Anti-Wrinkle Consultations in London W2

What this treatment is

Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified protein to temporarily relax specific facial muscles. In the UK this is a prescription-only medicine, so it can only be given after a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber, who decides whether it is appropriate for you.

At the consultation we look at how your face moves, ask about your health and any medicines, and talk through what is realistic. That includes the option of not treating, or of a treatment that does not need a prescription. If the treatment isn't right for you, we'll tell you.

Lines a prescriber will assess

The consultation is for lines caused by movement, known as dynamic lines. Deeper creases that show even when your face is completely relaxed are a different problem, and your prescriber will explain what that means for you.

• Forehead lines: the horizontal creases that form when you lift your eyebrows
• Frown lines: the vertical lines between the brows, often called the 11s
• Crow's feet: the fan of lines at the outer corners of the eyes when you smile
• Other small areas can be discussed at consultation

Where lines come from lost volume or thinning skin rather than muscle activity, we may suggest skin booster injections or one of our dermal filler options instead.

Who should not have it, and when to wait

Treatment is not given during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You'll also be asked to wait if you have an active skin infection or cold sore near the area. Some neuromuscular conditions, and certain medicines including some antibiotics and blood thinners, can mean the treatment is not appropriate.

Bring a list of any medicines and supplements you take. If something you tell us means treatment should be postponed or is not suitable, we'll explain the reason clearly. If you have a medical condition you are unsure about, please speak to your GP first.

Your consultation, step by step

A one-area appointment is booked as 35 minutes and other appointments as 40 minutes. Much of that time is spent talking and assessing.

1. Consultation: we discuss what bothers you, your medical history and any previous treatments.
2. Assessment: the prescriber watches how your muscles move as you frown, smile and raise your brows.
3. Consent: if treatment is suitable, the prescriber explains what it can and cannot do, the possible side effects and aftercare, so you can decide with the full picture.
4. Treatment, only if prescribed and you choose to go ahead: your skin is cleansed and a few small injections are given with a very fine needle.
5. Before you leave: we go over aftercare and how to reach us.

What your prescriber will discuss

Your prescriber will explain the likely onset, how long any effect may last and the possible side effects, and how each of these applies to you. Responses vary from person to person.

Any effect wears off over time and movement returns. Stopping treatment does not make lines worse. You don't have to commit to repeat appointments.

Aftercare, side effects and when to get help

Small red marks or bumps at the injection points usually settle within an hour or so. For the rest of the day it's generally advised to stay upright for around four hours, avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area, and skip strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for 24 hours.

Side effects are possible and will be discussed with you before treatment. The more common ones are mild bruising, tenderness and a headache in the first day or two. Less commonly, the effect can reach a nearby muscle and cause a temporary droop of an eyelid or eyebrow, which usually improves over a few weeks.

Rarely, the medicine can spread beyond the treated area. If you have difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, or new muscle weakness, seek urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) and then tell the clinic. For anything else that worries you afterwards, call or message the clinic. If you feel unwell and cannot reach us, call NHS 111.

Anti-wrinkle prices at ZARA

Anti-wrinkle injections are a prescription-only medicine, so we don't publish prices for them. Any treatment is priced after a face-to-face prescriber consultation, based on the number of areas, and your plan and price are confirmed before anything goes ahead.

• Anti wrinkle 1 area (35-minute appointment)
• Anti wrinkle 2 area
• Anti wrinkle 3 area
• Anti wrinkle Master (contents confirmed at consultation)

Easy to reach from Marylebone, Paddington and Maida Vale

ZARA is at 304 Edgware Road, W2 1DY, about 50 metres from the Bakerloo line entrance of Edgware Road station. The Circle, District and Hammersmith & City station on Chapel Street is roughly a two to three minute walk away.

From Marylebone it's one stop on the Bakerloo line, or around a ten-minute walk from Marylebone station. Coming from Paddington and the canal basin, most people walk over in ten minutes or so, and from Maida Vale station it's three stops south on the Bakerloo line.

We're open Monday to Saturday from 10:30am to 8pm, and on Sundays and bank holidays from 1pm to 5pm. Message us on WhatsApp, call, or use the online booking form.