Botox – or more accurately Botulinum toxin – is the most popular tweakment for smoothing wrinkles, and that’s for good reason: it really works.
But if you’ve never had wrinkle-smoothing injections before, the idea of getting injected with toxin probably sounds a little intimidating, and the last thing you want to do is look waxy, unnatural or unable to move your face afterwards (as you might have seen happen when people take it a little too far)
Don’t stress though: consider this your expert-backed, beginner’s guide to wrinkle-smoothing injections, including our little black book of top recommendations for where to go for Botox in London.
What is Botox?
First things first, Botox is actually a specific brand name for Botulinum toxin – the neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes muscles and thus helps smooth wrinkles. A bit like Sellotape becoming a synonym for sticky tape, Botox has become far and away the most well-known wrinkle-relaxing toxin brand, but there are others out there that work in the same way, including Azzalure and Nuceiva. (Rumour has it some celebrities even ask for these alternatives so they can say – without totally lying – that they’ve ‘never had Botox’).
Botulinum toxin is also actually a prescription-only product meaning brands aren’t allowed to market themselves to customers. That’s why you may see aesthetic practitioners talking about wrinkle-relaxing injections and toxin rather than saying ‘Botox’, even if that’s how you and your friends might continue to talk about it.
How does Botox work?
When injected by your practitioner into specific facial muscles, the neurotoxin helps by blocking nerve signals, temporarily relaxing the muscles and thus reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles (those caused by repeated facial movements like frowning or squinting).
That’s why it’s great for zapping away fine lines and creating a smoother-looking complexion – although it can’t counteract more significant ageing, such as skin sagging. It’s not just about wrinkles though. It is also clinically proven to help treat migraines, tight jaw muscles from teeth grinding, and even excessive sweating.
Where can you get toxin injections?
The most common areas to get toxin include for your:
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Chin (to reduce dimpling)
- Gummy smile (when injected above the lip)
- Jawline and masseter muscles (for jaw slimming and tension relief)
- Chin (to reduce dimpling and create a smoother contour)
- Armpits and hands (to combat sweating)
Are Botox and dermal filler the same thing?
No, and they actually do very different things. While both are injectables (alongside things like Profhilo and polynucleotides) meaning they involve injections into your skin, dermal filler is used to add volume, such as to your lips and cheeks to restore lost volume. Toxin can’t do that but it can reduce wrinkles more than filler.
How quickly can you get results with toxin?
In good news for impatient types, you don’t have to wait too long for the effects of toxin – although your wrinkles won’t have quite vanished by the time you leave the treatment room. The skin-smoothing effect tends to kick in within three to five days, with full results visible after about two weeks. The drawback: the treatment isn’t permanent and lasts around three to four months – so maintenance appointments are all part of the experience.
What is it like to get toxin injections?
The injections themselves are pretty straightforward and only take about 10 to 20 minutes – plus the time for the numbing cream to get to work beforehand if you need it. The pain is no different to any other pinch or stinging sensation you might get from a fine needle; those with a phobia or slight fear of needles might need to look away or steer clear.
Are there many side effects?
Toxin injections won’t have you wanting to hide away at home for days on end, so don’t worry. Most side effects are minor, like slight swelling or bruising at the injection sites, and this risk can be reduced through the skill of a good practitioner – and avoiding alcohol 48 hours before and after your appointment. Good aftercare is important too, such as not rubbing or lying on the area, no heavy exercise and no excessive heat such as saunas for 24 hours.
How can I avoid looking frozen or ‘unnatural’?
A frozen, unnatural look is often the result of someone taking toxin injections too far or having them done heavy-handedly. To avoid this – after all the goal of toxin is to smooth your skin and soften wrinkles, not remove your ability to express your emotions – slow and steady is the right approach. The most important thing is to go to a skilled practitioner who will be able to guide you to the best results and minimise side effects.
The best Botox in London: the injectors to see
Choosing the right practitioner is crucial to getting the best results. Here are some of our favourite practitioners in London:
Dr Sophie Shotter
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Aesthetic Doctor of the Year 2024, Dr Sophie Shotter has an outpost on London’s Harley Street as well as her Illuminate Skin Clinic in Kent. Known for her deft touch with a needle, she takes a really holistic approach to treating signs of premature ageing, so you’ll still look like you – but better – whatever type of treatment you have. No wonder she’s a go-to expert for countless beauty editors.
Dr David Jack
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Need a friendly face to put you at ease? That’s Dr David. With his sunny demeanour, even needle-phobics will feel comfortable in the treatment chair at one of his ever-expanding clinic outposts and, did we mention, he designed all his chic clinic interiors himself too? Celebrated, quite rightly, for his ‘less, but better’ approach, if you want to dip your toe into tweakments, he is your man.
Dr Wassim Taktouk
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From the hotel-esque feel of the waiting room to the hush-hush celebrity faces he’s worked on, a visit to see Dr Wassim is an act of luxurious self-care. With his results focusing on making you looking fresh and well-rested, not ‘done’, he’s been dubbed the ‘king of subtle tweaks’ and what he doesn’t know about injectables (and the best way to utilise them) is probably not worth knowing.
Need more advice on finding a great aesthetic practitioner near you? Remember to always:
- Prioritise medical professionals including doctors, dentists and nurses, and always ask about their training in your consultation.
- Check online reviews and before-and-after photos.
- Avoid ‘great deals’. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
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Any Questions or Tips to add?