Your two-week anti-wrinkle review: what I check, and why it is standard rather than a fix

Most people who have anti-wrinkle injections think of the appointment as the treatment day. In my clinic the treatment day is only the first half. The second half is a short appointment about two weeks later, and it is the part that tells me whether the treatment has done what we planned.

An anti-wrinkle injections review is a standard step in a doctor-led treatment, in Norwich and in London, not a repair visit. If you have ever wondered whether being asked to come back means something went wrong, it does not. It is how I check my own work against the plan we made together.

What is an anti-wrinkle injections review?

An anti-wrinkle injections review is a brief follow-up appointment, usually around two weeks after treatment, where the doctor assesses how the muscles have responded and decides whether anything needs adjusting.

The two-week point is chosen for a reason. The treatment works by gradually reducing the activity of the muscles that create expression lines. That does not happen on the day. Most people start to notice a change within a few days, but the full effect typically takes around two weeks to settle. Reviewing earlier than that means judging an unfinished result.

At the review I look at the face at rest and in movement. I ask you to frown, raise your brows and smile, and I compare the two sides. I want to see how the treated areas are behaving, and whether the result matches what we agreed at your consultation.

What I check at the two-week review

I look at symmetry first. No face is perfectly symmetrical, and muscles do not always respond identically on both sides, so small differences in how the brows lift or how a line softens are common. Once the effect has settled, I can tell the difference between normal asymmetry and something that is worth adjusting.

Then I look at brow position and expression. A good result should leave you looking like yourself, rested rather than frozen. If the brow feels heavy, or an expression has changed in a way you do not like, this is the moment to tell me, and I can usually explain what is happening and whether it will settle.

I also look at how much movement remains. Some people prefer a softer result with natural movement, others want a stronger effect. If the effect is lighter than we intended, a small top-up may be reasonable. If it is exactly right, I leave it alone. Treating more is not automatically better, and I would rather under-treat and review than over-treat on the day.

Finally, I check the treated areas of skin and ask about your experience since the appointment: any bruising that lingered, headaches, tightness, or anything else you noticed. This is also where I update your notes, so that the next treatment is planned from what your face actually did rather than from a general rule.

Why the review is standard, not a fix

Everyone responds to anti-wrinkle treatment a little differently. Muscle strength, the way you use your face, your skin and your anatomy all affect the result. A review exists because the response is individual, and the plan should be adjusted to the person.

This is what separates a considered treatment from a one-off appointment. In the REGEN Method, anti-wrinkle treatment sits in the Generate pillar, and it is one step in a sequence rather than an isolated event. The review is where the sequence is refined, which is why I build it into the treatment rather than offering it as an optional extra. Our REGEN Method page explains how the steps fit together, and our page on anti-wrinkle injections covers the treatment itself.

It also protects you. Treatment is decided by a doctor after a face-to-face assessment, and being seen again after the effect has settled is part of looking after you properly. If you would like to understand who I do and do not treat, I have written about that in anti-wrinkle injections: who I treat.

When to contact me before two weeks

The review is not a reason to wait if something concerns you. Mild tenderness, small marks at the injection sites and a feeling of tightness in the first days are common and usually settle on their own.

Contact the clinic promptly if you notice a drooping eyelid, a significantly heavy or uneven brow, or any change you are worried about. Seek urgent medical help if you develop difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, double vision or other visual disturbance, or widespread weakness, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, heat, swelling or fever. These are uncommon, but they should never be left until a scheduled review.

What happens after the review

If the result is where we wanted it, we agree when to see you again. The effect of anti-wrinkle treatment is temporary, and many people return every three to four months, although this varies. I would rather plan your next appointment around how your muscles responded than around a fixed interval.

If a small adjustment is appropriate, I discuss it with you first and only treat if I think it is right for your face. If you are thinking about skin quality as well as expression lines, our article on whether anti-wrinkle treatment improves your skin explains why lines are only part of the picture. For the broader philosophy, see aesthetics that enhance, not change.

Common questions

Do I really need a two-week review after anti-wrinkle injections?

Yes, I recommend it, because the effect takes around two weeks to settle and the review is the point at which I can judge the result properly. It is a standard part of treatment at REGEN, not a sign that something has gone wrong, and it lets me plan your next treatment from how you actually responded.

When do anti-wrinkle injections start to work?

Most people notice the first changes within three to five days, with the full effect usually settling at around two weeks. Individual responses vary, so the timing is a guide rather than a promise.

What if my result looks uneven before the two weeks are up?

Small differences are common while the treatment is still taking effect, and I would not adjust anything before the effect has settled. If you are worried, contact the clinic and we can talk it through or see you sooner if needed.

Will I always need a top-up at the review?

No. Many people do not need any adjustment at all. A small top-up is only appropriate if the effect is lighter than we planned and I think more treatment is right for you, and I discuss it with you before doing anything.

How long do the results last?

The effect is temporary, and many people find it lasts around three to four months, although this varies from person to person. Your review helps me estimate the right interval for you.

Is there a charge for the review appointment?

The review is part of your care and we do not charge for the standard two-week appointment. Please confirm the current arrangement when you book.

If you are considering anti-wrinkle treatment, or you had it elsewhere and would like a proper doctor-led assessment, the best first step is a Reveal Consultation in Norwich or London. I will look at your face, explain what I would and would not treat, and set out a sensible plan, including when I would see you again.

For independent patient information, see the NHS guidance on cosmetic procedures: Botox and similar injections.

Dr Chris Founder and Medical Director, REGEN Clinic

This article is general information and not individual medical advice. Suitability for any treatment depends on your medical history and an in-person assessment. Individual results vary.