"How long will it last?" is the most common question in consultation, and the honest answer is that it depends on the dose, the muscle being treated and your own metabolism. What follows is the timeline most patients experience.
Week by week
Days 1 to 3: nothing much
Very little visible change. You may see small bumps at the injection points for a few hours. This is normal and not a sign the treatment has failed.
Days 4 to 7: it starts working
Movement begins to reduce. Lines start to soften when you frown or raise your brows, though they may still be visible at rest.
Days 10 to 14: time for a review
You will usually see an improvement by now: UK product leaflets say it appears within the first week. The effect can keep building after this point; for frown lines, the leaflets report the maximum effect at about one month to six weeks, depending on the product. This is the point at which a review appointment is most useful: your clinician can assess the result so far and plan any future treatment in line with the product's minimum interval, which UK leaflets set at three months (12 weeks) between treatments.
Months 3 to 4: gradual return
Movement returns progressively, not all at once. Most people book their next appointment around month three or four.
Why results vary between people
- Dose. This is the biggest variable. A lower dose wears off sooner.
- Muscle strength. Strong muscles in the frown complex may need more product for the same duration.
- Metabolism. Very athletic patients sometimes find results wear off faster.
- Consistency. Patients who treat regularly often find they need slightly less over time, because the muscle reduces in bulk with disuse.
Aftercare that actually matters
There is a lot of advice online, and most of it is exaggerated. The things that genuinely make a difference:
- Stay upright for about four hours after treatment
- Do not rub or massage the treated area for 24 hours
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and steam rooms for 24 hours
- Avoid alcohol that evening if you bruise easily
Beyond the first day, there is no evidence that any particular skincare product extends the result. Wearing daily SPF does help, because UV exposure drives the collagen loss that creates the lines in the first place.
For the full aftercare timeline, what is normal and which symptoms need urgent help, see our anti-wrinkle injection aftercare guide.
When to call your clinic
Mild bruising, a headache and slight asymmetry in the first fortnight are all common and usually self-limiting. You should contact your practitioner promptly if you notice a drooping eyelid or brow, or any change you are worried about. UK product leaflets list a drooping eyelid or brow as a possible side effect (common with some products, uncommon with others); it is usually temporary, but it should be assessed rather than waited out. If you have difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, call 999.
Planning around an event
If you have a wedding, a shoot or a holiday, book your treatment at least four weeks beforehand. That leaves time for the result to settle and for a review appointment before the event. Do not have anti-wrinkle treatment for the first time in the week before a major event.
Cost and booking
At My Timeless in the City of London, one area starts at £120, two areas £160 and three areas £200. See the full price list or read more about anti-wrinkle treatment.
Related guides
- How Much Do Anti-Wrinkle Injections Cost in London? (2026 Guide)
- Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers: What's the Difference?
- Jaw Slimming and Teeth Grinding: A Guide to Masseter Treatment
- Full treatment price list
- Book an online consultation with Dr Vicky Bu
This article is provided for general information only and is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation. A qualified clinician will assess your suitability, medical history and treatment options before any treatment is recommended.
Related guide: When to Book Aesthetic Treatments Before Christmas 2026 in London
