Skin Treatment
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
at AEOM
Considered, restrained, used where they genuinely help
Anti-wrinkle injections — commonly referred to as Botox or muscle-relaxing injections — are one of the most-requested aesthetic treatments in London, and one of the most over-delivered. At AEOM, we use them when they're clinically appropriate, at conservative doses, and in line with how patients actually want to look: refreshed and natural, not visibly treated. If you're looking for someone to give you whatever you ask for, we may not be the right clinic. If you want considered judgement and the option of not having something at all, we likely are.
Key facts strip:
- 1 area: £225 • 2 areas: £325 • 3 areas: £395
- Results visible from day 3–5, full effect by day 14
- Results last 3–4 months typically
- Minimal downtime
OUR APPROACH
How we approach anti-wrinkle treatments
Most London clinics will deliver anti-wrinkle injections largely on request — once safety is established, the patient describes what they want and the practitioner delivers it. There's nothing inherently wrong with this model, but it's not how we work.
At AEOM, every anti-wrinkle treatment begins with a proper consultation focused on three questions: What's the actual concern? Is anti-wrinkle the right answer? What dose and approach will give you a natural result that you, your colleagues, and the people who know you well won't notice as treatment?
The aesthetic standard has shifted meaningfully in recent years. The frozen-forehead, expression-less, visibly-treated look of the early 2000s is increasingly out of fashion — replaced by a more considered approach focused on subtle softening of expression lines while preserving facial movement. This is what most patients actually want when they're honest about their goals. It's also what we're better at delivering than louder, more aggressive treatment.
Our position is straightforward: we treat where it genuinely helps, conservatively, and we're willing to say no.
WHAT ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS ARE
What they are and how they work
Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified neurotoxin — most commonly botulinum toxin type A (sold under brand names Botox®, Azzalure®, Bocouture®, Letybo®) — to temporarily reduce the contractile activity of specific facial muscles. By reducing muscle activity, the dynamic wrinkles produced by repeated facial expression (frowning, raising eyebrows, squinting) become less pronounced.
Crucially: anti-wrinkle injections work on dynamic lines — those produced by muscle movement. They don't fill static wrinkles or restore lost volume, and they don't fundamentally change the texture, density or quality of the skin itself. For static wrinkles (lines visible at rest), texture concerns, or skin quality work, different treatments are appropriate — and we'll be honest about which at consultation.
The mechanism in clinical terms: The injected botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction — interrupting the signal between the nerve and the muscle. This reduces muscle contraction in the treated area for approximately 3–4 months, after which the effect gradually wears off as new nerve endings form and normal muscle activity returns.
The skill of the treatment isn't in the injection itself — it's in understanding facial anatomy precisely enough to treat specific muscles without affecting nearby ones, and in choosing doses appropriate to the patient's anatomy and goals.
THE AREAS WE TREAT
Areas we treat
— and how we approach each
Horizontal lines
The concern: Horizontal lines across the forehead, visible when raising the eyebrows.
Our approach: Forehead treatment requires particular caution. Over-treatment leads to a "shiny," movement-less forehead and often causes brow heaviness — neither of which patients want. We treat the forehead conservatively, often in combination with the frown area (which prevents brow drop), and preserve some expression. Many patients are better served by not treating the forehead in isolation.
Frown Lines (Glabella)
The concern: Vertical lines between the eyebrows, sometimes called the "11s," visible when frowning or concentrating.
Our approach: The frown area is one of the most reliable and well-tolerated treatment sites. Most patients see meaningful softening of the lines without affecting natural expression. This is often the first area patients have treated — and frequently the only area where treatment delivers significant aesthetic benefit.
Crow's Feet
The concern: Fine lines radiating from the outer corners of the eyes, visible when smiling.
Our approach: Crow's feet treatment is effective but should be conservative. Excessive treatment produces unnatural smile mechanics and can leave the under-eye area looking heavier. We treat the outer fan of lines specifically while preserving genuine eye expression.
