If anti-wrinkle injections have been on the radar for a while but the first booking keeps getting postponed, the reason is usually the same: not knowing quite what to expect. Here’s a clear walkthrough of the entire process, from the initial consultation through to the results settling in.
What Anti-Wrinkle Injections Actually Do
Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified protein called botulinum toxin to temporarily relax specific facial muscles. When those muscles relax, the skin above them smooths out, softening lines and wrinkles that form through repeated facial expressions, frowning, squinting, and raising the eyebrows.
It’s worth knowing that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, which means it can only be legally prescribed and administered by a registered medical professional. From 2025, new regulations require a face-to-face consultation before prescribing, so anyone offering treatment without this step is not working within the current legal framework.
The Consultation
A first appointment begins with a consultation rather than an injection. Expect a thorough review of medical history, current medications, and any relevant health conditions, alongside a detailed look at facial structure, muscle activity, and skin quality. This isn’t a formality; the information directly shapes which areas are treated, what dosage is appropriate, and whether treatment is suitable at this point in time.
This is also the appointment to raise every question, no matter how small. A good practitioner welcomes them and will explain what’s being recommended and why, without pressure to proceed the same day.
The Treatment Itself
The injections themselves are quick, typically 20 to 30 minutes for a standard first treatment. Very fine needles are used at precise points across the target area. Most people describe the sensation as a mild, sharp sting followed by brief pressure, similar to any standard injection. A topical numbing cream can be applied beforehand for anyone who is particularly sensitive.
The most commonly treated areas are frown lines between the brows, horizontal forehead lines, and crow’s feet at the outer corners of the eyes. Additional areas such as a brow lift, bunny lines, lip lines, and chin dimpling can also be addressed depending on the individual assessment.
What Happens Straight After
There’s no downtime. Most people leave the appointment and go straight back to their normal day. A small amount of redness or mild swelling at the injection points is common and settles within a few hours. A few things are worth avoiding in the first 24 hours: lying flat, strenuous exercise, and rubbing or touching the treated areas. These precautions help the product settle where it was placed rather than migrating.
When Results Appear
This is the part that catches a lot of first-timers off guard: results aren’t immediate. The muscle-relaxing effect typically begins to show within three to five days, with the full result visible at around two weeks. Assessing the outcome before the two-week mark doesn’t give an accurate picture, since the product is still settling in.
How Long Do Results Last?
Most people find results last somewhere between three and four months, after which muscle activity gradually returns, and the skin slowly returns to its pre-treatment state. With regular treatment over time, muscles often become less active overall, meaning results can feel more natural and sometimes last a little longer.
What a Follow-Up Involves
A review appointment in two weeks is standard practice at a well-run clinic. This is the opportunity to check how the result has settled, whether any fine adjustment is needed, and to plan future treatment timing if desired. It’s also a chance to ask any questions that have come up since the first appointment.
Is a First Treatment Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The consultation is where that question gets answered properly, based on your face, your goals, and your medical history, rather than a general rule of thumb. Book a consultation with Dr Naz at the Rodney Street clinic in Liverpool to find out what’s right for you.
