kedut?
They all refer to anti-wrinkle injections. 除皱针 is the Chinese term for anti-wrinkle injections, 肉毒杆菌 means botulinum toxin, and suntikan anti-kedut is the Malay term. 瘦脸针 refers to jaw slimming injections.
How much do anti-wrinkle injections cost in Malaysia?
It depends on the areas treated and the dose you need. WhatsApp us for a personalised quote after your consultation.
Ready to soften your lines, naturally?
At Verve Clinic in Petaling Jaya, which welcomes patients from Kuala Lumpur, PJ and across the Klang Valley, a doctor will assess how your face moves, explain which areas are worth treating and plan a measured dose for a natural result, with a review at 2 weeks. You can read more about our wrinkle relaxer treatment, or WhatsApp us to arrange your consultation and a personalised quote.
About the author
Dr. Adriene Chee is the Medical Director of Verve Clinic in Petaling Jaya. She has more than 10 years of experience. Her qualifications include an MD from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), a Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology (Bangkok) and an LCP in Aesthetic Medicine. Meet our team.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. Please discuss the benefits and risks of any treatment with a qualified doctor.
