Skin & dermatology

Botox (botulinum toxin)

Botulinum toxin type A · Neuromodulator · Botox®

At a glance

Recovery
No downtime
Pain
Mild
Sessions
1 session
Type
Non-surgical

What it is

Small doses of botulinum toxin injected into specific muscles to block the nerve signals that make them contract. It softens frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet, and is also used to soften a square jawline, reduce neck bands and correct a gummy smile.

Who it’s for

Adults bothered by expression lines or a wide jaw from muscle bulk who accept temporary results that need repeating.

How it’s done

The doctor assesses the muscles and injects small amounts with a very fine needle. No anesthesia is usually needed.

Why we don’t list a price

What to get in writing

Recovery

No downtime, and normal activities can resume right away. Results appear within a few days and fully within about 5–7 days, then typically last 3–4 months.

Risks and side effects

  • Bruising and pain at injection sites
  • Headache
  • Temporary eyelid or eyebrow droop
  • Temporary facial weakness if the toxin spreads to nearby muscles
  • Very rare: spread beyond the area causing breathing or swallowing problems, muscle weakness or slurred speech

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Questions to ask the clinic

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Aftercare

  • Do not rub or massage the treated areas
  • Normal activities can resume right away
  • Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking

Questions people ask

How long does Botox last?

Typically about 3–4 months. As it wears off, muscle movement and lines return.

Why shouldn't I rub the area afterwards?

Rubbing can move the toxin to nearby muscles and cause temporary weakness or drooping, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Is 'Botox' a brand?

Botox® is one brand of botulinum toxin. Others include Dysport®, Xeomin® and Jeuveau®. Clinics use different products, so ask which one and what dose.

Sources

Facts on this page come from medical societies, public agencies and medical journals.

  1. plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/botulinum-toxin/safety(opens in a new tab)
  2. plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/botulinum-toxin/results(opens in a new tab)
  3. my.clevelandclinic.org/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/procedures/botox(opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not medical advice, and we don’t refer you to any clinic. We don’t list clinic names, reviews or rankings. Unnie Note is an independent publication with no ties to any clinic or booking service.

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