Other Targeted Areas
Less commonly requested but clinically relevant for the right patient:
- Bunny lines — small wrinkles on the sides of the nose visible when smiling
- Brow lift — small doses to subtly elevate the outer brow
- Lip lines — very small doses to soften vertical lip lines (used cautiously)
- Gummy smile — small doses to reduce excessive upper lip elevation when smiling
- Masseter (jawline) — for patients with strong jaw muscles, bruxism (teeth grinding), or wanting subtle jawline softening
- Neck bands (platysmal bands) — for prominent vertical neck bands
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) — typically underarms or palms, for medical hyperhidrosis
For all of these, the consultation determines whether treatment is genuinely appropriate.
WHO IT'S FOR
Who anti-wrinkle injections are right for
Anti-wrinkle injections are well-suited if you are:
Bothered by dynamic wrinkles that bother you when you see them in photos or the mirror
In your late 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond — there's no single right age, but no rush either
Looking for subtle softening, not visible "treatment"
Wanting to prevent the deepening of expression lines before they become static
Dealing with specific functional concerns — bruxism, hyperhidrosis, prominent neck bands
Comfortable with the realistic timeline (3–4 months between treatments) and budget (~£600–£1,200/year for regular maintenance)
Anti-wrinkle injections may not be the right treatment if:
You're focused on static wrinkles — lines visible at rest, particularly in dry, thin or sun-damaged skin. These need skin quality treatments (Profhilo, microneedling, JetPeel) — not muscle relaxant.
You want to change facial structure or restore volume — that's a filler conversation, and we approach those carefully too.
You're looking for dramatic visible change — that's not what considered anti-wrinkle delivers. Loud treatment leaves patients looking treated; we'd rather not do that.
You're pregnant or breastfeeding — anti-wrinkle injections are not delivered during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
You have certain neuromuscular conditions (myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, ALS) — we'd assess at consultation.
You have active skin infections in the treatment area.
You have realistic expectations issues — patients who arrive wanting frozen, expression-less faces are likely better served at a clinic with a different philosophy. We won't deliver loud treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before, during and after
Before
Consultation
Every anti-wrinkle patient begins with a consultation. For first-time patients, this includes a discussion of facial anatomy, your specific concerns, what you actually want (which is sometimes different from what you initially say), and an honest review of whether anti-wrinkle is the right answer.
Preparation:
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
- Avoid blood-thinning supplements (high-dose Vitamin E, fish oil) for 48 hours before, if comfortable to do so
- Don't take ibuprofen or aspirin for 48 hours before unless medically necessary
- Come with clean skin, no makeup
During
The session
The treatment is brief — typically 15–20 minutes including marking and injection:
- 0:00–0:10 — Skin cleansing, careful marking of injection sites based on your facial anatomy and the muscle action we're targeting
- 0:10–0:15 — Series of small injections using a fine needle. Most patients describe a sharp pinch at each site; discomfort is brief.
- 0:15–0:20 — Aftercare guidance
The treatment uses very fine needles (typically 30–32 gauge) and small volumes per injection point. Most patients find it well-tolerated; numbing is generally not required.
After
Recovery
Immediately: Small visible bumps (raised welts) at each injection point — completely normal and indicating the product is in place. These settle within 30–60 minutes. Mild redness possible.
Same day: Avoid touching, rubbing or massaging the treatment area. Avoid lying flat, intensive exercise, hot environments (saunas, hot yoga) and alcohol for 4 hours after treatment.
24 hours: All visible signs of treatment typically settled. You can return to all normal activities.
Day 3–5: First effects typically visible — slight softening of the lines, subtle change in expression.
Day 10–14: Full effect visible. Lines significantly softened; muscle activity reduced in treated areas.
Day 14 review: We'd recommend a brief review at 2 weeks if it's your first treatment with us. If any small refinement is needed (occasionally one area takes more than another), we can add a small top-up at no additional charge.
