- Face
- Acne Scarring
- Anti-wrinkle injections
- CO2 Laser skin resurfacing
- Cool Laser
- CoolBleph
- Infinite-Thread Lift
- Lip Fillers
- Microblading Removal
- Picostar Laser
- Polynucleotide treatment
- Profhilo Treatment
- PRP Therapy
- Sculptra
OVERVIEW
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a purified protein used in medical aesthetics to reduce lines and wrinkles. At Riverbanks Clinic, we use clinically proven treatments such as Botox, Relfydess, and Azzalure. These all belong to the same group of medicines and work in a similar way, although they have slightly different characteristics.
Over time, repeated facial movements can cause lines to form, such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Botulinum toxin works by temporarily reducing muscle activity. It blocks the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that tells muscles to contract. As a result, the treated area relaxes, and the skin appears smoother while natural expression is maintained.
Procedure Overview
| access_time Duration | 15 minutes |
| local_pharmacy Anaesthesia | None needed |
| king_bed Downtime | 5-10 mins |
| check_circle Final Result | 1-3 weeks |
| person Suitable for | Adults over 21 |
A choice of botulinum toxins
What are the differences?
Botox, Azzalure, and Relfydess work in a similar way, but there are some key differences.
Azzalure and Botox are well-established treatments with a long track record of safety and effectiveness. Botox typically lasts around three to four months, while Azzalure may last slightly longer in some patients. Both are widely used to maintain a natural, refreshed appearance.
Relfydess is a newer option designed to provide more consistent results and, in many patients, a longer duration of effect. It also does not contain human or animal-derived stabilisers, which may reduce the risk of resistance over time.
However, results depend more on assessment and technique than the product itself. The best choice is based on your individual response, treatment history, and goals.
Indications
What can Botox treat?
Common treatment areas include:
✔ Frown lines between the eyebrows
✔ Forehead creases
✔ Crow’s feet around the eyes
✔ Excessive sweating under the arms
✔ Excessive teeth grinding (Bruxism)
✔ Migraines and tension headaches
As Botox is a prescription-only medicine, it is only available following a consultation with one of our doctors. If you're searching for a trusted Botox clinic in Harpenden, St Albans, or Luton, Riverbanks Clinic ensures expert care in a medical setting.
How do I know whats right for me?
The consultation process
Your consultation takes place in clinic with one of our aesthetic doctors. We begin by understanding your concerns, your treatment history, and what you would like to improve. We then assess your facial movement at rest and in expression, as this guides where treatment will be most effective. This step is important because lines are not all the same, and a tailored approach leads to more natural results.
We will then explain your options, including Botox, Relfydess, or Azzalure, and recommend the most suitable choice for you. You will have time to ask questions and understand the expected results, risks, and aftercare. If treatment is appropriate, it can often be carried out on the same day. Our aim is to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your treatment plan.
Your questions answered
Botox FAQ's
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What is the difference between Botox and Relfydess? add_circleBotox and Relfydess both relax facial muscles to reduce wrinkles. However, Relfydess is a newer formulation designed to provide more consistent results and may last longer in some patients.
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How long do the results last? add_circleBotox typically lasts 3 to 4 months. Relfydess may last longer in suitable patients, which means fewer treatments may be needed over time.
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Which works faster, Botox or Relfydess? add_circleBoth treatments begin working within a few days. However, individual response varies, and some patients notice a slightly quicker or more consistent onset with Relfydess.
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Which treatment lasts longer, Botox or Relfydess? add_circleRelfydess may last longer in some patients, whereas Botox has a well-established duration of around 3 to 4 months.
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Which is better if my Botox wears off quickly? add_circleIf Botox wears off quickly, Relfydess may be a better option as it is designed to provide longer-lasting and more consistent results.
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Does Botox or Relfydess hurt more? add_circleBoth treatments involve small injections and mild discomfort. Some patients report Relfydess can feel slightly more intense during injection, but this is brief.
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Can both Botox and Relfydess treat the same areas? add_circleYes. Both treatments are commonly used for forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet and many other advanced areas depending on your individual assessment.
