Softening unwanted movement while your natural expressions remain

Expression lines form because the muscles under the skin move every time we smile, frown, squint or raise our eyebrows. Over many years, those repeated movements begin to leave lines behind.

Treatment works by temporarily reducing the strength of selected facial muscles. When those muscles move less, the skin above them is not folded as deeply or as often.

The aim is not to stop your face moving. It is to soften unwanted movement while allowing your natural expressions to remain.

Treatment may be suitable for concerns such as forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, crow's feet, chin dimpling, downturned corners of the mouth, and a prominent jaw muscle from clenching or grinding.

During your consultation, we will discuss what is bothering you most and whether treatment is an appropriate option for your individual concerns.

Your appointment begins with a consultation.

We will discuss your goals, medical history and examine how your face moves when you smile, frown and make different expressions. This movement is often more important than the lines themselves.

If treatment is appropriate, a series of small injections are placed into carefully selected muscles. Most appointments take around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the areas being treated.

You will receive clear aftercare instructions before you leave.

Many patients choose to return when movement gradually returns.

Sometimes a review appointment is recommended after your first treatment to assess how your muscles have responded and whether any adjustments are appropriate.

Treatment does not work immediately.

Most patients begin noticing changes within several days, with the full effect usually developing over approximately two weeks.

For this reason treatment is generally reviewed at around two weeks rather than immediately afterwards.

The effect gradually wears off as your muscles regain their normal activity.

For many patients, the effects last around three to four months, although this varies between individuals and the muscles being treated.

Factors such as muscle strength, metabolism and previous treatments can all influence how long the effect lasts.

Recovery is usually minimal.

Most patients return to their normal daily activities immediately after treatment.

You may notice small bumps at the injection sites for a short period, or mild redness, swelling or bruising, which generally settles over the following days.

Your doctor will provide personalised aftercare instructions before you leave.

All medical treatments carry risk, even when performed carefully.

Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising at the injection sites. Less commonly, the medicine can affect nearby muscles and cause temporary unwanted changes, such as eyelid drooping or asymmetry. These effects are uncommon and generally improve as the treatment wears off.

During your consultation, your doctor will discuss the potential risks, benefits and alternatives to help you decide whether treatment is appropriate for you.

Because every face moves differently, treatment is planned for the individual rather than sold as a standard package.

Your consultation includes an assessment of your facial movement, discussion of your goals and a personalised treatment plan. You will receive a written quote before deciding whether to proceed.

There is very little preparation required.

Please arrive with clean skin where possible and let your doctor know about any recent illnesses, vaccinations, medications or previous cosmetic treatments.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have certain neurological or medical conditions, treatment may not be appropriate. This will be discussed during your consultation.

Often, yes.

Treatment addresses muscle movement, but other concerns such as skin quality, pigmentation, volume loss or collagen changes may require different approaches.

If combination treatment is appropriate, your doctor will explain the options and recommend a treatment plan based on your goals rather than trying to treat everything at once.