Consultation for Lines & Wrinkles
A face-to-face consultation is required to assess suitability for muscle relaxing treatments. These are medical treatments that use a prescription-only medicine to temporarily reduce activity in selected facial muscles, helping to soften expression lines.
Clinical Approach
- A detailed discussion of your concerns
- Assessment of facial anatomy and muscle movement
- Determination of whether treatment is appropriate
- Review of medical history and clinical photography
- Personalised treatment planning
What to Expect
The aim of any proposed clinical intervention is a rested, natural appearance that remains in keeping with your facial expression. This treatment primarily addresses the muscle component of facial ageing.
How It Works
- Facial movement is assessed, and injection points are marked
- Small amounts of product are placed into targeted muscles
- Treatment takes approximately 20–30 minutes
- The procedure is generally well tolerated
- Numbing cream may be used if appropriate
Results and Recovery
- Initial effects may begin from 3-5 days
- Full effect is typically seen at around 2 weeks
- Results usually last around 3 months, varying between individuals
- Review is offered at 2 weeks for first-time patients
- Treatment may be repeated at intervals of at least 12 weeks
Aftercare
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
- Avoid excessive heat exposure for 24 hours
- Avoid touching, rubbing or applying make-up on the day
- Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment
Fees
- Upper Face: 1 area (e.g. crow’s feet) — £200
- Upper Face: 2 areas (e.g. frown + forehead or frown + brow lift effect) — £270
- Upper Face: 3 areas (frown + forehead + crow’s feet) — £330
- Add-on: DAO, Mentalis, Bunny lines, or Lip flip — £50 each (with upper face treatment)
- Lower Face: Jawline (Nefertiti approach) standalone — £200
- Lower Face: Jawline (Nefertiti approach) add-on — £120
- Lower Face: Jawline with Platysmal Band Treatment — £375
Fees are a guide. A personalised plan is confirmed at your consultation, and the full list is on the prices page.
Safety and Side Effects
Botulinum toxin is widely used in medical practice. As with any treatment, there are potential risks which are discussed fully during your consultation.
Common Effects
- Mild redness
- Swelling
- Bruising at injection sites
When It Is Not Suitable
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Affected by certain medical conditions (e.g. neuromuscular)
- Taking medications that may interact (e.g. blood thinners)
- Allergy to botulinum toxin components, human albumin or cow’s milk protein
Muscle Relaxing Treatments: Common Questions
Will I still look natural?
The clinical goal is to achieve a subtle, rested appearance by softening overactive muscle movement rather than freezing your expressions. Every plan is bespoke, tailored to your facial dynamics to ensure natural muscle movement and expression remain.
Will this remove all my lines?
This approach is designed specifically to soften dynamic expression lines (those formed during movement, such as frowning or smiling). Lines that are deeply established and visible at rest may soften progressively but may not resolve entirely. Realistic expectations will be discussed during your consultation.
Are there any risks?
As a medical procedure, this treatment carries potential risks and side effects. Common temporary effects include mild redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection sites. Less common risks include temporary asymmetry, heaviness in the brow or forehead area, or eyelid ptosis (drooping). A thorough explanation of all risks is provided during your consultation.
Do I need time off afterwards?
There is typically no significant downtime, and most patients can return to their daily routine immediately. You will receive detailed post-procedure clinical instructions to ensure optimal skin recovery.
Why is a consultation needed first?
To uphold clinical safety and comply with professional regulations, an in-person, face-to-face consultation is mandatory before any prescription-only medicine (such as botulinum toxin) can be prescribed. This ensures the plan is safe, medically appropriate, and tailored to your health background.
Can I have treatment on the same day?
To ensure patient safety, treatments are not performed on the same day as your initial consultation. This provides you with an essential cooling-off period to consider all information and options. If treatment is appropriate, your prescription is subsequently ordered individually for your next appointment.
When will I see results?
The onset is gradual, with subtle softening typically noticed within 3 to 5 days, and the final clinical outcome established at 2 weeks.
How long do results last?
Results are temporary. The softening effect typically lasts around 3 to 4 months as muscle movement gradually returns. Any subsequent treatments are subject to a fresh professional reassessment to ensure ongoing safety and suitability.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients report only mild, brief discomfort. Very fine clinical needles are used, and the procedure is brief. Suitability for topical anaesthetic can be discussed during your consultation.
How do I know if I’m suitable?
Your suitability can only be determined during a face-to-face clinical consultation. Dr Maha Shariff will assess your concerns, current medications, and medical history to ensure there are no specific medical contraindications.