Botox, or botulinum toxin treatment: medicine and beauty
Botox—or botulinum toxin treatment—is a medical procedure in which botulinum toxin is used to temporarily weaken muscle function. Botox is the best-known botulinum toxin product on the market. For this reason, the terms “botulinum toxin treatment” and “Botox” are often used interchangeably in everyday language.
Botox treatments are used for both cosmetic and medical purposes. The most well-known applications include Botox for the forehead, Botox for glabellar lines, Botox for crow’s feet, and Botox for the masseter muscles.
The effects usually begin within a few days and reach their full potential in about two weeks. The results last an average of 3–6 months, after which the treatment can be repeated if necessary.
Botox Summary
- What is it? A medical treatment based on botulinum toxin.
- What is it used for? Wrinkles, fine lines, migraines, bite problems, and excessive sweating.
- When does it start to take effect? Usually within 2 to 7 days.
- How long does the effect last? On average, 3–6 months.
- Who should not receive Botox? Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people with neuromuscular disorders, and people with active skin infections in the injection area.
- What is the main limitation? The effect is temporary, and treatment requires medical expertise.
What is Botox treatment?
Botulinum toxin treatment is an injection procedure in which botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) blocks nerve signals to the muscle at the injection site. This causes the targeted muscle to relax temporarily.
When a muscle does not contract with normal intensity, the skin cannot wrinkle either. For this reason, botulinum toxin treatments are used specifically to treat expression lines and wrinkles.
The effect is localized, and botulinum toxin does not spread to other parts of the body at the doses used in cosmetic or medical treatments.
Cosmetic Botox
The most common areas for Botox treatment are the forehead and the glabellar lines between the eyebrows.
You can learn more about the different treatment areas here:
- Botox treatment for the forehead
- Botulinum toxin treatment for a frown line
- Botox treatment for the lips
- Nefertiti Lift for the Lower Face and Neck
- Forehead lines
Botox relaxes the forehead muscles and smooths out horizontal expression lines. - Sibelius lines
The crease between the eyebrows is often caused by intense muscle activity. Botox relaxes the muscle and refreshes the appearance.
Botox can reduce crow's feet that form at the outer corners of the eyes.- A subtle brow lift
In some cases, Botox treatment is also suitable for lifting the eyebrows. - Nose and mouth area
Botulinum toxin can be used, for example, to reshape the upper lip and nose. - Lower face
In some cases, botulinum toxin can also be used to balance muscle activity in the lower face. - Neck area
Botulinum toxin treatment for the neck can help reduce lines caused by the platysma muscle and a sagging jawline and jowls.
Medical botulinum toxin treatment
In addition to aesthetic treatments, botulinum toxin is also used to treat certain medical conditions.
- Bruxism
Botulinum toxin treatment can be used to reduce overactivity of the masticatory muscles and alleviate the symptoms of bruxism. Bruxismused to treat Botox can be obtained Kela-covered if bruxism is accompanied by functional headaches and the patient has a prescription from a doctor. In this case, the botulinum toxin medication can be purchased at a pharmacy with a 40% reimbursement from Kela prior to treatment.
- Migraine
Botulinum toxin is also used to treat chronic migraine based on specific medical criteria. Chronic migraine under treatment Botox is Kela-a reimbursable medication.
- Excessive sweating
Botox treatment can reduce the activity of sweat glands, for example, in cases of excessive underarm sweating. Botox used to treat excessive sweating is also a medication covered by Kela.
Ville Männistö's Botox Treatments in Finland
How does botulinum toxin treatment, or Botox, work?
Botox treatment targets the facial expression muscles that cause wrinkles as a result of repeated muscle contractions. Horizontal forehead wrinkles are associated with the frontalis muscle, while the glabellar lines between the eyebrows are primarily caused by the activation of the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles.
Botulinum toxin is sold as a prescription drug, and its active ingredient is typically botulinum toxin type A. It is used in medically justified injection treatments to relax muscles.
