The best aesthetics clinics in London worth travelling for

Your insider guide to the capital’s most trusted, in-demand aesthetic experts - and why they’re worth the trip
Image may contain Bed Furniture Bedroom Indoors Room and Interior Design

London has quietly become one of the world’s most exciting destinations for aesthetics clinics – a city where medical precision meets beauty innovation, and where some of the most sought-after injectors, dermatologists and tweakment specialists are reshaping the global standard of “natural-looking” enhancement. People are now travelling here not just for theatre, shopping and restaurants but to see the doctor who can lift a brow by a millimetre, brighten dark circles without overfilling, or subtly refresh skin that looks jet-lagged, no matter how many serums you use.

This regularly updated guide brings together London’s best aesthetic doctors and practitioners – the names consistently recommended by industry insiders, beauty editors and the people who fly halfway across the world for a 30-minute appointment. These are experts known for subtlety, ethics and results that look like you on your best day.

A quick but important note: every treatment featured here is injectable or minimally invasive, meaning you must do your own due diligence. Check downtime, side effects, risks, whether you can fly afterwards and whether the treatment is right for you – particularly if you’re travelling (we’ve also offered advice on that below.) A good rule of thumb for judging how ethical a practitioner is? Notice how pressured you feel. If you’re ever upsold, nudged toward extra tweakments or steered into something you didn’t ask for, that’s a red flag. Less is more – and the best clinicians will always make you feel informed, not persuaded.

Below, you’ll find our best aesthetics clinics and treatment reviews – from eye-area specialists to teeth whitening, skin boosters and injectables. Think of it as your insider map to London’s aesthetic landscape: who to see, what they’re known for, and what’s genuinely worth the trip, whether you’re a local or just passing through.

Image may contain Plant Indoors and Beauty Salon

Dr Paris Acharya Aesthetics

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: natural lip enhancement

Known for her subtle, naturally lifted results and holistic approach, Dr Parisha (Paris) Acharya is one of London’s most in-demand aesthetic doctors. With dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry, plus a background in maxillofacial surgery, she’s the expert at reading facial structure and balance - so if you’re looking for anything lip-related, she’s the go-to. Her focus also spans skin health, regenerative injectables and hormone therapy, and a wide clientele of professionals, creatives and beauty editors frequent her chic, light-filled Marylebone clinic.

Treatment: I tried her much-talked-about treatment, The Nano Lips, a new take on lip rejuvenation that uses Plinest polynucleotides to promote collagen rejuvenation and restore hydration. Unlike typical volumising filler, this technique works at a cellular level to improve lip quality and smooth out fine lines. After cleansing, a numbing cream was applied (you can also opt for numbing injections - I did, and a stress ball helped too). Dr Paris then used a cannula to deliver the treatment around and within the lips. The whole process was efficient but incredibly meticulous and took around an hour, including 30 minutes of numbing time.

Result: My lips felt slightly sore and swollen for a few hours, but settled quickly. There was mild bruising the next day, though nothing that stopped me from going about my regular routine. Within a week, I noticed my lips looked smoother, softer, and more defined - not fuller, just better. By week three, the hydration boost was undeniable, with fine lines visibly softened and lipstick gliding on far more evenly. Results continue to develop over several weeks as collagen and tissue regeneration progress as well.

Pain factor: 6/10. Manageable, with the numbing cream doing most of the heavy lifting. A few sharp moments, but over quickly.

Can you fly/travel with it? Yes – light travel is fine, though it’s best to avoid long-haul flights or intense exercise for 24 hours post-treatment.

Price: From £550, depending on the area, and for three sessions, £1200. A course of treatments may be advised for longer-lasting results. Anita Bhagwandas

Address: Ardour by Dr. Paris, 28A, Elliott House, Devonshire St, London W1G 6PS
Website: drparis.co.uk

Image may contain Bed Furniture Bedroom Indoors Room and Interior Design

The HVN Clinic

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: visible rejuvenation

It isn’t just innovation that sets The HVN clinic apart; it's the trusted expertise of medical-grade wellness, advanced science, and elegance. Medical Director Dr Tanja Phillips is at the helm of The HVN, renowned for her mastery of cutting-edge laser technologies. It’s little wonder that the clinic is frequented by high-profile guests like Freida Pinto and Naomie Harris, as well as international clients who come to see Dr Phillips.

