Injectable treatment · Patient information
Content owner: Dr. Zafer Atakan Practice · Nişantaşı, Istanbul · Updated: July 11, 2026
Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine that temporarily reduces nerve–muscle transmission when injected in controlled doses into selected muscles. In aesthetic use, it aims to soften lines caused by facial expressions; it is not a filler and does not treat all facial wrinkles.
What Are Botulinum Toxin Treatments (Botox)?
In areas such as the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes, muscle balance is evaluated as a whole. Because over-weakening a single point can adversely affect brow or eyelid position, the dose and injection points must be personalized.
Medical uses such as sweating or migraine require a different dose, indication and follow-up from aesthetic treatment. The content under this heading relates to aesthetic assessment.
What is assessed during the examination?
- Assessment 1
- Facial expressions are assessed at rest and in motion; the brow and eyelid position is photographed.
- Assessment 2
- Previously used products, dates, side effects, medications and any history of neuromuscular disease are reviewed.
- Assessment 3
- The target muscles and the natural expression to be preserved are determined together.
- Assessment 4
- The authenticity of the product, storage conditions, dose and follow-up timing are managed by the physician.
Who May Be a Candidate?
- Adults with lines that become prominent with facial expressions who accept that the effect is temporary
- People whose muscle and brow balance is found suitable for injection
- People without contraindications in terms of pregnancy or breastfeeding, active infection or relevant neuromuscular disease
- People who have been informed about the name, dose and possible side effects of the product to be used
How Does the Process Work?
- After the skin is cleansed, small volumes are injected into the planned muscles.
- The duration of the procedure varies according to the treatment area; the effect develops over days, not immediately.
- If a follow-up examination is deemed necessary, muscle balance is reassessed; early and uncontrolled additional doses are avoided.
Safety note: If generalized muscle weakness or difficulty swallowing or breathing develops, seek emergency medical care without delay.
Recovery and follow-up
Short-term redness, tenderness, bruising or headache may occur at the injection sites. Return to daily life is usually quick; however, post-treatment instructions vary according to the product and area. If generalized weakness, double vision, or difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing develops, emergency medical help is needed.
Possible risks and complications
- Temporary bruising, headache, tenderness or asymmetry
- Temporary drooping of the brow or eyelid, unwanted muscle weakness and changes in expression
- Allergic reaction or infection
- Very rarely, difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing due to spread of the toxin effect to distant muscles
Frequently asked questions
Is botulinum toxin a filler?
No. Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces muscle activity; a filler is a separate product used to add volume or support to tissue.
When does the effect start?
The effect usually develops over days, and it is necessary to wait for a full assessment; the duration varies according to the product and the person.
Will my facial expression look frozen?
The dose and choice of muscles are planned to preserve natural expression. An excessive dose or inappropriate placement can cause unwanted loss of movement.
When is it not applied?
Conditions such as pregnancy or breastfeeding, infection at the injection site, certain neuromuscular diseases and allergy to the product's ingredients affect the assessment.
Scope of the effect and limits of permanence
When the effect begins and how long it lasts vary according to the product used, the dose, muscle strength and individual metabolism. The result is temporary; even with regular repeat treatments, a permanent effect cannot be guaranteed.
Alternatives and complementary options
For lines that are visible at rest, skincare, laser/energy methods or suitable filler options can be evaluated separately. Each method targets a different tissue component and is not a direct equivalent of botulinum toxin.
Further reading for patient safety: FDA – Botulinum toxin product information.