Botox in London (Wrinkle Relaxing Injections)

Botox, also known as wrinkle relaxing injections, is one of the most widely used cosmetic treatments in the world, valued for its effectiveness, speed and minimal downtime. At botonics, we offer it at our Harley Street clinic in the heart of London’s private medical district, as well as at our Horsham clinic. Botox has been used therapeutically since the late 1970s and for cosmetic purposes since the mid 1990s.

Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles behind dynamic wrinkles. It aims to soften lines around the eyes, across the forehead and between the brows while leaving your natural expression intact.

Botox is a Prescription Only Medicine and is one treatment option that may or may not be prescribed to you following a thorough medical consultation.

What Is Botox and How Does It Work?

Botox works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. Less movement in the muscle means less creasing in the skin above it, which softens wrinkles: the lines that form when you frown, squint or raise your eyebrows.

At botonics, we use clinically proven, brand-names such as Allergan Botox or Galderma Relfydesse depending on the indication, manufactured and approved for use in the UK. They are licensed products with well-established safety records, and we don’t use generic or unapproved alternatives. Treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.

Areas We Treat with Botox

Forehead lines

Horizontal forehead lines come from years of raising your eyebrows. Botox relaxes the frontalis, the muscle that lifts the brows, and the aim is to soften those lines while keeping natural eyebrow movement.

Frown lines (glabella)

The vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called the “elevens”, are caused by the muscles you use when frowning or concentrating. Relaxing those muscles softens the lines and can help you look less tired or stern.

Crow’s feet

The fine lines fanning out from the outer corners of the eyes form when you smile and squint. Botox aims to soften them while preserving your natural smile.

Other areas we treat

Depending on your concerns and goals, wrinkle relaxing injections can also treat bunny lines across the bridge of the nose, a gummy smile, jaw slimming or teeth grinding (by relaxing the masseter muscle), perioral lines around the mouth and platysmal bands in the neck. Your specialist will go through these at your consultation and assess which treatments are suitable for you.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Botox?

Botox may be suitable for adults in good overall health who want to soften dynamic wrinkles. Treatment may not be suitable if any of the following apply:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Botox is not administered to patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Neuromuscular conditions: Conditions such as myasthenia gravis can affect your suitability and must be disclosed at your consultation.
• Active skin infection at the injection site: Any infection in the treatment area has to clear before treatment can go ahead.
• Unrealistic expectations: Your specialist will explain what Botox can and cannot achieve, and won’t recommend treatment if the outcome you’re hoping for isn’t realistic.

If you’re unsure whether Botox is right for you, a consultation with a specialist at our Harley Street or Horsham clinic is a good place to start.

Your Journey From Start To Finish

1. Step One

   Consultation

   Your consultation is with the specialist who will carry out your treatment. They’ll review your medical history, talk through your goals and assess the muscles and skin in the treatment area. You’ll have time to ask questions and understand your options before deciding whether to proceed.

2. Step Two

   Preparation

   On the day of treatment, your specialist will identify and mark the areas to be treated. No anaesthetic is required, and there’s nothing special you need to do beforehand.

3. Step Three

   Treatment

   Botox is administered using ultra-fine needles for comfort and precision. The injections take approximately 30 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated.

4. Step Four

   Aftercare

   You can go straight back to work and your usual daily activities. Mild redness or small bumps at the injection sites are normal and usually settle within an hour.

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Results and How Long They Last

Botox doesn’t work immediately. Most patients start to notice their lines softening around 3 to 5 days after treatment, with the full effect visible after approximately 2 weeks. Results typically last around 4 months. With regular treatment, many patients find results last 5 to 6 months or longer, as the treated muscles gradually weaken through repeated use.

Before & After Case Studies:

Read more case studies, and the detailed behind the individual cases here.

Risks and Side Effects of Botox

As with any injectable treatment, you should know the risks before deciding to proceed. Our specialists take every reasonable precaution to minimise them.

• Bruising: Common at the injection site, particularly if you bruise easily or take blood-thinning medication. It usually settles within a few days.
• Infection: Rare but possible. We minimise this risk through rigorous clinical hygiene protocols.
• Allergic reaction: Uncommon, although possible with any injectable treatment.
• Brow or eyelid droop: Temporary heaviness or drooping of the brow or upper eyelid can occur if the toxin spreads beyond the intended muscle. This typically resolves as the treatment wears off.