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How often do I need Botox compared to Relfydess? add_circleBotox is usually repeated every 3 to 4 months. Relfydess may require fewer treatments per year in some patients.
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Is Botox or Relfydess safer? add_circleBoth are considered safe when administered by a qualified medical professional. Relfydess does not contain human or animal-derived stabilisers, which may be an advantage for some patients.
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What is the next step to choose between Botox and Relfydess? add_circleThe next step is an in-clinic consultation where we assess your face and treatment history to recommend the most suitable option. Call 01582 762877 to book.
Invisible Aesthetics
Will I still look like me?
Many people worry that aesthetic treatments will make them look unnatural. That’s why Dr Jain developed "Invisible Aesthetics", a philosophy that ensures results enhance your natural beauty and facial harmony without making treatments obvious.
At Riverbanks Clinic, we see anti-wrinkle injections like Botox and dermal fillers as a way to support emotional wellbeing—helping patients feel more comfortable in their skin, more confident in their appearance, and ultimately happier in themselves.
Treatment areas
Anti-wrinkle injections can be used to treat:
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Migraines
Botulinum toxin is a recommended treatment for chronic migraines. These are defined as headaches on at least 15 days of every month, at least 8 of which have migrainous features such as nausea or sensitivity to light.
keyboard_arrow_down Find out moreBotulinum toxin is a recommended treatment for chronic migraines. These are defined as headaches on at least 15 days of every month, at least 8 of which have migrainous features such as nausea or sensitivity to light.
Botulinum toxin reduces the symptoms of migraines by blocking the nerves, called C-fibres, that carry pain from the head to the brain. It has shown to be effective at converting migraines from chronic to episodic, improving quality of life.
Around 1 in 4 patients see improvement after the first or second set of injections and around 50% get a good response after more than 2 sets.
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Excessive sweating
Botulinum toxin is an effective treatment for focal hyperhidrosis, a condition where a person sweats excessively in a specific area of the body, e.g. the underarms or feet.
keyboard_arrow_down Find out moreBotulinum toxin is an effective treatment for focal hyperhidrosis, a condition where a person sweats excessively in a specific area of the body, e.g. the underarms or feet.
The injections work by blocking the nerves responsible for sweating, stopping the sweat glands from over-firing and producing too much sweat. Retreatment is typically needed after 4 to 6 months because the nerves regenerate. Over time, many patients can go longer between treatments.
As a targeted treatment for a small, localised area, there is no effect on sweating elsewhere, or sweating across large areas of the body.
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Teeth grinding
Unconscious or involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, whether a person is awake or asleep, can lead to physical pain such as headaches and earaches. It can also cause severe dental problems.
keyboard_arrow_down Find out moreUnconscious or involuntary jaw clenching and teeth grinding, whether a person is awake or asleep, can lead to physical pain such as headaches and earaches. It can also cause severe dental problems.
Injecting small doses of botulinum toxin directly into the muscle that moves the jaw can cause it to weaken enough to stop involuntary clenching and grinding of the teeth.
Although botulinum toxin injections are not a cure for bruxism, the medical term for teeth grinding, they can reduce the symptoms better than a nightguard for some patients. The effects normally last 3 to 4 months.
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Reviews
Patient Testimonials
Riverbanks’ Expertise
You’re in good hands
Riverbanks’ founder Dr Ravi Jain pioneered Invisible Aesthetics because of how many patients seek natural-looking, almost invisible results. He has chosen to only offer brands of botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid that embody this standard.
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What now?
Your expert consultation
We take the time to listen, assess and advise properly. All treatments at Riverbanks Clinic begin with a detailed in-clinic medical consultation with one of our practitioners. This ensures an accurate diagnosis, a clear treatment plan and that any treatment offered is appropriate, safe and in your best interests.
To arrange your consultation, please contact the clinic directly on 01582 762877.
TESTIMONIALS
OUR PATIENTS LOVE OUR
RELAXING CLINIC
Patients love coming to Riverbanks for two key reasons: our expert team and the exceptional results we deliver. With highly skilled practitioners who prioritise patient care and cutting-edge treatments tailored to individual needs, every visit is a reassuring and results-driven experience in a welcoming, professional environment.