Treatment: I was looking to address skin laxity and fine lines, as well as my bothersome sagging eyelids and hooded eyes – hence, two treatments were suggested. The first was the Fontana 4D facelift, which included a Visia skin analysis, an initial laser patch test, and the use of four types of lasers to stimulate collagen, target pigmentation and redness, tighten, and exfoliate. Additionally, I tried the Fontana non-invasive SmoothEye Lift and VectorLift, a non-invasive brow lift and upper eyelid rejuvenation with forehead tightening, whilst the SmoothEye helps with sagging, fine lines and wrinkles under the eye. Laser technology heats the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating the body's natural collagen production and tightening tissue to create an immediate lifting effect.

Result: After the Fontana 4D facelift, I had a few tiny red blotches and skin sensitivity, but no pain or bruising. The glow wasn’t instant, but over the coming weeks, my face contours softened, and the whole canvas appeared softer and more youthful. A week after the Fontana non-invasive SmoothEye Lift and VectorLift, I had eyelids again. I’m not joking; my eyes appeared visibly larger, and my brows were lifted, and it looked natural. For best results, both treatments are recommended as a course, and results can take up to six months or longer to show as the collagen rebuilds.

Pain factor: 5/10. I decided against any numbing cream, but my pain threshold is pretty good. There was minimal bruising, just a tiny bit of swelling, but it was hardly noticeable with no discomfort. Some of the lasers felt like hot rubber bands flicked across the skin, but this can be adjusted to suit your sensitivity.

Can you fly/travel with it? You can travel post laser treatment, but it’s worth stocking up on high-factor SPF to make sure your skin is protected.

Price: £850 for the Fontona 4D facelift and three sessions for £2550; £550 for the SmoothEye Lift and three sessions for £1650, £550 for the Vector Lift and three sessions for £1650. A course of treatments may be advised for longer-lasting results. Sandra Denda

Address: The HVN, 57-63 Knightsbridge Gate, London, SW1X 7BF
Website: the-hvn.com

Image may contain Trie Utami Head Person Face Happy Smile Dimples Adult Black Hair Hair Photography and Portrait

Dr Sharon Wong

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: expert hair loss advice

Dr Sharon Wong is one of the UK’s leading consultant dermatologists and medical trichologists, specialising in hair loss and scalp disorders. She’s known for her nuanced understanding of all hair types and the psychological toll of hair loss. This combination makes her deeply sought after by celebrities, beauty editors, and anyone going through significant shedding or thinning. Her clinic environment is measured, calm, and reassuring; no hard sell, no gimmicks, just science-based protocols delivered with her trademark kindness and clarity.

Treatment: Dr Wong is one of a handful of experts in the UK who does Tricopat, a cutting-edge regenerative scalp treatment designed for early-stage thinning, stress-related shedding and overall scalp imbalance. I’m excited to try it, as I suffer from thinning hair that, at times, really gets me down. The appointment began with a meticulous scalp assessment, where Dr Wong examined my hair density, follicular miniaturisation and inflammation levels using a trichoscope. She explained that Tricopat works by combining very superficial microdermo-incisions with a bespoke cocktail of growth factors and regenerative serums to reawaken sluggish follicles and improve overall scalp function, plus added electrical currents to boost treatment delivery, and red light therapy to support cell health. After applying the serum directly to the scalp, the device works with a ‘patting’ motion that feels odd but isn't painful. The whole treatment took around 30 minutes, and Dr Wong talked through every step.

Result: The best results are seen after a course of four sessions, spaced a month apart, with maintenance sessions every 2-3 months thereafter. There was no downtime - aside from slightly wet-feeling hair - and by the third session, I noticed a new raft of baby hairs around my crown area, but results do take around 3-6 months to show due to the length of the hair cycle being around 3 months.

Pain factor: 0/10 - The patting is a little sensitive on the less-padded parts of the scalp, but it’s not painful.

Can you fly/travel with it? Yes. And you can wash your hair 30 minutes after the treatment.

