Anti-wrinkle injections at coLaz clinics

Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified form of botulinum toxin type A to relax the muscles responsible for dynamic facial lines, the lines that appear when you raise your brows, frown or smile. The most commonly treated areas are the horizontal lines across the forehead, the frown lines between the brows often called the elevens, and the crow's feet around the eyes. Less common but still routine areas include a subtle brow lift, bunny lines on the bridge of the nose, a gummy smile, downturned corners of the mouth, smoker's lines, a dimpled chin and masseter slimming for a softer jawline. We confirm which areas to treat at your free consultation, and we never treat areas you have not specifically agreed to.

The first signs of softening appear at around two to five days after treatment, with the full effect visible at two weeks. We book a two-week review with photographs to assess the result and add a small top-up if any muscle is still active. The full effect typically lasts three to four months for first-time patients, and four to six months for patients on a regular maintenance schedule because the muscles slowly retrain over time. We never recommend a faster booking cadence than every twelve weeks because there is no clinical benefit and a small risk of resistance building up.

The needle used is very fine and most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch or a sharp prick that lasts about half a second per injection point. The forehead and brow are the most comfortable areas; the crow's feet area is slightly more sensitive because the skin is thinner. We can apply a topical anaesthetic cream on request, though most patients do not need it. There is no recovery pain afterwards, only a brief stinging sensation at the moment of injection that fades immediately.

Done well, no. A frozen look is the result of too much product, treatment given without an understanding of facial anatomy, or a patient asking for an erased look rather than a softened one. At coLaz our clinicians dose conservatively at the first session, see how your muscles respond at the two-week review, and only build up from there. The goal is for your friends to comment that you look rested or fresh, not to wonder what you have had done. If you have had a frozen result elsewhere, tell your clinician at consultation and we will plan around that experience.

Typical short-term effects include small raised bumps at the injection points that settle within an hour, mild redness at each point for a few hours, occasional mild bruising on one or two points that fades over two to three days, and a light headache on the day of treatment for a small number of patients. Less common effects include a temporary heavy or droopy feeling in the brow if a muscle responds more than expected, which fully resolves as the product wears off. Anything more significant is rare and is reviewed in detail at consultation before treatment is agreed.

We do not treat patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, who have a known hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin or to any of the formulation ingredients, who have an active skin infection at the planned injection site, or who have certain neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Patients on aminoglycoside antibiotics or on blood-thinning medication need a specific discussion at consultation. We always review medical history in detail before agreeing to proceed, and we will decline treatment if it is not safe for you.

One area with a qualified therapist starts at £199, two areas at £250, three areas at £350, with additional units priced per unit if a stronger dose is clinically agreed. Treatment by one of our doctors is available at a slightly higher rate, with one area at £250, two at £360 and three at £470. Specialist protocols such as masseter slimming, hyperhidrosis for underarm sweating, and chronic migraine treatment are priced separately and confirmed in writing at consultation. There are no upsells in the chair and no hidden charges, and the consultation fee is redeemable against any treatment you book.