RESULTS
What results actually look like
The right result from anti-wrinkle treatment isn't a dramatic transformation — it's looking refreshed and slightly less tired, while still looking like yourself. Other people typically notice that you look well, rather than identifying treatment.
Specific changes most patients see:
Visibly softer dynamic wrinkles in the treated areas
More rested-looking expression overall
Reduced tension in the brow (frown area treatment particularly)
Slightly lifted appearance in some cases (depending on the area treated)
No visible "frozen" effect — natural movement preserved
Day 3–5
First effects visible
Day 10–14
Full effect
Month 1–3
Results sustained at peak
Month 3–4
Gradual return of muscle activity
Month 4
Time to reassess and book next treatment if appropriate
Maintenance cadence: Most patients fit a 3–4 month rhythm — typically 3–4 treatments per year. Some patients prefer slightly longer gaps; others want to maintain results more tightly. We'll discuss the right cadence for you at your follow-up.
What anti-wrinkle injections won't do
We say this throughout, but it's worth being explicit:
They won't restore volume or change facial structure. That's filler — a different conversation, and one we approach carefully.
They won't improve skin texture, quality, hydration or tone. That's skincare, JetPeel, microneedling, Profhilo or PRP work.
They won't fix static wrinkles — lines visible at rest with no muscle movement. These need skin quality treatments.
They won't last forever. Maintenance is required every 3–4 months. The total annual cost over multiple years should be factored into your decision.
They won't make you look like a different person. If that's what you want — we'd recommend you consider whether aesthetic treatment is the right answer to a deeper question. We can refer you to appropriate support if it would be useful.
We'll be candid at consultation about realistic outcomes, alternative treatments that might serve you better, and whether treatment makes sense at all.
ANTI-WRINKLE COMPARED — HOW IT DIFFERS
Anti-wrinkle vs other treatments
Anti-Wrinkle vs Dermal Fillers
Different treatments addressing different concerns. Anti-wrinkle injections reduce muscle activity to soften dynamic wrinkles. Fillers add volume to specific areas to restore structure or shape. They sometimes work together — but they're not interchangeable, and many patients only need one (or neither).
Anti-Wrinkle vs Profhilo / Skin Boosters
Anti-wrinkle works on muscle activity. Profhilo works on skin tissue quality. Different concerns, different solutions. For patients with both dynamic wrinkles and skin quality concerns, both treatments may be appropriate — sequenced 2 weeks apart.
Anti-Wrinkle vs Microneedling
Microneedling stimulates collagen and addresses skin texture; anti-wrinkle reduces muscle activity. Often combined in long-term skin plans — microneedling addressing skin quality and texture, anti-wrinkle addressing expression lines.
Anti-Wrinkle vs Sofwave
Sofwave addresses skin laxity and structural tightening. Anti-wrinkle addresses expression-induced wrinkles. They're complementary for patients dealing with both concerns — typically delivered in separate sessions with appropriate spacing.
Anti-Wrinkle vs Surgical Brow Lift
For brow heaviness, small doses of anti-wrinkle can produce a subtle brow lift effect — particularly when combined with appropriate Sofwave treatment to the brow area. For significant brow ptosis (drooping), surgical brow lift remains the appropriate intervention.
PRICING
Anti-wrinkle pricing
Treatment
Price
1 Area (forehead, frown, or crow's feet)
£225
2 Areas
£325
3 Areas (the "classic three")
£395
Brow Lift
£225
Bunny Lines
£100
Gummy Smile
£150
Masseter (jawline / bruxism)
£450
Neck Bands (platysmal bands)
£450
Hyperhidrosis (underarms / palms)
from £495
A note on pricing: Our prices reflect proper consultation time, conservative dosing, and the quality of practitioner delivering the treatment. We don't compete on the lowest London price for anti-wrinkle — that's not the patient we serve, and it's typically not the experience patients want when they're being honest about it.
