Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Treatment

What is botulinum toxin?

Botulinum toxin is a purified protein that temporarily reduces the signal travelling between a nerve ending and the muscle fibre it supplies. It has been used in medicine since the 1980s for conditions such as strabismus, blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and chronic migraine. In medical aesthetics it is applied in very small doses to soften lines that develop from repeated facial movement. In Türkiye the procedure may only be performed by a physician using products licensed by the Ministry of Health.

Which areas are treated?

The most frequently assessed areas are the horizontal forehead lines, the vertical lines between the brows and the lines at the outer corner of the eye. Depending on examination findings, dimpling of the chin, a gummy smile, platysmal neck bands and excessive sweating of the underarms or palms may also fall within the scope of treatment.

How does it work?

After injection the contraction strength of the targeted muscle is partially reduced. Because the overlying skin is folded less often, the line above it gradually becomes less pronounced. The effect usually begins within three to seven days and settles fully at around two weeks. The aim is not to erase expression but to balance an overactive muscle, so dose and injection points are chosen according to your individual muscle strength and facial anatomy.

How the session goes

Assessment

The appointment begins with your medical history: current medication, previous illnesses, pregnancy or breastfeeding status and any earlier treatments. Your facial movements are then observed so the muscles to be treated and the dose can be planned.

The procedure

The skin is cleansed with an antiseptic solution; topical anaesthetic cream or cold application can be used if you prefer. Very fine needles are used to place the product at the planned points. The procedure normally takes 10 to 20 minutes and you can return to your day immediately afterwards.

What to expect afterwards

Small red marks from the needle settle within a few hours; bruising is uncommon but possible. You will be asked not to lie down for the first four to six hours, not to massage the area, and to avoid strenuous exercise, sauna and steam rooms that day. The result is reviewed at two weeks, and a small refinement can be made at that follow-up if needed. The effect lasts on average four to six months, varying from person to person.

Who should avoid it

The treatment is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in people with a known allergy to botulinum toxin or its components, in neuromuscular junction disorders such as myasthenia gravis, where there is active skin infection at the injection site, or in bleeding disorders. Certain antibiotics and muscle relaxants may interact, so please bring a list of your medication to the appointment.

Expectations and follow-up

The dose given, the product name and batch number and the points treated are recorded in your file, so that the next appointment builds on how you responded rather than starting from scratch. A first treatment usually begins with a measured dose, with a small addition at the two-week review if needed. A further appointment is planned as the effect begins to fade; repeating too early, before the effect has worn off, is not advised. Keeping to sensible intervals helps preserve a natural look and avoids unnecessary accumulation of dose.

The decision to treat is made only after a face-to-face examination that includes facial analysis and your medical history.