Price: From £395 per session, depending on the scalp area treated and whether purchased as part of a package. Anita Bhagwandas

Address: 9 Harley Street, London W1G 9QY
Website: dosemyhair.com

Image may contain Face Happy Head Person Smile Dimples Adult Formal Wear Clothing and Sleeve

Dr Maryam Zamani Clinic

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: Expert eye care

Dr Maryam Zamani has set gold standards in aesthetics as one of the world’s leading Oculoplastic Surgeons and Aesthetic Doctors, celebrated for her refined artistry, natural-looking results and meticulous attention to detail. She opened her “super clinic" in 2021 just off the iconic King’s Road, and it‘s become a haven to celebrities and professionals alike. Decorated stylishly with subtle pinks and warm lighting, showcasing her much-loved skincare range. She’s become the go-to for deep rejuvenation of the eye area, due to her surgical and eye-area specialism.

Treatment: Dr Maryam suggested Undereye PRP with MCT as the most natural but effective way to plump the dry, crepey skin under my eyes. MCT is the supercharged version of PRP in which your own blood is drawn painlessly before the platelet-rich plasma is separated from the red blood cells and reinjected under the eyes. In this case, Dr Zamani uses a cannula for minimal injection discomfort and also recommends microneedling around the eyes with exosomes as an additional benefit. The under-eye area was numbed 30 minutes in advance to minimise discomfort.

Result: After a week or so, my undereye skin looked plumper, and the hollow areas I was self-conscious about felt less noticeable. There was a subtle reduction in undereye crepiness that built over the recommended three treatments.

Pain factor: 5/10 - Dr Zamani uses a cannula rather than multiple injection sites, which minimises discomfort. It is a slightly odd feeling to have liquid injected under the eyes, but the discomfort is minimal.

Can you fly/travel with it? I experienced slight swelling for 48 hours, followed by light bruising, but returned to work the next day. You can travel with PRP therapy because the downtime is minimal – but always check with your practitioner before you travel.

Price: £800 per session and £2400 for three. A course of treatments may be advised for longer-lasting results. Sandra Denda

Address: 110-112 Kings Road, London, SW3 4TX
Website: drmaryamzamani.com

Image may contain Book Publication Plant Lamp Home Decor Chair Furniture Art Painting Architecture and Building

Bespoke Smile

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: Expert teeth whitening

It’s no exaggeration to say that when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, Dr Sam Jethwa is one of the most respected practitioners in London. While feather veneers are his speciality – super-thin, handcrafted porcelain veneers carefully fitted to create a natural and sparkling smile – I’m here for teeth whitening ahead of my wedding day. It’s a quick and painless process: a 3D scan of my teeth is used to make trays (like a mouthguard) for teeth whitening gel to sit in, so I can whiten them gradually at home.

Treatment: There’s a pleasingly thorough medical form to fill out when I arrive at Bespoke Smile’s sleek offices in central London. I’m then escorted through to the dentist chair, where Dr Sam walks me through the process step by step, starting with my 3D scan to ensure my mouthguard fits perfectly to my teeth. He explains that a week later, I’ll receive a tray with gels that I'll wear every night for two weeks, by which point my teeth will be at their whitest. It all seems too simple, but a week later, I’m popping small dots of the gel into the mouthguard with ease before bed.

Result: After two weeks of nightly mouthguard wearing, my teeth are noticeably whiter. What’s more, the shade is natural, so although it’s noticeable, there’s no chance of them looking fake or too much. Dr Sam advised that I could top up anytime – helpful to know if you’re a coffee drinker like me.

Pain factor: 1/10. Virtually non-existent. I do begin to experience a bit of sensitivity when I top up after the initial two weeks, but it’s nothing a few days of sensitive toothpaste can’t fix.

Can you travel with it? Easily – the mouthguard comes with a little case that’s easy to pop into your toiletry bag. Sarah Allard

Price: from £350

Address: 2 Upper Wimpole St, London W1G 6LD
Website: bespokesmile.co.uk

Image may contain Blazer Clothing Coat Jacket Adult Person Indoors Interior Design Formal Wear and Suit
James McDonald

Dr David Jack

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: Subtle injectables

I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a Dr David Jack facial in the past and left the treatment room more glowy than I looked at the age of 15, so I was keen to try the clinic’s lauded anti-wrinkle injections (minimal, smartly placed amounts of Botox) as a way of reviving my visibly tired, rapidly ageing skin. My closest clinic is right by Bank Station, and it's set in a small, pretty multi-level building. It’s convenient for anyone working centrally, and in a prime position for the busy Londoner who needs a little zhuzh without having to factor additional travel time into an already jam-packed schedule.