Klarna instalments available on treatments over £400, subject to approval.
2-week review included with first-time treatments at no additional charge.
COMBINE WITH
Treatments that combine well with anti-wrinkle
Anti-Wrinkle + Profhilo / Skin Boosters
Anti-wrinkle for dynamic lines; Profhilo for skin quality. Typically staged 2 weeks apart.
Anti-Wrinkle + JetPeel or Clinical Facial
Same-day pairing common — anti-wrinkle followed by JetPeel for resurfacing and active infusion. Or anti-wrinkle followed by a Meder clinical facial for relaxation and skin support.
Anti-Wrinkle + Sofwave
Different concerns, complementary treatments. Sofwave for structural collagen and skin tightening; anti-wrinkle for expression lines. Typically separate sessions, with appropriate spacing.
Anti-Wrinkle + SkinPen Elite Microneedling
Anti-wrinkle for expression lines; microneedling for skin texture and collagen. Spaced 2 weeks apart for optimal scheduling.
Frequently asked questions
Which brand of anti-wrinkle injection do you use?
We use FDA-approved botulinum toxin type A products — most commonly Bocouture® and Azzalure®, both well-established in UK aesthetic medicine. The brand makes less difference to outcome than how the treatment is delivered (dose, technique, anatomical understanding). We'll discuss specific brand choice at consultation if relevant.
How long do anti-wrinkle results last?
Typically 3–4 months for most patients on most areas.
Some areas (forehead, frown) tend to last slightly shorter; areas with stronger muscle activity (masseter) can last longer. Some patients find their longevity extends slightly with repeated treatments as muscle activity reduces over time.
Will I look frozen?
Not if we're treating you. Our approach is conservative dosing with preservation of natural expression — the visible "frozen" look comes from over-treatment, which we don't do. Some patients arrive specifically wanting that look; we'll have an honest conversation if so.
When can I see results?
First effects typically visible from day 3–5. Full effect by day 10–14. We recommend a 2-week review for first-time patients in case any small refinement is needed.
Can I have anti-wrinkle if I'm planning to get pregnant?
We don't deliver anti-wrinkle to patients who are actively trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding. We'd recommend stopping treatments for at least 3 months before conception attempts.
Will my wrinkles get worse if I stop having treatment?
No — they return to where they would have been if you'd never started. Some patients worry that stopping leads to "worse" wrinkles; this isn't supported by clinical evidence. Treated muscles return to their pre-treatment baseline gradually over 3–4 months.
Is it painful?
Most patients describe a sharp pinch at each injection site, with brief discomfort. Numbing isn't typically required. The masseter area can be slightly more sensitive than facial areas due to the deeper injection and larger needle.
Can I exercise after treatment?
Avoid intensive exercise for 4 hours after treatment, then resume normally.
Can I have anti-wrinkle and dermal fillers on the same day?
Yes — many patients have both in a single visit. The treatments don't interact problematically. We'd typically deliver anti-wrinkle first, then fillers.
How often will I need top-ups?
Most patients return every 3–4 months for repeat treatment. Some prefer longer gaps; others maintain more tightly. We'll find the right cadence for you over your first 2–3 treatments.
What happens if I don't like the result?
Anti-wrinkle is temporary — its effects gradually wear off over 3–4 months. If you're concerned about a result, book a follow-up review and we'll discuss what's possible. Unlike fillers, anti-wrinkle cannot be reversed mid-treatment — but it does wear off.
Can I use Meder products at home?
Meder home care products are available through professional channels.
After a Meder facial we can recommend appropriate home care to extend the work. Meder home products are typically slightly more accessible price-wise than Jan Marini's full system, which suits some patients better.
Ready to discuss anti-wrinkle?
Anti-wrinkle injections are simple at the technical level but require considered judgement at the clinical level. Book a consultation and we'll discuss honestly whether they're the right answer for what you're hoping to achieve — and if they are, deliver them with the restraint and precision that make for results worth maintaining.