Thinking about anti-wrinkle injections but not quite sure where to start? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched-for cosmetic treatments in the UK, yet so much of the information out there is either overhyped or genuinely confusing.
So, before you book anything, here are seven things worth knowing — the kind of honest, practical information we wish more people had before their first appointment.
This is the bit that often gets glossed over. Anti-wrinkle injections use a prescription-only medicine, which means it can only be prescribed following a proper consultation and medical assessment — not handed out like a beauty add-on.
That distinction matters. It’s the reason a thorough consultation, a review of your medical history, and a conversation about your goals should always come before any treatment is agreed. Since June 2025, prescribers such as nurses and midwives are also required to consult with patients face-to-face before prescribing these medicines, rather than remotely.
Recent UK research has highlighted just how much this industry has grown, and not always in step with proper oversight. A 2026 study published via UCL found that the number of practitioners offering aesthetic botulinum toxin treatments across the UK rose by 437% between 2023 and 2025, with the proportion of non-medically trained practitioners nearly doubling over the same period, according to UCL News.
That doesn’t mean every non-medical practitioner is unsafe — but it does mean it’s worth asking direct questions before you book:
This is a genuinely current topic, and worth understanding before you book. In August 2025, the Government confirmed plans for a licensing scheme in England that sorts non-surgical cosmetic procedures by clinical risk into red, amber and green tiers. Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers fall into the amber tier, which is expected to require a local-authority licence alongside oversight from a named, regulated healthcare professional.
As of 2026, that licensing scheme is not yet in force, with further consultation on the detail expected. In practice, this means practitioner registration (for example, with the GDC, GMC, NMC or GPhC) and recognised accreditation remain the most reliable signs of a safe, accountable provider while the wider framework is finalised.
If you’ve been putting off asking about it because it feels like a big decision, it may help to know you’re in good company. Anti-wrinkle injections remain one of the most requested non-surgical treatments in the UK, with an estimated 900,000 procedures carried out annually across the country, as reported in The UK Botox Report.
The trend in recent years has also shifted towards a softer, more natural-looking result rather than a “frozen” appearance — something worth mentioning when discussing your goals at consultation.
A common misconception is that results appear the moment you leave the room. In reality, it typically takes several days for the effects to become noticeable, with the fuller result usually settling in over the following one to two weeks.
“One of the most common questions I get asked is ‘why can’t I see anything yet?’ in the days right after treatment. I always tell patients: give it time. The muscle needs a chance to relax gradually — rushing to judge the result too early is the most common reason people feel disappointed when there’s actually nothing to worry about.” — a practitioner at Birmingham Dental Excellence
Results are temporary, generally lasting around three to four months, though this varies from person to person depending on factors like muscle strength, metabolism and the area treated. This isn’t a drawback — it means the treatment can be adjusted over time as your preferences change, rather than committing you to a fixed outcome.
Like any prescription medicine, anti-wrinkle injections aren’t right for everyone, and a responsible practitioner should always talk you through suitability rather than assuming everyone is a candidate. A 2025 UK cross-sectional survey examining associations between existing health conditions and treatment outcomes reinforced why pre-treatment medical screening is so important, rather than treating consultations as a formality — read more about the study here.
Being open about your medical history — even things that feel unrelated — helps your practitioner make a properly informed decision with you, not just for you.
Perhaps the most reassuring thing to know: booking a consultation is simply a conversation. It’s a chance to ask questions, understand your options, and decide — with no pressure — whether it feels right for you.
Anti-wrinkle injections aren’t right for everyone, and they’re certainly not something to rush into based on a passing trend. But for many people, a proper consultation is enough to turn uncertainty into clarity, one way or the other.
How long do anti-wrinkle injections last?
Results are temporary, typically lasting around three to four months. This varies with muscle strength, metabolism and the area treated.
When will I see results from anti-wrinkle injections?
Effects usually start to show within several days, with the fuller result settling over the following one to two weeks.
Are anti-wrinkle injections regulated in the UK?
The medicine is prescription-only, and England is introducing a licensing scheme that places anti-wrinkle injections in an amber tier. As of 2026, the scheme is not yet fully in force, so practitioner registration and accreditation remain the key trust signals.
Do anti-wrinkle injections hurt?
Most people find the injections briefly and mildly uncomfortable, using very fine needles. Any tenderness usually settles quickly.
How much do anti-wrinkle injections cost?
Cost depends on the areas treated and the amount of product needed. You’ll get a clear figure at consultation, once suitability has been assessed.
Who should administer anti-wrinkle injections?
Look for a registered healthcare professional who offers a face-to-face consultation and medical assessment, works in an appropriate clinical setting, and is insured for the treatment.
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Veerinder is a skilled dentist who graduated from The University of Birmingham in 2007. After completing his studies, he spent a year working in South London, gaining valuable knowledge in treating both NHS and private patients.
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“Nothing but praise for the dentist who does implants at this practice and his staff! He explains everything he's doing in a very...”
“Fantastic work by Dr Nazran. He has given me loads of information about keeping my teeth good and healthy after a clean and...”
“Thank you to the team for making my visit to you this morning more comfortable than I could have expected. You are all...”
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