Treatment: After a consultation with Dr Adam, I was confident that having injections in three areas of my face was the right approach. He marked up my forehead and around my eyes with precision. The next part was super quick, and I don’t think I was on the chair for longer than 10 minutes – a real plus point in my books. I was also offered the opportunity to return for a top-up after two weeks. I didn’t go for it, but if it’s your first time having anti-wrinkle injections and you want to keep the dose minimal in the first instance, it’s a nice option to have.

Result: I’ve been really happy with the results of this treatment, and I’m grateful for the less-is-more approach that Dr David Jack champions. I experienced a tiny bit of bruising at the areas pricked with the needle, but they disappeared by the next morning. The only thing off limits afterwards is rubbing your face (you’re even advised to pat it dry after the shower) and exercise for 24-48 hours.

Pain factor: 4/10 - Minimal. The idea of needles, especially around the eye area, made me nervous, but Dr Adam talked me through everything so I felt more at ease.

Can you travel with it? Yes, it’s totally safe to get on a flight after this treatment.

Price: From £350 depending on area. Sarah Bannerman

Address: Locations in London and Edinburgh. 
Website: drdavidjack.com

Dr Glyn Medispa

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: a subtle refresh

Dr Glyn’s approach to aesthetics is all about ‘facial harmonisation’ – essentially, focusing on subtle tweaks to create a more balanced, structured result without ever leaning too far into what’s currently trending. His emphasis is always on natural and subtle results: the kind that patients really notice, but their friends might ask, ‘Have you changed something recently?’ Dr Glyn’s well-known clients include influencers and celebrities, and he operates from two UK locations: Fitzrovia and Chester

Treatment: As I approach my mid-thirties, I’m starting to notice the effects of time on my face. I’m also getting married in 2026, and keen to look like the very best version of myself for the occasion; emphasis on ‘myself’. I’ve had touches of Botox in the past, but am a little on edge about anything that feels like it would change my face. That’s why, when I heard about The HarmonyCa treatment, it felt right for a few reasons: it delivers instant results, encourages long-term collagen stimulation, and has very little downtime. Dr Glyn was a truly safe pair of hands throughout the entire process and gave information on what to expect. A numbing cream was applied to the area of application – for me, along my jawline and side of face – and I was injected with hyaluronic acid (HA) for instant volumising and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) for gradual collagen biostimulation.

Result: The subtle change in me was immediate. I looked lifted, almost as if I’d slightly pulled my cheeks up by the ears. Most impressive, though, is the length of time you see effects for. It’s now more than three months since my initial HarmonyCa treatment, and the results continue to improve. There’s a new firmness around my jawline and cheekbones that I thought could probably only be achieved by being 25 again. I left with a confidence boost I didn’t expect and a realisation that I will undoubtedly be seeing the inside of Dr Glyn’s office again.

Pain factor: 6/10. The area was numbed before the needle was inserted, so I wouldn’t call it painful, but it was indeed an unusual sensation that was a little uncomfortable. The worst pain came a few hours later when my face started to feel a bit bruised, but I took paracetamol, which helped.

Can you fly/travel with it? Yes, although you’ll experience some swelling and bruising for a couple of days after the treatment, it might be better to rest a little.

Price: Between £595 and £900 per treatment, depending on the clinic and treating practitioner. Find your closest practitioner at harmonyca.uk. Abigail Malbon

Address: 15 Percy St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1DS
Website: drglynmedispa.com

Image may contain Indoors Interior Design Electronics Screen Computer Hardware Hardware Monitor and Architecture
Dr Ahmed

The Aesthetics Doctor – Mayfair

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: skin texture refining

Led by Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, The Aesthetics Doctor is one of London’s most talked-about non-surgical clinics. Dr Ahmed is a GP and award-winning aesthetics specialist whose skillset spans lasers, skin rejuvenation, injectables and body contouring. His Mayfair clinic is sleek and discreet - think boutique luxury meets medical precision. Located just minutes from Bond Street station, the space caters to glamorous clients who want high-end results with minimal downtime.

