Is there a dependency on wrinkle-relaxing injections?

Feb 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am a 30-year-old woman who recently noticed the appearance of fine lines around the corners of my eyes. As someone who highly values appearance, this has caused me considerable anxiety. I've heard that injecting wrinkle-relaxing injections can effectively improve skin wrinkles, and I am considering trying them. However, I am concerned about potentially developing a dependency. May I ask if wrinkle-relaxing injections are addictive?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

In general, wrinkle-relaxing injections themselves are not physiologically addictive. Patients require repeated injections because the effect of the injection is temporary, rather than due to a dependency on the drug. The main component of wrinkle-relaxing injections is botulinum toxin type A for injection, which works by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, thereby preventing muscle contraction and reducing wrinkles. This mechanism of action does not involve addictive substances or induce physiological dependence; therefore, wrinkle-relaxing injections do not lead to physical dependency.

However, patients should still exercise caution when opting for injections. It is important to ensure that consultations and injections are performed at a legitimate medical aesthetic clinic to avoid complications caused by improper procedures or poor drug quality. Before receiving the injection, patients should thoroughly understand the components of the wrinkle-relaxing injection, its mechanism of action, and possible side effects, such as allergic reactions, facial stiffness, and muscle weakness, and make decisions under the guidance of a physician. Patients should also pay attention to post-injection care, avoiding strenuous exercise, massaging the injection site, and consuming spicy or irritating foods, to ensure the effectiveness of the injection and minimize discomfort.