Information about the procedure
Relaxation of the facial expression muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles, with a temporary and reversible effect.
On this page
What it involves
Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces the contraction of specific facial expression muscles. The lines that appear with movement — on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes — are smoothed because the muscle beneath them stops creasing the skin.
It works on dynamic wrinkles. Deep lines that are visible even at complete rest respond only partially and usually need to be combined with a dermal filler or other methods.
The effect is not immediate. It starts to show after 3–5 days and reaches its full effect at around two weeks.
Types and approaches
Upper third of the face
The forehead, the vertical lines between the eyebrows and the outer corners of the eyes. The most commonly treated and most predictable area.
Brow elevation (non-surgical)
Precisely placed injection points can slightly raise the outer end of the eyebrow and open up the eyes.
Lower face and neck
Platysmal bands in the neck, an orange-peel (dimpled) chin and the corners of the mouth. This requires more experience, because the area is less forgiving.
Hyperhidrosis
Treatment of excessive sweating of the underarms, palms or soles. The effect usually lasts 6–9 months.
Bruxism and jaw shaping
Relaxation of the masseter (chewing) muscle in patients who grind their teeth, which also slims the lower face.
Who it is suitable for
Suitable for
- Expression lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows
- Lines around the outer corners of the eyes
- A wish for a refreshed look without any recovery period
- Excessive sweating
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- Prevention in younger patients with very expressive faces
Not suitable, or postponed, in cases of
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product
- Active infection or inflammation in the injection area
- Use of certain antibiotics that enhance its effect — discussed in advance
- An expectation that deep static wrinkles will be removed
Preparation
- Stop blood-thinning medicines and supplements a few days before the procedure, after agreement with your treating doctor
- Avoid alcohol on the day before the procedure
- Schedule the treatment at least two weeks before an important event
- Tell us about any medicines you take and any previous procedures
How it is performed
The procedure is carried out in the clinic, without anaesthesia or with a topical anaesthetic cream. It takes about 10–20 minutes.
Very fine needles are used. The number of injection points and the dose are tailored to the strength of your muscles, not to a template.
You can return to your normal routine straight away, with a few restrictions for the rest of the day.
Recovery
- The first few hoursSmall red marks and slight swelling at the injection sites, which settle within an hour or two. No bending over, lying down or physical exertion for 4–6 hours.
- The first 24 hoursNo massaging of the area, no sauna or sunbeds, no strenuous exercise.
- 3–5 daysThe first visible effect.
- 10–14 daysThe full result is visible. If a touch-up is needed, it is done at this follow-up appointment.
- 3–5 monthsMuscle activity gradually returns. The next treatment is planned.
Pain and discomfort
Discomfort is minimal and brief — a slight pricking and stinging sensation lasting a few seconds. Most patients do not use an anaesthetic cream. Between the eyebrows the sensation is slightly more noticeable than on the forehead.
Risks and complications
Every intervention carries risks. Listing them does not mean they are expected to occur — it allows you to make an informed decision.
- Bruising at the injection sites
- Headache in the first few days
- Asymmetry, usually correctable at the follow-up appointment
- Temporary drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow if the product spreads — rare, resolves within weeks
- An overly smooth, expressionless face if the dose is too high
- Allergic reaction — very rare
- A reduced response due to antibody formation after repeated high-dose treatments
Results and longevity
The effect usually lasts 3–5 months, and sometimes less after the first treatment.
With regular treatments the intervals often become longer, because the muscle weakens.
The result is fully reversible. If the treatment is not repeated, the muscle returns to its previous activity with no lasting change.