Treatment: I booked the signature Alma Harmony BioBoost at the clinic - a next-level skin rejuvenation treatment using the advanced Alma Harmony laser that stimulates your skin’s own collagen and elastin production. A senior member of his team assessed my skin tone, texture and concerns (fine lines, uneven tone). They explained that the treatment uses dual modes to target both the surface and deeper layers of the skin. After cleansing and marking the treatment zones, a cooling gel was applied, and I wore protective eyewear. The device handpiece was used over my face for about 30-45 minutes. I felt intermittent warmth and a light snapping sensation, but the team paused or adjusted if I felt any heat.

Result: My skin looked slightly flushed, but there was no downtime, so I continued my day. A week in, I noticed my complexion looked fresher, more even, and my skin felt a little firmer. The full benefits build over 3-6 months as new collagen matures, and after a course of 3-6 treatments.

Pain factor: 1/10. Comfortable overall. The laser pulses felt like quick flicks of warmth, but the cooling gel and frequent check-ins made it very tolerable. This is ideal for anyone who is needle-phobic or wants a texture boost without the pain.

Can you fly/travel with it?
Yes – normal travel is fine. Because there’s very minimal downtime, you can fly shortly after, though it’s wise to allow 24 hours if your skin is feeling warm or you’ve had higher intensity settings. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days post-treatment.

Price: Each session is priced from £450 for one session, but specific pricing depends on the area treated and the number of sessions. Anita Bhagwandas

Address: The Aesthetics Doctor, Mayfair, 71 Duke Street, Mayfair, London W1K 5NX
Website: theaestheticsdoctor.com

Image may contain Plant Floor Chair Furniture Indoors and Interior Design

Self London

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: tailored treatment plans

Dr Anjali Mahto is a leading Consultant Dermatologist, the author of the bestselling The Skincare Bible, and the founder of Self London. Her clinic on Harley Street brings together skin-health expertise, advanced laser/light technology and support for those who want more than the typical “aesthetic tweak”. With Dr Mahto at the helm, the clinic appeals to those seeking serious dermatological care for concerns such as pigmentation, rosacea and acne as well as aesthetic-based treatments. She’s the go-to for medical-grade oversight and tailored treatment plans.

Treatment: Dr Mahto assessed my skin and recommended ClearSilk by Sciton sessions as part of a broader plan to address uneven pigmentation and skin tone on my neck. ClearSilk gently heats the mid-dermis without disrupting the epidermis, making it ideal for tackling sun damage, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation with minimal downtime. My face was cleansed, protective eyewear was applied, and the ClearSilk device was passed over the pigmented areas. I felt a series of gentle warm pulses - like a warm snap - but the cooling fan I was given to hold and direct at my face kept it tolerable. The treatment lasted 30 minutes, with no downtime.

Result: Immediately after, my skin looked slightly flushed, but that was it. By week one, I noticed my skin tone starting to look more even and the patches of pigmentation less obvious. By the fifth session, the dark patches were much less pronounced and the overall tone more unified.

Pain factor: 2/10. Aside from feeling a little warm at times, it was bearable, and there was little discomfort.

Can you fly/travel with it? Yes - light travel is fine. Because this is a non-ablative treatment with minimal downtime, you can fly shortly afterwards. That said, it’s wise to avoid direct sun exposure and intense exercise for 24 hours post-treatment (wear a high-factor SPF immediately afterwards and going forward to protect it) as is generally recommended with pigmentation laser care. Anita Bhagwandas

Price: Clearsilk costs £550 per session (includes facility fee of £200)

Address: Self London, 14 Harley Street, London W1G 9PQ 
Website: selflondon.com

The Ezra Clinic

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: Volume loss

Led by the acclaimed Professor Daniel Ezra, consultant oculoplastic surgeon, The Ezra Clinic is one of London’s most trusted destinations for advanced eye and facial rejuvenation. Trained at Oxford University and one of the UK’s foremost experts in eyelid and peri-orbital surgery, Professor Ezra has become known for his meticulous, natural-looking results with high-profile clientele from the worlds of media and fashion looking for subtle tweaks that preserve their individuality. The clinic itself feels more boutique wellness than sterile surgery: calm, light-filled rooms, warm staff and that trademark Harley Street hush.