As a result of Botox treatment
- Repetitive expressions do not deepen the plot
- The skin becomes smoother and the features are slightly defined
- muscle tension is reduced and the transmission of pain signals is weakened
- Excessive sweating in the armpits, palms, or other treated areas subsides
Botox treatment does not fill in wrinkles or increase tissue volume. Its effect is primarily based on the regulation of muscle activity. The results of a well-planned and properly administered treatment are noticeable yet natural.
Botox treatment affects the neuromuscular junction
Botox acts on the neuromuscular junction. Normally, a nerve ending releases a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which causes the muscle cell to contract. When botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine from the nerve ending, the muscle does not receive the signal to contract as it normally would.
As a result of the treatment, muscle activity is temporarily reduced. The muscle does not become completely paralyzed; rather, its activity is gradually reduced over a period of a few months. Since the muscle contracts less than before, the skin over it wrinkles less than usual: expression lines become shallower and fade, and in some cases disappear completely.
The effect of botulinum toxin is based on the neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction. When the release of acetylcholine is blocked, the muscle cell does not receive the normal contraction signal. This temporarily reduces muscle activity and explains why botulinum toxin treatment can smooth out expression lines, such as forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines, and crow’s feet.
Who is a good candidate for Botox treatment, and who isn't?
Botox treatment is suitable for people whose facial expression lines are caused by repeated muscle contractions. Typical treatment areas include horizontal forehead lines, the glabellar lines between the eyebrows, and lines around the eyes.
The goal of the treatment is not to change the facial expression, but to reduce excessive muscle activity, so that the skin wrinkles less than before and the expression appears more relaxed than usual.
Botox may be the best solution if
- You have expression lines that are particularly noticeable when you move your face
- you want to reduce wrinkles without surgery
- you're aiming for a natural and subtle result
- you understand that the effect is temporary (about 3–6 months)
Botox treatment is not right for you if
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- you have certain neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia gravis)
- There is an active infection or skin inflammation at the injection site
- you expect a permanent or completely transformative outcome
Why isn't Botox right for everyone?
Botox works at the neuromuscular junction by temporarily blocking muscle contraction. If wrinkles are primarily caused by structural changes in the skin (such as thinning of the skin or weakening of the connective tissue), Botox treatment alone is usually not sufficient.
For this reason, the suitability of treatment is always assessed on an individual basis during the consultation.
The Role and Responsibilities of a Doctor or Dentist
Botulinum toxin treatment is always planned based on facial anatomy and muscle function. Even for the same wrinkle, the underlying cause can vary from person to person. This affects the choice of treatment and the final result. It should also be noted that a physician or dentist is always responsible for planning and administering botulinum toxin treatments. By law, nurses are not permitted to independently plan or administer botulinum toxin treatments.
Botox Treatment for the Face and Neck
Botox treatments can target various muscles in the face and neck.
The treatment plan is always based on a comprehensive assessment of the face, rather than on treating a single wrinkle.
The goal is to achieve a harmonious and naturally relaxed facial appearance, as well as a youthful-looking neck. This goal is achieved by balancing muscle activity in the face and neck:
- The muscles that pull the face downward and cause wrinkles are relaxed.
- The muscles that define the contours are left untouched.
This approach gives the face a youthful and fresh appearance without making your expression look unnatural or strange.
Horizontal lines on the forehead
Botulinum toxin treatment for the forehead reduces contraction of the forehead muscles. As the muscles relax, skin wrinkling decreases and fine lines become less noticeable.
In forehead Botox treatment, the injection sites are planned based on the anatomy of the frontalis muscle. This muscle is responsible for raising the eyebrows and causing horizontal forehead wrinkles. When muscle activity is reduced in a controlled manner, forehead lines become less pronounced or disappear completely.
Botox treatment gently reduces the activity of the forehead muscles.
When the muscle contracts less than usual, the skin overlying it cannot wrinkle. As a result, fine lines are completely smoothed out, and even deep wrinkles are significantly reduced.
When undergoing Botox treatments for the forehead, the following must be taken into account
- the natural position of the corners
- the shape of the eyelids and any age-related changes to the eyelids
- muscle balance between the forehead and the eyebrows
Excessive relaxation of the forehead muscles can cause the eyebrows to droop, which is why the dosage must always be tailored to the individual. Read more about drooping eyebrows.
