It’s been a big year for the aesthetic industry. The likes of Ozempic and Mounjaro continue to be ever-popular, with an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK taking them.
A-listers are also firmly in their face-lift era. Momager Kris Jenner unveiled her jaw-dropping transformation back in May, reportedly spending £100,000 to turn back the clock.
It’s a trend that’s trickled down to ‘ordinary’ folk too. Research from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reveals an 8% increase in facelifts over the past year.
But despite new trends in beauty, there is one treatment that reigns supreme: anti-wrinkle injections.
Latest BAAPS figures show a 5% increase in Botox treatments in 2023 to 2024, compared to the years previously.
There are several reasons for this uptick, from so-called ‘tweakments’ being more affordable than ‘going under the knife’, to cosmetic surgery having less stigma attached — almost 10,000 procedures were performed during 2023 to 2024.
But with so many people getting anti-wrinkle injections, myths and misinformation can follow. Can they freeze your face? Once you start, are you stuck getting them forever?
We put some of the most commonly held beliefs about anti-wrinkle injections to aesthetics practitioner, Natalja Andrejeva, to separate fact from fiction.
‘Anti-wrinkle injections are preventative’
‘Yes, anti-wrinkle injections can absolutely be preventative,’ says Natalja.
‘By relaxing the muscles responsible for expression lines, they can stop deeper static wrinkles from forming in the first place.’
However, if you’re getting injections for ‘preservation, not transformation’, Natalja warns you’ll need to start in your late 20s or early 30s.
‘Think of it like wearing SPF for your skin,’ she says. ‘It’s a small step now can help prevent deeper signs of aging later.’
Verdict: Fact… and Fiction
‘It doesn’t work on all wrinkles’
You might think anti-wrinkle injections are the cure for all your fine lines, but that’s not the case.
‘They are most effective on dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by repeated facial movements,’ explains Natalja. Think crows feet, smile and frown lines.
However, there are some it won’t do much for. ‘Static wrinkles, or those caused by sun damage and skin laxity, may not respond as well and often need additional treatments like filler or skin resurfacing,’ she adds.
Verdict: Fact
‘You can always tell when someone’s had them’
‘The best anti-wrinkle work is subtle,’ explains Natalja, founder of Face Code Aesthetic.
‘When done well, you shouldn’t be able to tell someone’s had injections — they’ll just look refreshed or well-rested.
‘That ‘frozen’ look people fear usually comes from overtreatment or poor technique. A good practitioner will always tailor the dose to maintain natural movement.’
In order to get work you don’t notice, it’s important to make sure you’re getting your anti-wrinkle injectables from a trusted professional. To ensure you’re doing so, there are public registers that show that a practioner meets certain standards.
Save Face is a government approved register that connects patients with trusted practioner. You can search the register on their website.
Verdict: Fiction
‘Once you start, you’re stuck doing it for life’
‘If you stop getting injections, your wrinkles don’t suddenly get worse,’ says Natalja.
‘Your muscles just gradually return to their natural activity and your lines reappear as they were before.’
Natalja stresses they’re ‘not a commitment for life’, adding: ‘You’re in control of how often (or if) you return’.
Verdict: Fiction
‘Botox is toxic builds up in your system’
We often hear about celebs such as Kylie Jenner and Mollie Mae Hague getting their filler dissolved or removed, but can the same be said for anti-wrinkle drugs like Botox?
‘Botulinum toxin doesn’t accumulate in the body,’ says Natalja. ‘It is eventually broken down and eliminated by your system.
She confirms: ‘It’s a temporary treatment with temporary effects — nothing builds up long-term.’
Like any drug though, botulinum toxin in large amounts is dangerous, but in cosmetic doses, Natalja says it’s ‘incredibly safe.’
‘It has been used medically for decades,’ she says. ‘It’s highly purified and administered in minute quantities, with a very well-established safety profile.
‘It’s used in both cosmetic and medical settings — including for migraines, excessive sweating, and even muscle disorders in children.’
Verdict: Fiction
‘The results are short-lived’
It’d be great if you could get anti-wrinkle injections just the once, and be line free for good — your bank balance would certainly thank you for it.
But sadly, that’s not the case. ‘The effects aren’t permanent, they usually last around three to four months,’ says Natalja.
However, the good news is the effects won’t vanish overnight. ‘Over time, you may notice longer-lasting results because your muscles become trained to move less aggressively.’
Verdict: Fact
3 questions to ask yourself before getting Botox
Anti-wrinkle injections aren’t for everyone. Metro spoke to psychologist Emma Kenny, who shared three questions to ask yourself, before taking the plunge.
- Why am I doing this? Identify whether your desire stems from healthy self-care or from deeper insecurities. If you find you’re looking for external validation or hoping this procedure will solve unrelated self-esteem issues, then rethink your actions.
- Are my expectations realistic? Botox can soften lines and wrinkles, but it won’t automatically boost self-esteem if underlying psychological concerns are at play. Make sure you have a clear understanding of what Botox can (and can’t) achieve, so that you don’t feel disappointed after you have spent your cash
- How will I cope if I’m not satisfied? Think about your emotional readiness for possible outcomes, both positive and less than ideal. If you’re prone to anxiety or perfectionism, having a post-treatment support plan (such as talking with friends, or a partner) can help manage any disappointment.
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