refresh & relax
Anti-wrinkle injections
Also called: wrinkle-relaxing injections, muscle-relaxing injections, frown-line treatment.
Anti-wrinkle injections at Dr Munroe Clinic relax the muscles responsible for expression lines, such as the lines that form when you frown, raise your brows or smile. Treatment is suited to lines that appear with movement and soften at rest, and the dose can be lighter or fuller depending on how your face moves. The effect is usually first noticeable around day four, is at its fullest at around two weeks and lasts around three to four months. The medicine used is prescription-only, so it is discussed, prescribed and priced at consultation. A guide to pricing can be found on our price list.
what it treats.
Expression lines are formed by the muscles beneath the skin. The frontalis muscle lifts the brow and creates horizontal forehead lines, the corrugator and procerus muscles draw the brows together into the vertical "11" lines, and the orbicularis oculi creases the skin around the eyes into crow's feet. Relaxing these muscles using neuromodulators softens the lines they create.
Where a line has been present for long enough to remain at rest, it may improve with repeated treatment but may not disappear completely, and skin regeneration treatments are often more appropriate for these lines.
The same approach can be used for smaller areas, such as bunny lines on the nose, chin dimpling, a gummy smile or downturned corners of the mouth, and for larger areas including neck bands, a square or heavy lower face (the masseter), underarm sweating and the trapezius.
The medicine used is prescription-only, which is why it is not named or priced on this page. It is discussed, prescribed and priced at consultation. Why we can’t name it: the law on advertising
what it doesn't treat.
Anti-wrinkle injections relax muscle activity, so they will not add volume, lift heavier skin or change the shape of the face beyond the effect of the muscles being treated. Dermal fillers and skin treatments address these concerns and are often planned alongside to get the best results.
the assessment.
The forehead works as a balance. The frontalis is the only muscle that lifts the brow, while the muscles around the eyes and between the brows draw it downwards, so treating one group without considering the others can change where the brow sits. The assessment looks at how your brow moves and where it rests before deciding what to treat and how much.
It is unusual to treat the forehead on its own, and treating the forehead, frown lines and crow's feet together is often more appropriate. A first treatment is usually conservative, with an adjustment at the review if needed.
where it treats.
upper face
around the mouth
larger areas
what happens on the day.
Following consultation, your concerns are discussed, the risks and side effects are explained and consent alongside your medical history is taken before any treatment. Photographs are taken for the clinical record, and the treatment areas are marked with you seated naturally.
The injections themselves are quick, and most people do not need numbing cream, although it is available. You can drive, work and return to your day afterwards.
The consultation is a separate appointment, redeemable against treatment. It often runs straight into treatment, which is why appointments are booked for up to 60 minutes.
recovery.
Small pinpoint marks or raised 'blebs' may be visible for an hour or two. Some people bruise and others do not, and this cannot be predicted in advance; when bruising does occur, it is usually around the eyes and settles within a few days. A mild headache or a sensation of heaviness on the days around treatment is not unusual and settles.
For the rest of the day, avoid make-up on the treated areas, rubbing or pressing the skin, strenuous exercise, heat and saunas.
There is minimal downtime and most people return straight to their day. Every treatment carries risks, and these are discussed with you before treatment.
results.
The effect is usually first noticeable around day four and at its fullest at around two weeks. It typically lasts around three to four months whilst movement returns gradually. With regular treatment, some people find that lines at rest also soften over time.
For jaw slimming, the change in the shape of the lower face develops more gradually, over six to eight weeks.
We routinely book in a two-week follow-up to review your outcome and assess whether you'd benefit from a 'top-up'.
who it isn't for.
Treatment is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with certain neuromuscular conditions. It is also not the right treatment for lines that are present only at rest and not with movement. A previous history of eyelid or brow drooping after treatment is discussed individually.
price.
The price is discussed at consultation, along with the medicine used and why it has been recommended. A top-up treatment is included as part of your booking.
common questions.
Will I look frozen?
Not when the dose and placement are matched to how your face moves. Treatment is usually conservative to begin with and adjusted at the review, which takes a little longer but tends to give a more predictable result.
What is a lighter dose?
A lighter 'baby' dose may suit anyone who would like to keep more movement while softening lines. It tends to wear off sooner than a fuller dose.
Can a brow or eyelid droop?
This can happen temporarily if the medicine spreads to a neighbouring muscle. It is uncommon and settles as the treatment wears off, and assessing how your brow moves before treatment is how this risk is reduced.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Tiffany Munroe, MBBS MRCS, GMC 7293952.
Last reviewed October 2, 2026. Next review October 2, 2027.
Lines and wrinkles · Excessive sweating · Lines of expression and lines at rest · Why we can't name it: the law on advertising