Horizontal forehead lines are caused by repeated contraction of the forehead muscle, for example when raising the eyebrows. On young skin, these lines are mainly visible when making facial expressions, but over time, lines and wrinkles begin to appear even when the face is at rest. Many female patients notice their first permanent expression lines around the ages of 30–40, when hormonal changes begin to affect the entire body—including the skin.
Botox Treatment for the Sibelius Line: How Is the Line Between the Eyebrows Treated?
Botulinum toxin treatment for the glabellar lines relaxes the muscle between the eyebrows. As the muscle’s contractile force decreases, the vertical line becomes less pronounced. The treatment typically targets the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles.
The glabellar line, or the crease between the eyebrows, forms when the muscles in the glabellar region are repeatedly activated—for example, when a person is concentrating or squinting. Repeatedly furrowing the brows can give the face a tense, worried, or even angry look.
Botulinum toxin can reduce the contraction of these muscles, thereby
- the groove evens out or disappears completely
- their expression brightens
- the overall expression of the face becomes friendlier and more serene than before
When treating a Sibelius wrinkle, the goal is not a lack of expression but a natural change.
How the Price of Botox Treatments Is Determined
The cost of Botox treatment is primarily influenced by the area being treated, the amount of product used, and the extent to which muscle activity is to be reduced. The practitioner’s level of training and experience also play a role, as does the clinic’s location.
Each treatment is tailored to the individual, so the price is always determined based on a personal assessment.
Botox is a prescription medication, and the dosage is always determined based on safety and treatment goals. Therefore, an accurate cost estimate can only be provided once the treatment area and dosage have been determined.
Crow's feet (around the eyes)
Botulinum toxin treatment around the eyes reduces laugh lines by relaxing the muscles at the outer corners of the eyes. As muscle movement decreases, skin wrinkling is reduced and fine lines are smoothed out. The goal of the treatment is to preserve facial expressiveness while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
The crow's feet that form at the outer corners of the eyes are caused by the activation of the orbicularis oculi muscle when a person smiles or squints.
With botulinum toxin treatment, muscle activity can be weakened in a controlled manner so that
- the chickweed is sprouting
- your horizons broaden
- Your smile remains natural and your overall expression lively
The amount applied should be moderate so as not to restrict movement around the eyes too much.
The orbicularis oculi muscle pulls the outer corner of the eye inward, causing crow’s feet to form at the corners of the eyes. If the outer corners of the eyes are left untreated but, for example, the forehead is treated, this can result in creases forming above the corners, which become visible when the corners are raised. In the worst case, leaving the outer corners of the eyes untreated can also cause the corners to droop.
(Ville Männistö)
Lip flip and other botulinum toxin treatments for the mouth area
A lip flip is a botulinum toxin treatment that reduces the activity of the muscles around the upper lip. This can turn the edge of the lip slightly outward, making the upper lip visible even when smiling. Botox treatments in the mouth area do not increase lip volume but affect the function of the muscles surrounding the lips.
Botox treatment does not plump the lips, but rather
- turn the red area upward and outward
- reduce excessive gum visibility
- reduces vertical lines above the upper lip (so-called "smoker's lines")
In the oral region, the effects of botulinum toxin are mild and vary from person to person.
In practice, the first lip flip is a trial treatment used to assess the patient's individual response to treatment.
(Ville Männistö)
Lifting the corners of the mouth with Botox
Activity in the DAO muscles, which pull the corners of the mouth downward, can accentuate a gloomy, tired-looking, or tense expression. When the activity of these muscles is reduced, the position of the corners of the mouth may change slightly.
The goal of Botox treatment in this area is usually
- raise the corners of your mouth slightly
- brighten up a gloomy expression
- balances the muscle activity in the lower part of the face
The treatment works by weakening the action of the DAO muscles, which pull the corners of the mouth downward. This can alter the muscular balance in the lower part of the face, making the mouth area appear more lively than before.
When planning treatment, I always take into account the muscle balance of the entire lower face.
