Anti-Wrinkle Injections: What to Expect

What happens during your appointment

At Berkshire Aesthetics, every anti-wrinkle injection treatment begins with a thorough face-to-face consultation. This is not a formality — it is a clinical necessity. During this consultation, your treating doctor will discuss your concerns, assess your facial anatomy and muscle movement, review your medical history, and explain what treatment can realistically achieve. This is also your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your expectations, and understand the risks involved.

If you and your doctor agree that anti-wrinkle injections are appropriate, treatment can usually be carried out on the same day as your consultation, although some patients prefer to take time to consider their options before proceeding. There is no pressure to go ahead on the day — the decision is always yours, and informed consent is taken seriously at our clinic. You can read more about our approach to consent in our safety and consent guide.

The injection procedure itself is quick. For a typical treatment involving the frown lines, forehead, and crow’s feet, the actual injection process takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes. A very fine needle is used, and the injections are placed at precise points determined by your anatomy and the results you are hoping to achieve. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild sting or pinch — it is generally well tolerated and anaesthetic is not usually required, although a topical numbing cream can be applied if you are particularly sensitive.

Following treatment, you can return to your normal activities immediately. There is no significant downtime. You may notice small red marks at the injection sites, which typically fade within an hour or so. Your treating doctor will provide you with specific aftercare advice before you leave the clinic.

Risks and side effects

Like any medical treatment, anti-wrinkle injections carry risks. A responsible clinic will always discuss these with you before treatment, and you should be wary of any practitioner who downplays or fails to mention them. Full transparency about risks is a hallmark of good clinical practice and is part of the informed consent process. Our detailed guidance on safety at Berkshire Aesthetics covers our protocols in full.

The most common side effects are mild and temporary. These include slight redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites, minor bruising (which can take a few days to resolve), and a mild headache on the day of treatment. These effects are typically short-lived and do not interfere with daily activities.

Less common but more significant side effects include a feeling of heaviness in the forehead, particularly if the forehead muscles are treated aggressively. This can sometimes cause the brow to drop slightly, giving a tired or heavy appearance. Careful, conservative dosing and an understanding of the interplay between the different muscle groups of the upper face can help minimise this risk. This is one of the many reasons why the experience and anatomical knowledge of your injector matters so much.

Rare but serious complications include ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), which occurs when the product migrates to affect the muscle that lifts the eyelid. Ptosis is uncommon when injections are placed correctly and is almost always temporary, resolving as the product wears off, but it can be distressing while it lasts. In extremely rare cases, the effects of the treatment can spread beyond the intended area, causing temporary weakness in nearby muscles. This is why precise injection technique and appropriate dosing are critical, and why you should always choose a practitioner who has extensive training and experience in facial anatomy.

If you experience any unexpected symptoms following your treatment, you should contact your treating clinic promptly. At Berkshire Aesthetics, patients have direct access to their treating clinician for post-treatment support. This is a key advantage of being treated at a CQC-registered medical clinic.

Choosing the right provider

Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only treatment, which means they must be prescribed by a qualified medical prescriber. However, the standard of care you receive can vary enormously depending on where you go. Choosing the right provider is one of the most important decisions you will make, and price alone should never be the deciding factor.

We recommend looking for a clinic where a doctor personally assesses you, prescribes the treatment, and ideally performs the injections themselves. A doctor who is GMC-registered and who has specific training in facial aesthetics will have a deep understanding of facial anatomy, the pharmacology of the products being used, and the management of any potential complications. You should be able to verify your doctor’s registration on the GMC website.

CQC registration is another indicator of quality. While not legally required for all aesthetic clinics, CQC registration means the clinic meets recognised standards for healthcare provision and is subject to regulatory inspection. At Berkshire Aesthetics, we are proud to be CQC-registered, reflecting our commitment to clinical governance, infection control, and patient safety.

Be cautious of clinics that offer anti-wrinkle injections at heavily discounted prices, that use high-pressure sales tactics, or that do not offer a face-to-face consultation before treatment. A consultation is not an inconvenience — it is an essential clinical step that protects your safety and ensures the treatment plan is right for you. Our comprehensive guide on how to choose an aesthetic clinic covers this topic in greater detail.

If you are considering anti-wrinkle injections in Maidenhead, Berkshire, or the surrounding areas, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your options. You can get in touch with our team or book a consultation to take the first step.

Anti-Wrinkle Injection FAQs

How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?

The effect is temporary and wears off gradually, after which muscle activity returns. Because anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only medicine, we don't advertise specific timings — duration varies with dose, muscle strength, metabolism and lifestyle factors, and is explained at your consultation. Outcomes vary by individual.

How long do anti-wrinkle injections take to work?

The effect develops over the days following treatment rather than immediately. This is why we routinely offer a two-week review appointment to assess the outcome and decide whether a small adjustment is needed — your clinician will explain the expected timeline for you at your consultation.

Do anti-wrinkle injections hurt?

Anti-wrinkle injections use very fine needles and most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch. Topical numbing cream is not usually required, but can be applied if you are particularly needle-sensitive. The procedure itself takes around 10 to 15 minutes and no recovery time is needed.

What should I avoid after anti-wrinkle injections?

For the first 24 hours: avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area, strenuous exercise, saunas, hot yoga, lying flat, and facial treatments such as facials or laser. For 2 weeks: avoid dental procedures involving vigorous movement. Resume normal skincare and gentle activity from the day after treatment.

Are anti-wrinkle injections safe?

Anti-wrinkle injections have a strong safety record when administered by a medically qualified professional in a regulated clinical setting. Common, temporary side effects include mild bruising, swelling or a tension headache. Rare risks include eyelid or brow droop, which is avoidable with careful injection technique and usually resolves on its own. Treatment should only be performed by a prescriber (doctor, dentist or prescribing nurse) in the UK.

Is there a minimum age for anti-wrinkle injections?

UK law requires patients to be 18 or over for anti-wrinkle injections. In practice, suitability depends on your individual concerns and facial anatomy rather than age alone. Some patients start in their late 20s or early 30s as a preventative measure; others begin later. A consultation confirms whether treatment is appropriate.

Will anti-wrinkle injections make me look frozen?

A “frozen” look is avoidable with conservative dosing and careful placement. Our approach is to soften dynamic lines while preserving natural expression. At your consultation we discuss how much movement you want to retain, and we favour undertreating and topping up over overtreating.