Botox®, also known as botulinum toxin, is widely used for aesthetic purposes to smooth wrinkles and create a more youthful appearance. Many of our patients are highly satisfied with the results of Botox® treatments, as they offer a safe and effective way to reduce fine lines and facial creases. Targeted application of Botox® can enhance natural facial expressions and achieve a fresher, more relaxed look, often leading to greater self-confidence and an improved sense of wellbeing.
How does a Botox® treatment work?
No special preparation is required before your Botox® treatment in our clinic. However, please avoid taking any medication on the day of your appointment if possible. If you are taking prescribed medication for chronic conditions, please let us know in advance so that potential interactions can be avoided. You should also attend your appointment without make-up.
During this minimally invasive procedure, botulinum toxin is injected in small doses into the facial muscles responsible for causing wrinkles. The injections are administered using very fine needles. For particularly sensitive patients, a local anaesthetic cream can be applied beforehand, though in most cases this is not necessary.
What are the possible side effects of Botox® treatment?
Some patients may experience mild headaches after a Botox® treatment. These are usually short-lived and can be easily managed with pain relief medication. The lower the dosage, the less likely this side effect will occur.
In rare cases, small bruises or swelling may appear at the injection site. Temporary tiredness, mild discomfort, or headaches have also been reported. Very rarely, allergic reactions, itching, or a mild rash can occur.
Complications such as temporary drooping of the eyelid or eyebrow are extremely rare. To minimise any risks, the procedure should always be performed by an experienced specialist.
Only a very small number of patients experience mild, flu-like symptoms following a Botox® treatment. These reactions are due to the human albumin components of the active ingredient. If this occurs and you wish to continue with future injections, switching to a different preparation can help.
Bruising at the injection site is also uncommon and, if it occurs, is usually caused by minor injury to small blood vessels from the injection needle. Such marks heal on their own within a few days.
How do wrinkles form?
As the outermost layer of the body, the skin is more exposed to external influences than any other organ. Over time, UV radiation triggers processes in the dermis that lead to the breakdown of connective tissue fibres. In addition, the skin gradually loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness, sagging, and the visible formation of wrinkles. Genetic factors also play a role, influencing both the function of skin cells and immune responses, and thereby contributing to the natural ageing process.
How does Botox® work on wrinkles?
Wrinkles form as the facial muscles contract and relax repeatedly over time. The skin above these muscles creases with each movement, eventually creating visible lines. Botox® works by blocking the release of a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting nerve signals to the muscle, temporarily reducing muscle activity. As a result, the muscle remains relaxed, allowing the overlying skin to smooth out. Fine lines diminish or may even disappear completely if they are not yet deeply set.
Which wrinkles can Botox® treat most effectively?
Botox® is particularly effective for treating wrinkles in the upper part of the face — around the eyes and on the forehead. It can also be used to smooth frown lines beside the nose or nasolabial folds. Another common use is for fine lines around the upper lip (so-called "smoker's lines" or "lip flip"), where small amounts of Botox® are injected along the lip line, resulting in a visible softening or complete reduction of these wrinkles.
How long does Botox® last?
The initial effects of a Botox® treatment usually become visible after two to three days, with full results appearing within one to two weeks. The botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals for approximately four to five months. After this period, the effect gradually diminishes as the body naturally breaks down the substance. If desired, the treatment can then be repeated to maintain the wrinkle-smoothing results.
Can I repeat Botox® wrinkle treatments as often as I like?
Once the effects of botulinum toxin have worn off, the substance can no longer be detected in the body. A relaxed muscle tends to become less active over time (similar to a limb that has been immobilised in a cast), so subsequent treatments often require smaller doses to achieve the same muscle-relaxing effect. In cosmetic applications, no reduction in efficacy has been observed with repeated Botox® injections.
When should Botox® treatment be avoided?
For safety reasons, Botox® should not be administered during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients with medical conditions involving muscle weakness or those with blood clotting disorders should also refrain from undergoing Botox® wrinkle treatments.
