Botox treatments

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a toxin obtained from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, and it is produced under laboratory conditions. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause lines. Muscles that have lost their former strength cannot bunch the skin, and the look of the line is reduced.

What is it used for?

For more than about 20 years, botox treatment has been used for different purposes. Besides softening lines on the face and neck, it is used for facial asymmetry, for expressions that have become involuntary tics, and for migraine and tension-type pain. We also use botox to soften contraction of the masseter muscle that leads to tooth grinding, to reduce a gummy smile in which the gums are overly visible, and to lift the tip of the nose. It is also one of the treatments we turn to most often for excessive sweating of the hands, feet, underarms and groin.

Is it a safe method?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved botox in 2002 to limit expression lines, and from 2004 for excessive underarm sweating. In Türkiye only two medicines, containing different forms of botulinum toxin, are approved by the Ministry of Health. Products outside those do not carry Ministry of Health approval.

What is the cosmetic benefit of botox?

The muscles that let us make facial expressions cause lines on the skin surface after years of use. Heavy use of expression, and environmental and genetic factors, can make lines appear early. Relaxing the muscles with botox slows the ageing process and can reduce rapid line formation on the face. Starting botox early, and repeating it regularly, can help prevent lines from forming.

Will my expressions disappear completely?

With botox done correctly by a doctor experienced in the field, expressions do not disappear. Our main aim is to reduce excessive movement, not to erase expression.

Where is botox used?

It is generally used to soften lines of the forehead, around the eyes (crow’s feet) and between the brows, neck lines, to raise or lower the brows, bunny lines on the nose, vertical lines above the lip, downturned lines at the lip corners, to lift the nasal tip, and to reduce lines on the chin.

Is botox painful?

This varies from person to person. Some people feel a mild sting during the injections. A local anaesthetic cream on the areas beforehand can reduce that discomfort.

When does botox start to work?

The injection starts to show an effect 3 to 4 days later, and the maximum effect appears in 7 to 14 days. This time can vary from person to person and with the dose used.

How long does botox last?

The duration also varies from person to person. On the face it can generally be said to last 3 to 6 months. It is natural for the effect to be shorter in people who use the facial muscles more, and with environmental factors.

Are there side effects?

Side effects of botox are very few. Bruising or redness can be seen at the injection points. Headache is a rare side effect at the time of a first treatment. Another rare effect is temporary drooping of the upper eyelid.

Who cannot have botox?

It is not used in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or in people with muscle-nerve disease or bleeding problems. People with a cold sore or a similar skin disease in the area to be treated can have it after that disease has been treated.

Who has botox? Is there an age limit?

Anyone bothered by lines and wrinkles from expression can benefit from botox. Lines and wrinkles on the face settle where repeated expression and sunlight meet, and they can become permanent and deepen. In that case the lines and wrinkles should be supported with filler injections.