What Botox is and how it acts on wrinkles
Botox is the common name for botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein that has been used in medicine for decades — first in neurology and ophthalmology, and later in aesthetic medicine. In aesthetic doses, which are very small and precisely measured, Botox is used to temporarily relax certain facial muscles.
Expression wrinkles form from repeated facial movements — when we frown, raise our eyebrows or squint. Over time the skin creases in those places. Botox works by gently and temporarily relaxing the targeted muscle, so the skin above it smooths out and new wrinkles form more slowly. The wrinkle is not erased chemically; rather, the movement that creates it is reduced.
This is why it is important to understand the difference between Botox and fillers. Botox acts on dynamic, expression wrinkles that are visible in movement, while fillers fill wrinkles and the volume that is missing when the face is at rest. For some patients the best result comes from combining the two treatments, and the plan is always made by the doctor after assessing the facial movement.
Correctly dosed Botox does not eliminate facial movement or give a frozen expression — the aim is for the face to look rested and relaxed while still able to express emotion naturally. Overdoing it or poor technique, rather than the product itself, leads to an unnatural look, which is why the choice of doctor is decisive.
Who Botox is for
Botox is intended for people who want to soften expression wrinkles or prevent them from deepening, without surgery or a lengthy recovery. Beyond its aesthetic use, botulinum toxin is also used for certain medical indications, which the doctor decides on.
The most common reasons for Botox treatment are:
- horizontal forehead lines that become more pronounced when the eyebrows are raised
- vertical lines between the brows (so-called frown lines) that give a stern look
- fan-shaped lines around the eyes (crow's feet) when smiling and squinting
- preventive use in younger people, to slow the deepening of expression wrinkles
- a subtle lift of the outer edge of the brow for a more open gaze
- excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis) as a distinct medical indication
What the Botox treatment involves, step by step
The treatment begins with a conversation and an assessment of facial movement. The doctor asks you to make a few facial expressions — to raise your eyebrows, frown, smile — in order to see exactly which muscles create the wrinkles and at which points the product should be applied. Based on this, the number of injection points and the dose are determined individually for each face.
The skin is cleansed and disinfected, and then a small amount of product is injected into the predetermined points with a very fine needle. The injections are superficial and brief, so they are described as a mild mosquito bite; anaesthesia is usually not needed. The whole treatment usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, which is why many describe it as a lunch-break treatment.
Immediately after the treatment there may be mild redness or small, transient bumps at the injection sites, which subside within a short time. There is no incision, stitches or recovery in the true sense — most patients return to their activities straight away, following a few simple rules for the first few hours.
The effect of Botox is not visible immediately. It begins to develop within two to three days, and the full result is usually seen in 10 to 14 days. For this reason a short follow-up is scheduled, if needed, about two weeks after the treatment, when the doctor can fine-tune the result.
Results and how long the Botox effect lasts
The result of Botox develops gradually. You will notice the first easing of facial movement after just a few days, and the full effect settles in about two weeks. Wrinkles in movement become considerably softer, the forehead looks smoother and the expression more rested — without loss of natural movement when the treatment is correctly dosed.
The effect of Botox is not permanent. In most patients it lasts roughly 3 to 6 months, after which muscle activity gradually returns and the wrinkles reappear. Its duration depends on the individual, muscle strength, the dose and the area — for some the effect lasts a shorter time, for others longer. With regular repetition the muscle becomes weaker over time, so in some patients the intervals between treatments can be extended.
It is realistic to expect a refreshed, rested appearance and visibly softer expression wrinkles, but not the complete removal of every wrinkle — especially those that are deeply etched and visible even when the face is at rest. Such wrinkles often require combining with a filler, which the doctor decides on.
Aftercare following Botox treatment
Botox does not require a genuine recovery, but for the first few hours there are several important rules. They help keep the product exactly where it was applied and ensure an even result.
Recommendations for the first 24 hours after treatment:
- do not rub, massage or press the treated areas for the first few hours
- stay upright and do not lie flat for the first 4 hours
- avoid the gym, intense exertion, the sauna and hot baths that day
- for the first 24 hours avoid tanning beds, prolonged sunbathing and excessive heat on the face
- cut down on alcohol on the day of treatment, as it can increase redness and bruising
- apply make-up carefully and without heavily rubbing the treated area
Risks and contraindications
When the treatment is performed by a doctor with correct dosing, Botox is very safe and most often has only mild, temporary reactions — redness, small bumps or an occasional bruise at the injection site, as well as a mild headache that passes on its own.
Less often, and most commonly due to inappropriate technique or dosing, there may be temporary asymmetry, mild drooping of an eyelid or brow, or a feeling of heaviness in the forehead. These effects are temporary and gradually subside as the effect wears off. It is precisely for this reason that precise application by a trained doctor is key to a safe and natural result.
Botox is not recommended, or is postponed, in the following situations: pregnancy and breastfeeding, a known hypersensitivity to the ingredients, an active infection or inflammation at the application site, and in certain neuromuscular disorders. That is why, before the treatment, it is essential to inform the doctor about your health, the medicines you take and any previous treatments.
Why have Botox at Medical Time
At Medical Time Botox is administered by a doctor, with a careful assessment of facial movement and dosing tailored to your face. Our aim is not a frozen face, but a rested and natural look in which your expression is still recognisable.
We work with proven products and observe high standards of hygiene and safety. Before the treatment you receive a realistic assessment, and a follow-up review allows us to fine-tune the result if needed.
- treatment performed by a doctor, with an individual assessment of movement and dose
- proven products and high standards of hygiene
- a natural result, without a frozen facial expression
- a follow-up review to fine-tune the result
- a quick treatment, without incisions and without downtime
- an honest assessment and realistic expectations before treatment
Cost — Botox
The cost of Botox depends on the number of treated areas (forehead, between the brows, around the eyes) and on the amount of product needed, which varies from patient to patient depending on muscle strength. The treatment most often covers one or more areas, and the plan and final price are agreed with the doctor at the consultation.
- Botox — one area
- Botox — three areas (forehead, between the brows, around the eyes)
- Botox — excessive sweating (underarms)
For the current price and an appointment, call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about Botox
Not necessarily. With correct dosing the face stays natural and mobile, while wrinkles in movement are softer. A frozen look is the result of overdoing it or poor technique, not of the product itself.
The injections are superficial and brief, so they are described as a mild prick. Anaesthesia is usually not needed, and the whole treatment takes 10 to 20 minutes.
The effect begins to develop within 2 to 3 days, and the full result is usually seen in 10 to 14 days.
In most patients the effect lasts roughly 3 to 6 months, after which the treatment is repeated as needed.
When administered by a doctor in measured aesthetic doses, Botox is very safe. Adverse reactions are most often mild and temporary.
Yes, most often straight away. You just need to avoid lying flat, massaging the treated area, and exertion and heat for the first few hours.
Where expression wrinkles are pronounced, a lighter, preventive approach can slow their deepening. The assessment and plan are always made by the doctor, individually.