Clinically led Anti-wrinkle injections treatment for selected medical indications, including Masseter, Trapezius and migraine pathways.
Book a ConsultationMedical Anti-wrinkle injections is used to reduce targeted muscle activity for selected clinical indications, including jaw clenching (Masseter), shoulder and neck tension (Trapezius), and chronic migraine. It is a prescription-only medicine, and suitability is always determined by individual clinical assessment at Orovenza, part of Contoura Medical.
The service can include treatment pathways involving the Masseter, Trapezius or migraine indication, subject to clinical assessment, and is prescribed and administered under Dr Edwin Anthony’s medical direction.
Depending on the clinical indication, treatment may involve the Masseter or Trapezius muscles or areas relevant to a migraine treatment pathway.
The treatment approach is determined following individual clinical assessment.
Recovery and activity guidance depend on the treatment area and individual circumstances.
Follow-up may be recommended depending on the indication and treatment plan.
Your symptoms, concerns and relevant medical history are discussed.
The relevant muscles and treatment areas are assessed for suitability.
Anti-wrinkle injections is administered to selected treatment sites.
Your response to treatment can be reviewed and future management discussed where appropriate.
Medical anti-wrinkle injections use the same prescription-only medicine as cosmetic anti-wrinkle treatment to relax overactive muscles. At Orovenza in Marylebone, they are offered for jaw clenching and teeth grinding, jaw slimming, trapezius tension and contour, and selected migraine cases after full assessment.
Medical anti-wrinkle injections are small, measured doses of a prescription-only medicine placed into a specific muscle. The medicine reduces the nerve signal that tells the muscle to contract, so the muscle works less hard for a period of months. The effect wears off gradually as nerve signalling returns.
The difference from cosmetic treatment is the target. Instead of softening lines on the forehead, we treat muscles that cause symptoms or bulk: the masseter at the angle of the jaw, the upper trapezius between the neck and shoulder, and, for a small number of carefully selected patients, the pattern of head and neck muscles used in chronic migraine protocols.
Every treatment is prescribed by Dr Edwin Anthony (GMC 4776646), Lead Clinician at Contoura Medical, after a face-to-face consultation. The injections are then given by Nurse Rashmi Mehta, our Aesthetic Nurse, at Langham Hospital.
Results build slowly. Clenching often eases within one to two weeks, while visible jaw slimming takes longer because the muscle has to reduce in size. A prospective study of 24 adults in BMC Oral Health found the greatest reduction in lower face volume at week 12, with median satisfaction scores on the FACE-Q scale rising from 34 to 66 and self-reported chewing function staying stable.
For migraine, NICE guidance TA260 sets clear limits. It applies to adults with headaches on at least 15 days a month, at least 8 of which are migraine, who have not responded to at least three preventive medicines. NICE advises stopping if headache days fall by less than 30% after two treatment cycles, which is why we review migraine patients closely and share findings with their doctor.
| Feature | Masseter | Trapezius | Migraine pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it treats | Clenching, grinding, a wide or square jaw | Neck and shoulder tension, bulky upper trapezius | Diagnosed chronic migraine meeting assessment criteria |
| How it works | Relaxes and gradually slims the chewing muscle | Relaxes the upper trapezius to soften tension and outline | Injections into set head and neck muscles to reduce headache days |
| Number of sessions | One session, repeated when the effect fades | One session, repeated when the effect fades | Repeated cycles, reviewed after two |
| How long it lasts | Several months, varying by person | Several months, varying by person | Assessed cycle by cycle |
| Downtime | Minimal | Minimal, limit heavy lifting briefly | Minimal |
To find out whether medical anti-wrinkle injections suit you, start with a face-to-face 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
Yes, for many people. Relaxing the masseter reduces the force behind clenching and grinding, which can ease jaw ache and morning tension headaches. It does not treat the cause, such as stress, so a dental night splint is often still worthwhile.
They can, if a large masseter is the reason your jaw looks wide. The muscle shrinks slowly, so slimming appears over several weeks rather than days. If your jaw width comes from bone or fat instead, Dr Anthony will tell you honestly at consultation.
It is treatment of the upper trapezius, the muscle running from your neck to your shoulder. It suits people with a constantly tight, bulky trapezius who want less tension or a longer looking neckline. It is not a replacement for physiotherapy, so persistent neck pain should also be assessed by your GP or a physiotherapist.
Possibly, but only after full assessment. We need a confirmed chronic migraine diagnosis and details of treatments you have tried. Where appropriate we work with your GP or neurologist, using NICE guidance TA260 as a reference for who is likely to benefit and when treatment should stop.
Most patients describe a quick pinch at each point. We use a very fine needle, and the whole appointment usually takes under half an hour. The masseter can feel a little tender afterwards, and the trapezius may ache briefly. Numbing cream is rarely needed, but we can offer it.
Muscle relaxation usually starts within a few days and settles over about two weeks. Easing of clenching or trapezius tension is often felt first. Visible jaw slimming takes longer, with research showing the largest change around week 12. Your review appointment is timed so we can judge the effect properly.
The effect is temporary and usually lasts several months before the muscle gradually returns to normal. How long depends on your muscle strength, metabolism and how hard you clench. Your review helps us plan sensible timing for any repeat treatment.
The main factors are the area treated, the amount of medicine needed and whether one or both sides are treated. Your personal cost is confirmed in writing at consultation, and the fixed consultation fee is separate from the treatment price.
When prescribed after proper assessment and given by a trained practitioner, it has a well established safety record. Dr Edwin Anthony (GMC 4776646) prescribes every treatment after meeting you face to face, and Nurse Rashmi Mehta administers it in a hospital setting. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as tenderness or bruising.
Yes, many patients have masseter treatment alongside forehead or frown line treatment in the same appointment. Dr Anthony plans the total dose across all areas so it stays within safe limits. Other injectables, such as Profhilo, are usually spaced a week or two apart.
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.
Book a consultation to discuss your concerns, treatment options and suitability with the Orovenza team.
