Botox boasts quite the medical history. First used as a tool for treating conditions such as facial spasms and crossed eyes, it transformed into a cosmetic elixir promising endless youth in 1987, when Dr Jean Carruthers discovered its potential as an anti-wrinkle agent. Paving the way for botox as we know it today, it was approved for cosmetic use in 2002 – and soon, across London’s best botox clinics and beyond, supply couldn’t keep up with demand. 

The modern world of injectables now extends far beyond botox, so for those looking to treat crow’s feet, smile lines or wrinkles, there are plenty of options that can be tailored to your specific needs. Sorting the wheat from the chaff or, in this case, the almost imperceptible uplift from the frozen forehead, isn’t quite so simple, however. Here are the best botox clinics and doctors in London. 

The Rita Rakus Clinic, Knightsbridge

Known as the 'London Lip Queen' and the doctor responsible for Karren Brady's recent transformation, and nicknamed 'The Machine Queen' by Tatler thanks to her Knightsbridge clinic's extensive menu of non-invasive technologies, Dr Rita Rakus qualified as a medical practitioner in Sydney, Australia, in 1974. She has since garnered a celebrity following for her plethora of services and boasts the largest EMsculpt Neo (non-invasive body contouring) clinic in Europe.

In terms of targeting wrinkles, crow’s feet and sagging chins, Dr Rakus uses common muscle relaxing injections to improve the décolletage and tighten the jawline, but also offers fillers for smoothing acne scars, lipstick bleed lines and sleep creases. Two other sought-after options are PhilArt by Croma – a new polynucleotide-based skin booster that improves the condition and health of the skin – and Profhilo: an injectable skin re-modelling treatment that hydrates the skin inside and out via slow-release hyaluronic acid that stimulates collagen and elastin production. Whatever treatment you’re after, trust you’re in great, and highly experienced, hands. 

34 Hans Road, SW3 1RW, visit drritarakus.co.uk

Dr Sebagh Clinic, Marylebone

With clinics in Marylebone and Paris, Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh is one of the most sought-after aesthetic doctors in the world. He qualified as a plastic surgeon in 1979 and, after working in LA and Paris, opened his London clinic in 1994 to pioneer the use of botox, hyaluronic acid fillers and vitamin injections. He has since coined the phrase ‘ageing maintenance’ to reflect the way his approach aims to retain youth and vibrancy, and master the art of changing the appearance of skin without surgery.

There are a plethora of signature facials available on the top floor of the townhouse clinic that aim to tighten and rejuvenate skin – think UltraLift and oxygen facials – alongside an array of facial fillers. As well as botox and dermal fillers, Dr Sebagh’s Dream Sculpture technique uses a variety of fillers to restore lost subcutaneous fat to the temples, eye area, cheekbones and lower cheek area to reveal dramatic, youthful contours. You can also shop his award-winning eponymous skincare line while you’re there too; we love the Supreme Maintenance Youth Serum for ultimate rejuvenation. 

Chandos House, 2 Queen Anne Street, W1G 9LQ, visit drsebagh.com

Harrods Wellness Clinic, Knightsbridge

Leading experts, cutting-edge technology and wide-ranging treatments combine at Harrods Wellness Clinic. Situated on the fourth floor of the renowned department store, the Wellness Clinic boasts a range of in-house experts, from Dr Toni Phillips, who specialises in non-surgical aesthetic treatments with no downtime, to oculofacial plastic surgeon and cosmetic specialist, Dr Costas Papageorgiou. 

Services differ by specialist, but you’ll find an array of botox treatments for everything from excessive sweating and migraines to jaw-slimming. Dermal fillers, the aforementioned Profhilo and polynucleotides – an injectable which aims to revitalise tired and dull looking skin and has been dubbed the cousin of Profhilo – are also on offer. 

87-135 Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL, visit harrods.com

Skinesis Clinic, Chelsea

World-renowned facialist Sarah Chapman launched her Skinesis skincare line in 2008 to allow clients to extend the effects of her treatments at home and then, due to demand, opened a standalone Skinesis Clinic in Chelsea in 2015. A haven of expertise gained during Chapman’s two decades in the industry, she prides herself on offering healthy, fresh-faced, glowing results. The popular Glow Zone, for example, offers a mix of signature facial techniques, state-of-the-art technology and transformative formulas, while the clinic also offers advanced treatments including stem cell therapy, peels, microneedling, dermalux led light therapy, fractional skin resurfacing and Morpheus8.

In terms of injectables, Skinesis offers a concise range of neurotoxin botox, hyaluronic acid fillers, vitamin injections and Harmonyca: a hybrid injectable dermal filler containing both hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite to provide an immediate lifting and plumping effect. Not sure what to go for? The expert team is on hand to help narrow down the options so you leave feeling fresh-faced. 

259 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP, visit sarahchapman.com

Dr Galyna Selezneva at The Lanesborough Club and Spa, Hyde Park

Named one of the UK’s top doctors in Tatler’s Cosmetic Surgery Guide for eight consecutive years, Dr Galyna Selezneva partnered with five-star hotel The Lanesborough earlier this year to debut a scientific menu of treatments that combine advanced aesthetic technology with regenerative medicine. Each facial and body treatment has been carefully crafted to support skin health, longevity, and vitality, making this the destination for those seeking non-invasive solutions with lasting results.

Alongside the ultimate pre-event facial, the Red-Carpet Glow, Selezneva offers more high-tech treatments such as AI Skin Analysis, a state-of-the-art 3D imaging technology that reveals the skin’s unique profile and tailors treatments accordingly, alongside targeted treatments such as Morpheus8, a cutting-edge microneedling and radiofrequency technology that tightens and resurfaces skin at a deep level. Book a 60-minute injectables appointment to discover her approach to skin boosting injections and collagen stimulation achieved via a range of polynucleotides, Profhilo and mesotherapy. Ta da. 

Duke of Wellington Place, SW1X 7TA, visit lanesboroughclubandspa.com

Teresa Tarmey, Notting Hill

With more than 27 years of experience, Vogue’s “super-facialist” and board member of the British Beauty Council, Teresa Tarmey is widely known for her results-driven, clinically backed treatments and less-is-more philosophy. Based between her TT flagship in Notting Hill and residencies in Selfridges and Claridge’s, her clinics offer a variety of cutting-edge facials using Tarmey’s effective skincare products, as well as a select few aesthetic treatments. 

Dr Amy Bibby handles the aesthetic side of the treatment menu, and prides herself on offering small, stepwise and imperceptible changes to achieve a refreshed look, rather than a dramatic transformation. Pick from dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, lip fillers and more. A 15-minute consultation with Dr Bibby starts from £50 so it’s well worth booking one of those beforehand to discuss all your options. 

206-208 Kensington Park Road, W11 1NR, visit teresatarmey.com

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