Is Botox® Right for Me? A Guide to Wrinkle-Softening Treatments at Refind Aesthetics, Islington
- Dr Dana Sobhanpanah
- Dec 13, 2025
- 5 min read
Learn how wrinkle-relaxing injections may help soften expression lines and create a smoother appearance in our doctor-led guide at Refind Aesthetics, Islington.
Every expression we make tells a story but overtime those expressions can leave their marks, and while we don't want to erase them, we can soften lines so they are less obvious.
At Refind Aesthetics, we’re committed to helping you look as rested and balanced as possible, while still being authentically you. Led by Dr. Dana Sobhanpanah, a GMC-registered doctor trained at Harley Academy, our clinic in Islington near Angel Station in N1 takes a thoughtful, doctor-led approach to facial rejuvenation. In this guide we will look at wrinkle relaxing injections commonly known as Botox®.
The Science Behind the Art
You might not have heard of Botulinum toxin— but you will certainly of heard one of its tradenames - Botox®, Azzalure®, Dysport® or Bocouture®. They all have the same active ingredient – a purified protein called botulinum toxin type A - and work in the same way. It’s a prescription-only medicine that's safely used by medical professionals to relax specific facial muscles. The toxin temporarily blocks the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that tells muscles to contract. By interrupting the signal, the targeted muscle relax is slightly. When those tiny muscles relax, the dynamic lines that show up when you frown, squint, or raise your brows start to fade away. The result? A smoother expression that still allows for natural movement.
Great thing about cosmetic Botox®, is that it works at the root cause of wrinkles - many clients find that with regular visits, their muscles naturally “unlearn” overactive expressions - which makes this option an effective preventative strategy in people who overuse certain facial muscles.
Which wrinkles are treatable?
Good indications for Botox® treatment include Crows feet, frown lines between the brows, worry lines across the forehead and bunny lines on the nose. Botox® can also treat turkey neck strands on the neck, perform a gentle non-surgical brow lift, or soften the downward pull on the corners of the mouth so you don't look so grumpy.
But to be optimally effective, you should start the treatment when the lines are still dynamic and not yet static. You can test this in the mirror - by stretching the wrinkles between two fingers, if it disappears completely, it's dynamic and easily treatable with Botox®. If not, the lines might be static, and additional treatment may be needed. In these cases a filler would be an option, as well as polynucleotides, microneedling, and exosomes as a follow up treatment two weeks after Botox®.
More Than Just Looks
While many people associate Botulinum toxin with wrinkle relaxation, its benefits extend far beyond that. Under professional guidance, it can also:
Reduce excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in places like your underarms or palms.
Help ease tension headaches or migraines that come from muscle strain.
Provide relief from jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), leading to a more relaxed jawline.
But before you can get any of these treatments – you need a face-to-face consultation with a medical professional to make sure it’s the right treatment for you – after all, this is a prescription only medication .
The Consultation: Your Path to Confidence
At Refind Aesthetics, we think of your consultation as the start of your journey. It’s a casual conversation – not a sales pitch. It gives you an opportunity to discuss what concerns you and why. It allows us to explain what we think might help and explain other options that might work for you.
During your appointment, we will:
Assess your facial movements and anatomy closely to identify the dynamic wrinkles.
Review your medical history to determine your suitability for treatment.
Explain how different approaches work, from injectables to skin health treatments.
Set realistic expectations tailored to your lifestyle and skin goals.
This is a real collaborative and educational process. It is never rushed as it’s important as it makes sure every step of your journey is grounded in medical science and focused on your comfort and requirements. There is no pressure and we give you as much as you need to decide.
Preparing for Your Treatment
A little preparation on your side really helps the process. Try to avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications including aspirin and ibuprofen for a day or two – this helps to minimise bruising. Come to the clinic with clean, makeup-free skin will be beneficial, too – we won’t be able to start until all the make-ups removed.
The Treatment Experience
The treatment itself is pretty quick—most appointments take only about 30 minutes. The injections are tiny and precise, and while you might feel a slight pinch, most people find it quite tolerable. If you’re feeling nervous, we can apply a numbing cream beforehand to keep you comfortable.
At Refind Aesthetics, we prefer low-dose, customised techniques that allow for gentle movement and expression. This means we steer clear of that heavy, frozen look you might associate with other places.
Our aim is to achieve that perfect balance between looking refreshed and still being yourself.
What to Expect Afterwards
Good news! You'll be able to get back to most of your daily activities right away, but we'll provide you with some simple aftercare instructions to maximize your results. There are a few precautions you should take – we will talk you through them during your treatment – but as examples you should avoid lying flat for 4 hours, no facials, strenuous exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and alcohol for 24 hours.
Make sure you plan your injections – especially if you want to achieve maximum results for a special occasion. Muscle relaxation takes a bit of time to kick in - you’ll start to see results gradually within about a week and we will organise a review in two weeks to see if everything’s working as planned. Depending on your muscle activity and lifestyle, the effects typically last between three and six months.
Safety and Side effects
Like any medicine there are a few potential side effects:
Common temporary effects include:
Redness and swelling at injection sites
Small bruises
Mild headaches
Rare but more serious complications indlude:
Eyelid drooping (ptosis)
Uneven results or asymmetry
Allergic reactions
However, risks are very low, especially when treatments are performed by doctors who understand anatomy and can manage side effects appropriately.
Why Choose Refind Aesthetics, Islington
In a world where anyone can buy a syringe, and with very few regulations in the UK - choosing a doctor-led clinic really counts. At Refind Aesthetics, you’ll be treated by a medical professional who understands not only the technical side of things but knows all about face anatomy so can tailor the whole process to create a natural balance.
Our promise is expertise with integrity:
All treatments are prescribed and performed by a GMC-registered doctor.
We focus on enhancing your natural features rather than changing them.
A kind, welcoming atmosphere - Our clinic is designed with open conversation and client trust in mind.
We won’t do any treatments that aren’t beneficial to you.
We’re proud to serve clients from Islington, Angel, Highbury, Canonbury, De Beauvoir and beyond who are looking for ethical, medically guided aesthetic care.
Great aesthetic work isn’t about making a bold statement; it’s about subtle improvements that leave people wondering - “You look amazing—what’s your secret?”
At Refind Aesthetics, Dr. Dana Sobhanpanah helps you rediscover that confident, composed, and naturally radiant version of yourself.
Ready to start your journey?
Book your consultation at Refind Aesthetics, Islington, and take the first step towards embracing the art and science of subtle rejuvenation.
Written and reviewed by Dr. Dana, GMC-registered medical doctor and founder of Refind Aesthetics in Islington. Harley Academy trained in Aesthetic Medicine.
This blog is for information only and does not replace medical advice. Botulinum toxin (including brands such as Botox®) is a prescription-only medicine. It will only be given following a face-to-face consultation with a qualified prescriber. Results vary for each person.