(Ville Männistö)
Facial slimming
When botulinum toxin treatment is administered to the masseter muscles, it reduces excessive activity in the masticatory muscles. Overactivity of the masticatory muscles is often associated with bruxism, or teeth grinding. As the muscle’s contractile force weakens, bite force may decrease, bruxism symptoms may be alleviated, and the face may appear slimmer.
The masseter muscles are located at the corners of the mouth. They are the strongest chewing muscles in the face and, together with the temporalis muscles located at the temples, account for a large part of the biting force. In some people, the masseter muscles are naturally very strong, but the muscle can also grow as a result of bruxism, or teeth grinding, for example.
When botulinum toxin is injected into the masseter muscles, muscle activity decreases and bite force weakens slightly. The treatment does not prevent normal eating or speaking, but it can reduce muscle strain and tension.
Botulinum toxin treatment for the masseter muscles can help with the following conditions, for example:
-
-
- pain and tension in the masticatory muscles
- clenching and grinding of the teeth
- bruxism, or teeth grinding
- a pronounced width of the lower part of the face
-
As activity in the masseter muscles decreases, the muscle may shrink slightly over time. For this reason, botulinum toxin treatment can slim the lower face. The aesthetic slimming of the face occurs gradually as muscle mass decreases in the weeks following treatment.
- Pain in the chewing muscles subsides
- Teeth grinding and clenching decrease
- The lower part of the face tapers slightly
The masseter muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the face and is involved in closing the teeth together. If the muscle is highly developed—for example, as a result of bruxism, or teeth grinding —it can make the lower part of the face appear wider.
Botulinum toxin treatment works by temporarily reducing the activity of the jaw muscles, which can decrease muscle tension and naturally slim the lower face.
Botulinum toxin treatment for teeth grinding
Teeth grinding is a disorder of the masticatory muscles that can cause pain, headaches, fatigue, and tooth wear, even chipping. Symptoms often occur at night, but in many patients, unconscious jaw clenching during the day also places constant strain on the masticatory muscles.
Botulinum toxin can be used to treat teeth grinding when excessive tension in the masticatory muscles causes clear symptoms and a bite splint or other conservative treatment alone is not sufficient.
When treating teeth grinding, the effects of botulinum toxin treatment typically last 3–6 months. If the response to treatment is good, the procedure can be repeated up to three times a year.
(Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Ville Männistö)
How does Botox treatment affect the masticatory muscles?
When treating teeth grinding, botulinum toxin is carefully injected into all the masticatory muscles and sometimes also into the neck and shoulder area. The medication blocks the action of acetylcholine released from nerve endings, thereby causing a controlled reduction in the contractile force of the masticatory muscles.
After Botox treatment
- the biting force of the masseter and temporalis muscles decreases
- overactive jaw muscles are able to relax
- Symptoms associated with teeth grinding, such as pain, tension, and fatigue, are relieved
Botox—or botulinum toxin—treatment does not paralyze the chewing muscles. However, it does reduce the excessive force exerted by the muscles during chewing.
Chewing and daily activities are no problem after treatment.
Who is this treatment suitable for?
Botox treatment may be the best option if
- The masticatory muscles are clearly hypertrophic (highly developed)
- Teeth grinding causes pain, fatigue, or damage to the teeth
- A mouthguard alone is not enough to alleviate the symptoms associated with teeth grinding
- teeth grinding is accompanied by headaches or facial tension
The suitability of treatment is always assessed on an individual basis during a clinical examination. Not all jaw pain is caused by teeth grinding, which is why an accurate diagnosis is important before botulinum toxin treatment.
What results can be expected?
The effects typically begin within a few days and intensify over the following two weeks.
Most patients experience
- a reduction in teeth grinding
- relief of symptoms associated with teeth grinding
Any aesthetic changes—namely, a slight narrowing of the lower part of the face—typically develop more slowly than the health effects. This narrowing becomes apparent gradually as the masseter muscle mass decreases.
Read about Matilda's experience with Botox treatment for teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding puts strain on the masseter and temporalis muscles. Botulinum toxin treatment reduces the activity of these muscles in a controlled manner. The treatment can relieve jaw tension and reduce the associated symptoms of teeth grinding.
