✓ Doctor-led, with Dr Edwin Anthony or Nurse Rashmi Mehta
✓ Part of Contoura Medical
Aesthetic Anti-wrinkle Injections Treatment in London
Aesthetic Anti-wrinkle injections is used to soften the appearance of selected facial lines caused by repeated muscle movement, such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. It is a prescription-only medicine, and treatment at Orovenza is carried out only after an individual clinical assessment and prescription by a GMC-registered doctor.
At Orovenza, Anti-wrinkle injections is prescribed by Dr Edwin Anthony and administered by Nurse Rashmi Mehta under his medical direction, with treatment planned to suit your facial movement and expression.
Treatment Details
Treatment Specifications
Treatment Areas
Commonly assessed areas include the forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet, depending on individual presentation.
Treatment Approach
Dosing and placement are tailored to your facial anatomy and movement, following individual assessment.
Downtime
There is typically no significant downtime, though normal aftercare guidance will be provided.
Review
A 2-3 week only follow-up review is available to assess your response and discuss future treatment where appropriate.
The Treatment Process
How Aesthetic Anti-wrinkle Injections Works
Consultation & Assessment
Your facial movement, concerns and suitability for treatment are discussed and assessed.
Treatment Planning
An appropriate dosing and treatment plan is proposed based on your assessment.
Treatment
Anti-wrinkle injections is administered to the agreed treatment sites.
Follow up
Your response to treatment can be reviewed and future management discussed where appropriate.
By Dr Edwin Anthony, Lead Clinician, Contoura Medical · Treatments delivered by Nurse Rashmi Mehta · Last updated 5 November 2026
Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only treatment for expression lines such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet. At our anti-wrinkle injections London clinic, Orovenza in Marylebone, adults start with a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber, who decides whether treatment is right for them.
Anti-wrinkle injections London: what it is and how it works
Many lines on the upper face are dynamic. They form because the same muscles contract thousands of times a day when you frown, raise your brows or smile. Over time, those creases can stay visible even when your face is at rest.
Anti-wrinkle treatment softens the pull of selected muscles so the skin above them creases less. Done well, you still look like yourself and can still express yourself. The aim is a rested, less tense look rather than a frozen one.
In the UK, this is a prescription-only medicine. As the NHS explains, it can only be prescribed after a consultation with a healthcare professional. At Orovenza, treatment is prescribed by Dr Edwin Anthony (GMC registered), Lead Clinician at Contoura Medical, and administered by Nurse Rashmi Mehta.
Who it is best suited for
Adults bothered by vertical frown lines between the brows
People with horizontal forehead lines that show at rest
Anyone with crow's feet that deepen when they smile
People who are often told they look cross or tired when they are not
Patients who want a subtle, gradual change
Your treatment journey at Orovenza
Consultation. A face-to-face consultation with a prescriber is required. We review your medical history, medicines and previous treatments, and watch how your face moves.
Plan. If treatment is appropriate, Dr Edwin Anthony prescribes it for you personally. We explain the expected result, the risks and any alternatives, and you have time to decide.
Treatment day. Rashmi uses a very fine needle to place small amounts into the agreed muscles. It usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Aftercare. You leave with written aftercare advice and a number to call.
Review. A review appointment at around two weeks checks the result and balance, with any small adjustment agreed if needed.
Results and how long they last
Results appear gradually over several days, then fade slowly as muscle movement returns. According to Save Face:
Most people start to see an improvement within 2 or 3 days.
The full result is best judged at 2 to 3 weeks, which is why we review at around two weeks.
Results usually last 3 to 4 months.
How long it lasts for you depends on your muscle strength, metabolism and the area treated.
Recovery and aftercare
Small raised bumps at injection points settle within about 30 minutes.
Stay upright and avoid lying flat or bending over for 4 hours.
Do not rub or massage the treated area on the day.
Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and alcohol for 24 hours.
Skip facials and other facial treatments for about two weeks.
You can usually return to work straight away, and make-up can go on the next morning.
Safety, side effects and who should avoid it
Common side effects include redness, mild swelling, small bruises and a temporary headache.
Less commonly, the brow or eyelid can feel heavy or droop. This is temporary and is one reason a skilled injector and a review appointment matter.
In the UK, anti-wrinkle injections are prescription-only, so a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber must happen before any treatment. Dermal fillers are not prescription-only, which is another reason to choose a medically led clinic for all injectables.
The NHS recommends checking practitioners on an accredited register such as the JCCP or Save Face.
ASA and CAP rules do not allow prescription-only medicines to be advertised to the public, which is why this page does not name the medicine.
UK law does not allow anti-wrinkle injections for cosmetic reasons in under 18s.
Treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with infection at the treatment site, with certain neuromuscular conditions, or with some medicines, which is why your full medical history is reviewed first.
