Botox

1. What Is Botox?

Botox is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment containing botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily weakens muscle activity and softens the appearance of wrinkles.

The aims are to:

• Soften expression (mimic) lines
• Achieve a more rested and youthful facial expression

When applied at the right dose and to the right points, Botox works while preserving natural facial expressions.

2. In Which Areas Is Botox Used?

Botox is most commonly applied to:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines (between the eyebrows – glabella)
• Crow’s feet (around the eyes)
• Brow lift
• Upper lip (barcode) lines
• Neck bands
• Excessive sweating (underarms, palms, soles of the feet)

In addition to aesthetic indications, it also has several medical uses.

3. Mechanism of Action of Botox

Botox:

• Temporarily blocks communication between the nerve and the muscle
• Reduces muscle contraction
• Allows wrinkles on the overlying skin to soften over time

This effect is reversible and does not cause permanent damage.

4. Aesthetic and Medical Purposes of Botox

Aesthetic purposes:

• Reducing wrinkles
• Softening facial expressions
• Preventive anti-ageing treatment

Medical purposes:

• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Teeth grinding / jaw clenching (bruxism)
• Migraine
• Certain muscle spasms

5. Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Botox?

Suitable candidates are individuals who:

• Are bothered by their expression lines
• Do not want surgery
• Are in a general state of health suitable for treatment
• Have realistic expectations

Botox is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

6. Pre-Treatment Evaluation

Before treatment:

• Facial muscles and expression patterns are analysed
• Which muscles will be treated and at what dose is planned
• Previous Botox treatments and their effects (if any) are evaluated

This step is critical to achieve a natural-looking result.

7. How Is Botox Performed?

• The treatment area is cleansed
• Botox is injected using very fine needles
• A minimal stinging sensation may be felt during the injections
• No massage is performed over the treated area afterwards

8. The First Hours After the Procedure

• The head should not be bent forward for the first 4 hours
• Lying down should be avoided during this period
• Strenuous exercise is not recommended for the first 24 hours

These measures help the Botox to act in the intended muscles.

9. Staying in Istanbul and Follow-Up

• Being in Istanbul on the day of the procedure is sufficient
• A follow-up is usually scheduled 10–14 days later
• If needed, small dose adjustments (top-up injections) can be planned at this visit

10. Returning to Social Life

• You can return to social life on the same day
• Make-up can generally be applied a few hours after the procedure
• Botox does not interfere with your daily routine

11. Effect and Duration of Botox

• The effect lasts on average 4–6 months
• With regular treatments, muscle memory weakens
• Over time, the duration of effect may gradually increase

12. Possible Side Effects and Limitations

• Temporary redness
• Mild bruising
• Occasionally headache or slight asymmetry

These effects are temporary and usually resolve within a short period.

13. Results and Expectation Management

The aim of Botox is not a frozen, expressionless face, but:

• A natural, rested and refreshed appearance

Overcorrection and excessively high doses can create an artificial look, so proper planning is essential.