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Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Also known as: botulinum toxin injections, muscle-relaxing injections
Natural-looking anti wrinkle treatment tailored to your individual needs
What is anti wrinkle treatment?
Anti wrinkle injections are one of several treatments that can help soften expression lines while maintaining natural facial movement. Every treatment begins with a detailed consultation, during which your clinician will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your concerns and recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your individual needs. For some patients, anti wrinkle injections may be the most appropriate option, while others may benefit from a combination of facial aesthetic treatments.
Anti wrinkle treatment works by temporarily relaxing selected facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, such as forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. The aim is to refresh your appearance while preserving your natural facial expressions.
How anti-wrinkle injections work
Anti wrinkle treatment is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses small injections of botulinum toxin to reduce dynamic wrinkles – the expression lines created by repetitive muscle movements. Botulinum toxin has a well-established safety profile when administered by appropriately trained clinicians following a full consultation and assessment.
Treatment is highly individual. The muscles treated, the dose used, and the number of injection sites vary between patients according to facial anatomy, muscle activity and the results you wish to achieve. A personalised assessment helps ensure natural-looking results without unnecessary treatment.
The treatment works by blocking nerve impulses to targeted facial muscles, preventing them from contracting as strongly. This softens facial expression lines on the skin’s surface without eliminating natural movement.
Doses and injection points are tailored to each patient’s facial anatomy to preserve natural movement and avoid a “frozen” appearance. Injections are often performed using very fine needles for precision, with a typical appointment taking around 20-40 minutes. Mild redness or swelling usually settles within a few hours, and repeat treatments may be recommended every 3-6 months to help maintain your results.
Why choose a dentist for anti wrinkle injections?
Dentists routinely perform precise injections around the face and mouth and have an excellent understanding of facial anatomy, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Following additional training in facial aesthetics, they are well placed to provide anti wrinkle treatments safely within a regulated clinical setting.
Your consultation is an important part of treatment. Rather than following a standard approach, your clinician will assess how your facial muscles move, discuss your goals and recommend whether anti wrinkle injections are appropriate or whether another treatment would better achieve the result you are looking for.
In the UK, dentists are designated prescribers, legally allowed to assess, prescribe and hold stock of prescription-only products such as botulinum toxin. Dental clinics maintain high hygiene standards due to strict sterilisation protocols, and practices are regulated clinical environments inspected by bodies such as the Care Quality Commission.
Areas we can treat with anti wrinkle injections
Following your consultation, anti wrinkle injections may be recommended for areas including:
- Forehead creases: soften horizontal lines caused by raising the eyebrows
- Frown lines: reduce the “number 11” lines between the eyebrows
- Crow’s feet: smooth fine lines radiating from the outer corners of the eyes
- Bunny lines: minimise creases that appear on the sides of the nose when smiling or laughing
- Brow lift: gently lift the outer part of the eyebrows to open up the eye area
- Gummy smiles: reduce excessive gum display above the upper teeth when smiling
- Chin dimples and chin softening: relax the “cobblestone” or dimpled appearance of the chin
- Downturned corners of the mouth: slightly lift the corners to reduce a sad or tired expression
In some cases, anti wrinkle injections can be combined with dermal fillers, which use hyaluronic acid to add volume and restore areas of the face that have lost fullness, to improve facial contours for more comprehensive results. Dentists can also combine anti wrinkle treatments with other dental procedures such as veneers or whitening for a comprehensive approach to facial aesthetic enhancement.
Upper face anti-wrinkle treatments:
1 area £219
2 areas £249
3 areas £299
Additional area £100 each
Before treatment
Every patient begins with a detailed consultation. Your clinician will discuss your concerns, review your medical history and assess how your facial muscles move both at rest and during expression. This assessment allows treatment to be tailored to your facial anatomy and desired outcome while ensuring realistic expectations. Where appropriate, complementary treatments such as dermal fillers or other facial aesthetic procedures may also be discussed as part of an overall treatment plan.
During treatment
The skin is cleansed and disinfected, the treatment area is carefully marked, and the product is injected using a very fine needle. Each appointment takes around 20-40 minutes depending on the areas being treated. You may feel a slight stinging or pinching sensation, but the discomfort experienced is brief and most patients describe the procedure as very tolerable. A numbing cream can be offered for particularly sensitive areas if needed.
After treatment
Key aftercare advice includes avoiding rubbing or massaging the treated area, staying upright for several hours, and postponing strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for the rest of the day. Mild redness, small bumps or bruising at the injection site can occur but usually resolve within hours to a couple of days. Most people resume work or social activities straight away. You should notice visible improvements from day 2-4, with the full effect at 10-14 days. Anti wrinkle injections can last up to three months, and re-treatment is recommended every three to four months for ongoing results. A review appointment can be scheduled to assess results and fine-tune if clinically appropriate.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial consultation
Your clinician will discuss your concerns, medical history and treatment goals before assessing your facial anatomy and muscle movement. This helps determine whether anti wrinkle injections are the most appropriate option for you.
Personalised treatment plan
Every treatment plan is tailored to your facial anatomy and desired outcome. Your clinician will explain the recommended treatment areas, expected results, potential risks and any alternative or complementary treatments before proceeding.
Anti wrinkle treatment
The treatment areas are cleansed and carefully marked before small amounts of product are administered using a very fine needle. The procedure usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes, and most patients experience only minimal discomfort.
Recovery & results
Most patients return to their usual activities straight after treatment. Mild redness, swelling or bruising usually settles quickly, while results gradually develop over the following 10-14 days.
Review & ongoing care
Where appropriate, a review appointment may be arranged to assess your results and make any necessary adjustments. Your clinician will also advise when future treatments may be beneficial to help maintain your results.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
FAQs
Anti wrinkle injections are generally very safe when provided by an experienced dentist using licensed products and accurate dosing. Like any medical procedure, they carry some risks – all of which will be discussed in full at your consultation.
Most side effects are short-lived. Side effects include localised pain and swelling at the injection site. Bruising at the injection site is a common side effect, and redness and itching at the injection site are temporary – typically settling within 24-48 hours. Mild headaches may occur but usually subside within 24 hours. Less common risks include temporary eyelid or brow droop, asymmetry or allergic reaction, but these are uncommon and minimised by precise technique.
Anti wrinkle treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding and may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions or on specific medications. Your dentist will check this carefully in advance.
The effects of anti wrinkle injections generally last between 3 and 6 months, depending on age, skin type, muscle strength and lifestyle. Most patients choose to repeat treatment two to three times per year to help maintain their results.
Upper face anti wrinkle treatment prices start from £219. Treatment costs depend on the areas treated and the amount required. A personalised quotation will be confirmed during your consultation.
Only minimal discomfort – a brief stinging or pinching with the fine needle. Most patients find it very manageable.
No. When properly dosed, your body and face retain natural movement. The goal is to relax the muscles, not freeze them, so you still look like you.
Absolutely. Many patients enhance their overall appearance by pairing effective treatments such as anti wrinkle injections with cosmetic dentistry for a complete smile and facial rejuvenation.