Anti-wrinkle injections compared with filler and skin boosters
Option
What it treats
How it works
How long it lasts
Downtime
Anti-wrinkle injections
Frown lines, forehead lines, crow's feet
Softens the muscle movement that creases the skin
Usually 3 to 4 months
Minimal, small bumps for under an hour
Dermal filler (Hyaluronic Acid)
Static lines, lost volume, lips
Gel fills or supports from beneath the skin
Usually 6 to 18 months
Swelling for a few days, possible bruising
Skin boosters
Crêpey skin, fine texture, hydration
Improves hydration and elasticity within the skin
A course is typical, with maintenance
Small bumps for about 24 hours
How Orovenza compares
Treatment in a hospital setting at Langham Hospital, 77 Hallam Street, Marylebone.
Doctor-led care by Dr Edwin Anthony or Nurse Rashmi Mehta, with a doctor and prescriber on site: Dr Edwin Anthony, Lead Clinician at Contoura Medical.
A face-to-face consultation before every treatment, never a remote or online prescription.
A fixed consultation fee, not deducted from treatment prices, so the prescribing decision is independent of any sale.
Reversible Hyaluronic Acid options discussed where filler would suit you better.
A review appointment at around two weeks as standard.
If lines and wrinkles bother you, the first step is a consultation at Langham Hospital, or call 020 3890 1911. Consultation fees are fixed and are not deducted from treatment prices, and your practitioner confirms your personal treatment cost at consultation. Book a consultation
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of anti-wrinkle injections?
Cost depends mainly on how many areas are treated, for example frown lines alone or frown lines, forehead and crow's feet together. The strength of your muscles also affects the amount needed. Your practitioner confirms your personal treatment cost at consultation. The consultation fee is fixed and separate, and there is no obligation to go ahead.
Do anti-wrinkle injections hurt?
Most people feel only a quick scratch with each injection. The needle is very fine and each injection takes a second or two, so numbing cream is rarely needed. Some areas, such as around the eyes, can feel more sensitive. The whole appointment is usually over in 10 to 15 minutes, and most people return straight to their day.
Will I have swelling or bruising?
Small raised bumps appear where the needle goes in and usually settle within about 30 minutes. Bruising is uncommon but possible, especially around the eyes, and usually fades within a week. Some people get a mild headache on the day. Avoiding alcohol and hard exercise for 24 hours helps reduce bruising.
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?
Results usually last 3 to 4 months, according to Save Face. Movement returns gradually, so lines come back slowly rather than overnight. Strong muscles, a fast metabolism and very expressive faces can shorten this. Many patients plan treatment three or four times a year, but there is no need to repeat it unless you want to.
When will I see results?
Most people notice a change within 2 or 3 days, with the full result best judged at 2 to 3 weeks. That timing is why your review appointment is booked at around two weeks. At the review we check balance and movement and agree any small adjustment, rather than guessing too early.
Can anti-wrinkle treatment be reversed?
It cannot be dissolved in the way Hyaluronic Acid filler can, but it is temporary and wears off gradually. If a brow or eyelid feels heavy, this usually improves over a few weeks, and sometimes a small adjustment helps. A cautious first treatment and a two-week review make unwanted effects less likely.
Will I look frozen?
A frozen look usually comes from too much product or treating every muscle equally. Rashmi treats conservatively and keeps some natural movement, particularly in the forehead, so your brows still lift and your face still reacts. Tell us at consultation how much movement you want to keep, and we will plan around it.
I have never had anti-wrinkle injections. What should I expect?
Expect a proper conversation first. Your consultation covers your health, what bothers you and whether treatment is suitable, and you are never pushed to decide on the day. Many first-timers start with one area, such as frown lines. Come without make-up if you can, and avoid alcohol the night before.
Who should not have anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections cannot be given to under 18s for cosmetic reasons in the UK. Treatment is also not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding, with infection at the injection site, with certain neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis, or with some medicines. Your prescriber reviews your full history before deciding.
Should I choose anti-wrinkle injections or filler?
They treat different things. Anti-wrinkle injections soften lines caused by movement, such as frown lines and crow's feet. Filler adds volume or support, for example in hollow cheeks or deep lines that stay at rest. Many people benefit from one, some from both. Your consultation identifies which lines are which and what suits you.
Pricing depends on the treatment plan and number of sessions required. Your practitioner will confirm the cost of your personal treatment plan at consultation. Consultation fees are fixed and are not deducted from treatment prices.
Nurse Rashmi Mehta is the Aesthetic Nurse for Orovenza non-surgical aesthetics service at Contoura Medical.
All Anti-wrinkle injections used at Orovenza is prescribed by Dr Edwin Anthony, GMC-registered cosmetic surgeon, in accordance with UK prescribing regulations. Nurse Rashmi Mehta administers treatment under his medical direction, following individual assessment.
Patients are assessed before treatment so that the most appropriate option can be discussed based on their goals and clinical circumstances.
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