About the procedure
Botox temporarily reduces the overactivity of the expression muscles, softening forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Applied to the jaw muscle (masseter), it slims the lower face; in the underarms, it reduces sweating.
The dose is tailored to the individual; the aim is a rested look rather than a frozen expression.
Before treatment, the patient is asked to raise their eyebrows, frown, and smile; this shows which muscle is working and how strongly, and the dose for each point is set individually. The aim is not to freeze the face but to balance overactive muscles; a cautious dose is chosen at the first treatment, and a small addition can be made at the 2-week follow-up. For masseter and sweating treatments, the dose and number of points differ from facial treatments.
- ✓Short procedure
- ✓A natural dose plan
- ✓Combined with surgery
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Those who want to soften forehead, frown, and crow's feet lines that remain even at rest.
- ✓People whose face looks square because of enlarged jaw muscles or who have jaw pain from clenching.
- ✓Patients whose underarm and palm sweating makes daily life difficult.
- ✓Those who want measured corrections such as a slight lift at the tail of the brow or softening of neck bands.
- ✓Those who want to keep expression lines under control after a facelift or eyelid surgery.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding; the treatment is postponed until after this period.
- —Those with a neuromuscular junction disorder such as myasthenia gravis and those taking certain muscle relaxants or antibiotics; suitability is evaluated with the physician because of interactions.
- —Those with an active infection or skin disease in the treatment area.
- —Those with noticeable eyelid drooping or brow sagging; Botox can worsen the appearance in this situation, and surgical options are discussed.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
Facial expressions are examined in motion; muscle strength, brow position, and facial asymmetry are noted, and previous treatments and medications are reviewed.
- 02
Dose plan
A map of points and doses is drawn up for each muscle; a conservative dose is preferred at the first treatment.
- 03
Procedure day
The skin is cleansed and numbing cream is applied if needed; small amounts are injected into the marked points with a fine needle, and the procedure takes 15–20 minutes.
- 04
First hours
For 4 hours, the treated area is not massaged or rubbed and you do not lie down; heavy exercise and hot environments are avoided the same day.
- 05
Check
The effect settles in 3–7 days; at the photo check in week 2, a small addition is made if there is asymmetry or a point that was missed.
- 06
Return and follow-up
The effect lasts 4–6 months; a repeat treatment is planned when the effect is felt to be wearing off, with a minimum interval of 3 months.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
Small bumps at the needle points and, rarely, tiny bruises; you return to work and social life the same day.
Days 3–5
The muscles begin to relax; the lines start to soften and the forehead begins to look smoother.
Week 2
The effect has fully settled; the result is evaluated at the follow-up appointment and a correction is made if needed.
Month 3
Muscle movement gradually begins to return; with masseter treatments, slimming becomes noticeable during this period.
Months 4–6
The effect largely wears off and the lines slowly return; in those treated regularly, the return can be gentler because muscle habit is reduced.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Botox are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Temporary brow or eyelid drooping (ptosis); it occurs when the product spreads to a neighboring muscle, resolves on its own within a few weeks, and can be partially relieved with eye drops.
- Asymmetry between the two sides or an unwanted lift at the outer end of the brow; corrected with a small dose at the week 2 check.
- Headache after treatment, bruising at the needle site, and mild tenderness; usually pass within a few days.
- With masseter treatment, a temporary decrease in chewing strength or a slight feeling of difference when smiling.
- Very rarely, the product has no effect; because resistance can develop over time in those treated frequently and at high doses, unnecessary repetition is avoided.