Botox at a glance
- What is treated: dynamic lines – frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines and lines around the eyes; gummy smile (a smile showing the gums); jaw slimming and bruxism (masseter Botox); excessive underarm sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Product: botulinum toxin type A, in precisely measured, small doses
- Treatment time: usually 15-30 minutes
- Onset of effect: first changes usually within a few days, full effect in about two weeks
- Duration of effect: most often 3-4 months, individually; often longer for hyperhidrosis
- Price: view our price list
What is Botox?
Botox is the common name for treatment with botulinum toxin type A – one of the most frequently performed and most thoroughly studied procedures in aesthetic medicine. In small, precisely measured doses, botulinum toxin relaxes the facial muscles whose repeated contractions become etched into the skin over the years as dynamic lines.
The goal of the modern approach is not a „frozen“ face, but preserved facial expression with softened lines: the face looks more rested and refreshed, not changed. The dose, distribution and depth of injection are always tailored to your anatomy and the strength of your muscles.
How does botulinum toxin work?
Dynamic lines – such as those between the eyebrows, on the forehead and around the eyes – form through repeated contraction of the facial muscles when smiling, frowning and raising the eyebrows. Botulinum toxin acts locally, temporarily reducing the transmission of the nerve signal to the treated muscle. When the muscle relaxes, the skin above it stops folding in the same place, so lines soften and the formation of deeper ones slows down.
The effect is temporary: nerve-muscle activity gradually returns, so the treatment can be repeated if desired. The first changes are usually visible within a few days, and the full effect is assessed after about two weeks.
What can be treated?
Gummy smileRelaxing the muscle that lifts the upper lip too high, so less gum shows when smiling.
Masseter BotoxSlimming a „square“ jaw and reducing tension in bruxism.
Axillary hyperhidrosisSignificant reduction of excessive underarm sweating in the treated area.
Lines that are present at rest, as well as volume loss, often require a different approach – hyaluronic acid fillers or a combination of methods. Which treatment suits your type of line is assessed at the consultation.
What does the treatment involve?
The treatment begins with a short analysis: the doctor observes your facial expression, assesses the strength and layout of your muscles and agrees the goal with you. After the skin is cleansed, botulinum toxin is injected with very fine needles into several precise points. The procedure itself usually takes 15-30 minutes and requires no anaesthesia. You return to your usual activities straight away, with a few simple recommendations for the first hours.
A natural look without a frozen face
Botox does not have to „freeze“ the face. Applied correctly, the goal is not to erase every expression, but to soften the excessive muscle activity that deepens lines. A natural look comes from balance: the movement that keeps the face alive is preserved, while the lines are softened.
That is why the protocol cannot be the same for everyone – faces differ in structure, muscle strength and brow position, so the dose and injection points are chosen individually. Read more in the article Does Botox take away natural expression?
Who is it for, and when is it postponed?
Botox is intended for healthy adults with dynamic lines or the other indications listed above, with realistic expectations. The treatment is postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in the case of an active infection in the treatment area, known hypersensitivity to any ingredient, and certain neurological and neuromuscular conditions. Be sure to mention any medicines you take regularly at the consultation.
Recovery and aftercare
No special recovery period is needed. Temporary redness or small bruises may appear at the injection points. It is recommended that you do not rub the treated area for the first few hours and that you avoid intense training, saunas and strongly bent-forward positions for the rest of the day. If you notice anything unusual, you can always contact the clinic.
How much does Botox cost?
The price is set per area or per unit of product, depending on the indication – facial lines, gummy smile, masseter or hyperhidrosis. See our treatment price list for current prices; the exact estimate of the number of units is given at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions about Botox
Will I look „frozen“ after Botox?
You do not have to. The goal of a properly dosed treatment is preserved expression with softened lines, not a motionless face. The dose and injection points are chosen individually, according to the anatomy and strength of your muscles.
When is the effect of Botox visible?
The first changes are usually visible within a few days, and the full effect is assessed after about two weeks.
How long does the effect of Botox last?
The effect most often lasts 3-4 months, individually, while for hyperhidrosis treatment it is often maintained longer. Once muscle activity gradually returns, the treatment can be repeated if desired.
Is the treatment painful?
Very fine needles are used and the procedure is brief, so most patients describe it as a mild stinging. Anaesthesia is usually not needed.
Does Botox help with excessive sweating?
Yes. In axillary hyperhidrosis, botulinum toxin can significantly reduce sweating in the treated area, and the effect is often maintained longer than for aesthetic indications.
Which is better for my lines – Botox or a filler?
It depends on the type of line: dynamic lines are caused by muscle activity and are treated with Botox, while volume loss and static lines are often treated with fillers. A detailed explanation is available in the article Botox or hyaluronic acid fillers: which treatment is the right choice?
Read more
- Hyaluronic acid fillers: facial volume and contours
- Fotona4D laser lifting: skin tightening without needles
- Laser hair removal
Book a consultation at the ESTERA clinic in Vračar and agree a plan for a natural, rested look with Dr Nenad Stanković.
Book a consultation: +381 66 378 372
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