How long do anti-wrinkle injections take to work, and how long do they last?

A woman sitting up in the treatment chair, raising her eyebrows while a gloved hand rests at her temple during an anti-wrinkle assessment

Anti-wrinkle injections start to show in 5 to 7 days, build up to about 14 days, and last around 3 months. Here is the detail behind those numbers, and what changes them.

When they start to work

Nothing happens on the day, and that’s normal.

  • Days 5 to 7: you start to notice lines softening.
  • By about day 14: the result has built up fully.

So if you look in the mirror on day three and see no change, don’t worry. It’s on its way.

How long they last

  • A single area or the upper face: around 3 months.
  • Full face treatment: 3 to 6 months.
  • Jawline and neck: 3 to 6 months.
  • Excessive sweating: 4 to 7 months.

After that, movement gradually returns. It doesn’t switch off overnight.

What affects it

How long your treatment lasts depends on your anatomy, your lifestyle and other things that are particular to you. This is one of the reasons I see you for a review, so I learn how your face responds.

Your review

Existing clients have a free 15 minute review between 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. By then the result has settled, and we can look at it together. If a small top-up is needed, it’s included.

How often to come back

Most people come back about every three months. Every 12 weeks is a minimum, never a schedule: I don’t treat anyone again sooner than 12 weeks after their treatment. Leaving it a little longer is absolutely fine, and at every visit I’ll tell you honestly if I think you can wait.

Why full face can last longer

Your face works as a whole. When everything is treated together, the muscles stay in balance and the result tends to hold for longer. I’ve explained this in full face anti-wrinkle treatment.

Planning around an event

Book at least 2 weeks before anything important, so the result has built up and any bruise has faded. Four weeks is better, because it leaves time for your review.

Your questions

Why can’t I see anything yet?

If it’s less than a week since your treatment, it’s too early. Give it the full 14 days.

Do they last longer the more often you have them?

I’d rather not promise that. Everyone’s face is different. What I can promise is that I’ll tell you honestly when you need treatment and when you don’t.

Can I come back sooner if it wears off quickly?

Not sooner than 12 weeks. If you feel yours isn’t lasting, tell me at your review and we’ll look at why.

Anti-wrinkle injections in King’s Cross

Every anti-wrinkle treatment starts with an assessment, to make sure it’s right for you. My clinic is at 260 Pentonville Road, a short walk from King’s Cross St Pancras and walkable from Angel and Islington. Book your assessment or read more about anti-wrinkle injections.

Ready when you are. Book your consultation

Book online in a minute, any time of day. The £30 consultation fee comes off your treatment if you go ahead on the day.