Wrinkle treatment

We help you find a trusted clinic nearby and explain the differences between the various anti-wrinkle treatments. What types of treatments are available, how do they work, and how can you make the right choice?

Reduce visible signs of ageing with an anti-wrinkle treatment at a professional and reliable clinic

How do wrinkles develop?

To choose the right anti-wrinkle treatment, it helps to understand how wrinkles form. There are at least four main causes, each of which requires a different approach:

Ageing
The most common cause of wrinkles is the natural ageing process. As we get older, the body produces less collagen and elastin—the proteins that keep skin firm and supple. Without them, wrinkles start to appear, especially in areas that are often exposed to the sun. This is why the first lines typically show up on the face and hands.

Genetics
Your genetic makeup plays a major role in when wrinkles appear. Some people naturally have thicker skin or more facial fat, which helps to keep wrinkles at bay for longer.

UV exposure and other factors
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the biggest reasons wrinkles appear sooner. UV rays break down collagen and elastin. Smoking also speeds up the ageing process by reducing blood flow to the skin and introducing free radicals, which cause damage.

Lifestyle
An unhealthy lifestyle contributes to premature wrinkle formation. Poor diet, chronic stress, and lack of sleep are key external factors. Tip: make sure your diet includes enough vitamins A, C, and E to help slow down the development of wrinkles.

How does an anti-wrinkle treatment work?

An anti-wrinkle treatment usually takes place in three stages. It starts with preparation, where the practitioner explains what will happen during the procedure. For injectable treatments such as Botox or dermal fillers, a numbing cream may sometimes be applied to reduce any discomfort. The injections themselves usually take only a few minutes.

After the treatment, some side effects may occur, such as redness, swelling, or minor bruising. These usually disappear within a few days. Surgical procedures can involve more serious side effects, such as swelling, scarring, or, in rare cases, infection.

The next stage is recovery. Non-surgical treatments generally have a short recovery time, allowing you to return to your usual activities within a few days. Surgical treatments, on the other hand, require more time—sometimes several weeks or even a few months—before you see the final results and feel fully recovered.

Commonly treated areas include:

• Wrinkles around the mouth

• Under-eye wrinkles

• Smile lines

Wrinkle treatment with fillers

Dermal fillers work in a completely different way to botulinum toxin, but they can also be highly effective in treating wrinkles. Fillers restore lost volume by smoothing out lines, softening creases, or enhancing facial contours.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, for example, attract and bind water, which helps plump the skin and restore a natural-looking fullness. Other types, such as Radiesse or Ellansé, act as collagen stimulators. Since collagen is one of the skin’s key building blocks, these fillers encourage the skin to naturally regenerate volume over time.

All fillers permitted for use in the UK are fully biodegradable. Depending on the type, the results usually last between 6 and 18 months before the filler is completely broken down by the body.

When it comes to wrinkle treatment, the choice between botulinum toxin (commonly known as anti-wrinkle injections) and dermal fillers depends on the type of lines or volume loss being addressed.

Treatment with fractional laser or chemical peel

Fine surface lines can often be effectively treated with an ablative fractional laser or a chemical peel. These treatments work by renewing the outer layer of the skin, encouraging a fresh layer to develop. The intensity of these procedures can vary significantly between clinics.

4 types of anti-wrinkle treatments

Explore four different types of anti-wrinkle treatments to get an idea of what’s possible. We’ll start with the non-surgical options. Surgical treatments are the most invasive choice.

•   Creams and serums
Creams and serums are applied directly to the skin. They often contain retinol, an active ingredient that stimulates cell renewal and boosts collagen production. Another popular ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture, helping the skin look plumper. Antioxidants such as vitamin C also protect the skin from free radicals and contribute to a more even skin tone.

•   Injectables (anti-wrinkle injections and fillers)
Injectables include anti-wrinkle injections (commonly referred to as Botox) and dermal fillers. Anti-wrinkle injections are often used to relax frown lines and forehead wrinkles, with results lasting around 3 to 4 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers restore volume in areas with deeper lines, such as the folds running from the nose to the corners of the mouth or from the mouth to the chin. Results typically last between 6 and 12 months.

•   Laser therapy
Fractional CO₂ lasers stimulate collagen production while removing damaged skin cells. This improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and can also help treat pigmentation spots. Multiple sessions are usually needed to achieve the best results.

•   Microdermabrasion and chemical peels
Microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of the skin, leaving it looking fresher and smoother. Chemical peels—such as superficial AHA peels or deeper TCA peels—also exfoliate the skin, reducing fine lines and promoting a more even complexion.

For a more dramatic result, surgical treatments such as a facelift may be considered. This procedure tightens the skin and removes excess tissue, creating a younger-looking appearance. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift or eyelid surgery to achieve a natural result.

Cost of anti-wrinkle treatments

The average price of anti-wrinkle injections in the UK varies depending on the clinic and treatment area, but typically ranges between £150 and £300 per area. Dermal fillers are usually charged per syringe (often 1ml), with prices generally starting at £250 to £400 per ml.

Are anti-wrinkle treatments covered by health insurance?

No, cosmetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections or dermal fillers are not usually covered by health insurance in the UK. In rare cases—such as treatment for facial paralysis or reconstructive needs following trauma—NHS support or partial coverage may be possible, but this is uncommon. Always check directly with your practitioner or insurance provider for guidance.

How much does an anti-wrinkle treatment cost?

Naturally, you’ll want to know the cost of treatment in advance. The exact price will depend on the clinic, the type of treatment, and the number of areas being treated, so it’s always best to request a personalized quote from a practitioner near you. As a general guide, you can expect:

• Creams and serums: £20 – £150 per bottle

• Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox): £150 – £300 per area

• Dermal fillers: £250 – £600 per ml

• Facelift surgery: £5,000 – £10,000+

Keep in mind that cosmetic treatments are usually not covered by private health insurance or the NHS. However, many clinics offer finance options, such as monthly instalment plans, to help spread the cost. If this is something you’re interested in, it’s a good idea to ask the clinic about available options beforehand.

Frequently asked questions about wrinkle treatment