Treatment: I booked in for the Eyes 2.0 Package for under-eye rejuvenation. Senior Nurse Jo Neagu assessed my skin texture, hydration, and under-eye volume loss, explaining how each element of the treatment would address specific concerns - collagen stimulation via microneedling, deep hydration from skin boosters and tissue repair from regenerative polynucleotides. The treatment began with a thorough cleanse and numbing cream applied for around 20 minutes. Once fully numb, Jo worked methodically under each eye, first using fine microneedles to create micro-channels, then layering in the boosters and polynucleotides through precise injections. The process was quick - around 40 minutes in total - and Jo’s warm, confident technique made it feel surprisingly manageable.

Result: Immediately afterwards, my eye area looked slightly red but not dramatically so on my dark skin tone. Mild bruising appeared the next morning (concealable with light makeup) and subsided within two days. Within a week, the skin underneath my eyes looked smoother and less crepey. By week three, I noticed an improvement in firmness, and my concealer sat far better, too. Results are said to build over 2-4 weeks as collagen production ramps up, and a course of three sessions is recommended, with results that can last up to two years.

Pain factor: 6/10. The numbing cream worked well; there were occasional sharp pinches under the eyes, but nothing intolerable. A few teary eyes during the microneedling, but mostly it’s over quickly.

Can you fly/travel with it? Yes, but avoid air travel and strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours post-treatment. Jo advises keeping the area clean, well-hydrated, and avoiding direct sun exposure for a couple of days.

Price: £899 when purchased as part of surgery, £1,450 when purchased individually. Anita Bhagwandas

Address: The Ezra Clinic, 52 Harley Street, please, W1G 7LH 
Website: danielezra.co.uk

Image may contain Indoors Interior Design Art Painting Chandelier and Lamp
Dr Sam

Dr Sam Bunting

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: Sensitive skin

I’ve followed Dr Sam Bunting for a while, and really rate her skincare line (my skin can be a little sensitive, which is most definitely one of her specialities), but this would be my first time visiting her clinic. I booked in to try Profhilo, an injectable treatment made from highly purified hyaluronic acid that promises to rejuvenate skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production. With my wedding day approaching, I was keen to try something that would help to improve skin hydration and overall appearance. Profhilo promises very natural-looking results without adding volume or creating a "filled" appearance, so I was confident I’d still look like myself on the big day – a big plus in my book.

Treatment: Any reservations about my treatment quickly dissolve when I walk into Dr Sam’s Harley St clinic. It’s a glossy oasis of calm, with flickering Diptique candles and soothing spa music. After a chat to assess my medical history, current skincare routine and treatment goals, I hopped onto the bed and my specialist, Dr Mia Steyn. She starts by cleaning my skin (so far, so soothing) and gives me a squishy ball to squeeze before the injections begin. She focuses on 5 spots on each side of my face. I get so distracted chatting about the wedding that it’s over before I know it.

Result: A follow-up visit is recommended one month after the first treatment, so I pop back four weeks later, and we run through the same process. Over the next few weeks, I noticed that my skin felt more hydrated than normal, and firmer in some areas. It definitely gave me a fresher appearance, which is precisely what I was after.

Pain factor: 5/10. I’ve had Botox in the past, so I’m pretty used to injectables; the only difference is that these are a bit slower, so it’s not over as quickly as a Botox injection is. Dr Mia warned that I’d look a bit ‘lumpy’ straight after the treatment, but by the time I got home, most of the redness and swelling had disappeared.

Can you travel with it? Yes, flying after this treatment is totally safe

Price: £450 for a new patient consultation, £475 per treatment. Sarah Allard

Address: 41 Harley St, London W1G 8QH
Website: drsambunting.com

Image may contain Zoe Telford Adult Person and Nurse
Dr Tatiana and Rishi

Doctors Tatiana and Rishi Advanced Aesthetics

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: Skin firming

In the run-up to my wedding, I’m looking for maximum skin rejuvenation, and Morpheus8 is on my radar. It’s a radiofrequency microneedling procedure that promises to leave your skin tighter and firmer. During the treatment, super thin, radiofrequency energy-emitting needles are stamped into your skin to encourage collagen and elastin production – the two key proteins responsible for skin tightness, smoothing and firmness. It’s said to be one of the most powerful RF microneedling treatments around, with impressive results guaranteed and Dr Tatiana, one half of the husband and wife team behind one of London’s top aesthetic clinics, is one of the leading Morpheus8 experts.

Treatment: The clinic is really communicative throughout the whole process, sharing pre-care information before the appointment and aftercare tips that arrive in my inbox before I’ve made it home. During a detailed consultation, Dr Tatiana and I decided to add skin boosters – more specifically, polynucleotides – to the treatment, which will give my skin a dewy, plump look and complement the tightening effects of the Morpheus8. I’m left to recline and relax while a layer of numbing cream gets to work, before Dr Tatiana is back to begin the treatment. She moves a handheld device around my face a couple of times using a quick stamping motion, paying particular attention to the area around my mouth and jaw. Next, Dr Tatiana injects the polynucleotides around my mid-face, keeping me distracted the entire time with lots of chats about upcoming holidays and plans for the summer.

Result: We’re talking about collagen production, so results aren’t overnight. I planned my treatment around 3 months before my wedding, which is when you can generally expect optimum results. By the time the big day came around, my skin looked noticeably lifted and refreshed. I also made a conscious effort to focus on my skincare routine as I was determined to make sure the results were as good as they could be.

Pain factor: 5/10. “It won’t hurt, but you might feel a very slight sting”, one of Dr Tatiana’s team assures me as they apply the numbing cream, and they’re not wrong. It feels like lots of tiny, hot pricks, and afterwards, my face feels a little hot and stinging. It’s not comfortable, but it’s certainly manageable. The redness is intense at first, but goes down after a couple of hours – I’d definitely avoid making plans straight after the treatment, but expect to look back to normal by the next day.

Can you travel with it? You might want to wait a couple of days before travelling because of any redness and swelling, and it’s recommended to avoid direct sun exposure for a full week post-treatment. I apply SPF daily anyway, but it’s extra important to do this after Morpheus8.

Price: £1,700. Sarah Allard

Address: 2 Devonshire Pl, London W1G 6HJ
Website: drtatiana.co.uk

Dr Alexis Granite

Best aesthetic clinic in London for: first-timers

I've heard great things about Dr Alexis for a while now, so I jumped at the chance to experience her work for myself. I've never had any aesthetic treatments done before, but I'm getting married next year, so I wanted to have a consultation to find out if there were any subtle tweaks and treatments that could help address some concerns. Dr Alexis' clinic is tucked away at the back of Sarah Chapman's Skinesis Clinic and Boutique, just a five-minute walk from Sloane Square. The clinic is calm and quiet, and the staff are really helpful in talking through any of the products lining the shelves in the waiting area.

Treatment: Dr Alexis is renowned for her lasers, peels and injectables, but after explaining my concerns, she suggested starting with tiny amounts of Botox to lift my brows slightly and to stop my top lip from disappearing when I smile. She explained the process and gave me a document running through the various side effects and any information I might need afterwards, before getting me to lie down on the examining bed and pencilling on the areas she'd recommend targeting. Once we'd agreed on a plan, she handed me a foam ball to squeeze (she advised that it wouldn't be very painful, but it helps to have something to focus on) and got to work. It took less than two minutes, and I was distracted chatting away the whole time.

Result: My eyelids looked lifted and my eyes more awake, and my forehead looked incredibly smooth. My top lip definitely looked fuller, and didn't thin as much when I smile.

Pain factor: 2/10. Some injections twinged slightly as the needle went in, but the rest I barely felt a thing. It was over incredibly quickly and efficiently. Dr Alexis advised there might be some swelling or bruising, but I had neither.

Can you travel with it? Yes, but it's recommended to wait 24-48 hours before flying, since changes in temperature/pressure might cause the Botox to migrate slightly.

Price: one area from £375

Address: Skinesis Medical at Sarah Chapman, 259 Pavilion Rd, London SW1X 0BP
Website: dralexisgranite.com