Botox treatment for migraines
Botulinum toxin can be used to treat chronic migraine when headaches are recurrent and significantly interfere with daily life.
The goal of treating migraines with botulinum toxin is to prevent the release of pain-related substances. When these substances are not released, the frequency of migraine attacks decreases and associated symptoms are alleviated. The central nervous system, which has become hypersensitive to pain, may also be calmed.
Botox treatment for migraines is tailored to each individual based on their specific symptoms.
Who is a good candidate for botulinum toxin treatment for migraines?
Botulinum toxin treatment may be considered when
- I get headaches several days a month
- The migraine has become chronic
- standard medications are not effective or cause side effects
The suitability of the treatment is always assessed before the procedure.
Not all headache patients benefit from botulinum toxin treatment, and it is wise to approach the first Botox treatment as a trial to assess the individual’s response to the treatment.
(Ville Männistö)
How is the treatment administered?
In botulinum toxin treatment for migraines, several muscle groups in the head and neck are treated according to a precisely defined injection protocol. The treatment takes between ten and twenty minutes. After the treatment, the patient can resume their normal daily activities.
The effects begin gradually, and the treatment’s effectiveness is typically assessed about two weeks after treatment.
What kind of treatment outcomes can be achieved?
Many patients feel
- a decrease in the number of migraine days
- as the intensity of the episode subsides
- a reduction in the need for medication
The effects of Botox treatment typically last about three months, after which the treatment can be repeated based on an individual assessment.
The Safety of Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Migraines
Botulinum toxin treatment for migraines is a medical procedure performed using a prescription medication. The treatment plan is based on a thorough evaluation and safe dosing. If you’d like to find out whether botulinum toxin treatment might be a suitable option for managing your migraines, you can start by scheduling a free consultation.
The Botulinum Toxin Treatment Process
Botox treatment is a quick procedure, but it must be planned carefully. Every treatment should begin with a thorough evaluation and consultation.
1. Consultation and anatomical assessment
Before administering injections, the doctor or dentist will discuss the following with the patient, for example
- the customer's wishes and goals
- from previous botulinum toxin treatments
- any medical conditions and medications
Facial muscle function must be assessed both at rest and during facial expressions. Botulinum toxin treatment must be tailored to each individual; it should not follow a standard protocol.
2. Planning and Administration of Injections
- The injection sites are marked.
- Botox is injected into carefully selected muscles using a fine needle.
The procedure usually takes 5–15 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.
The sensation of pain is most often compared to an insect bite. There is no need to numb the skin, but if the patient is highly sensitive to pain, topical anesthesia may be considered.
3. After treatment
After a Botox treatment, the client can return to their normal daily routine.
The effects begin to show within a few days and stabilize within about two weeks.
What happens after treatment?
The aftercare guidelines, updated based on the latest research findings, can be found here: After Botox injections.
4. Inspection visit
The price of the Botox treatment includes a follow-up visit 2–4 weeks later.
The inspection assesses
- the balance of the final result
- the need for additional botulinum toxin
- patient satisfaction
- the ideal timing for follow-up visits
If necessary, additional Botox can be administered to the areas treated during the follow-up visit at no extra charge.
How long do the effects of Botox last?
At my clinic, a Botox treatment typically takes 20–30 minutes. A thorough consultation and treatment planning take up most of that time; the injections themselves take only a few minutes.
(Ville Männistö)
The results of Botox treatment typically last for three to six months.
When do the results of Botox treatment become visible, and how long do they last?
The duration of the results of Botox treatment varies from person to person. Factors that affect the duration include, for example
- muscle group targeted
- dose administered
- individual metabolism
- number of previous treatment sessions
Regular botulinum toxin treatments may, over time, prolong the duration of the effect in some patients. Typically, the results of the first treatment wear off within three months, and with regular follow-up treatments, the intervals between treatments can be extended to six months.
(Ville Männistö)
Is botulinum toxin treatment, or Botox, safe?
Botulinum toxin has been used in medicine for decades and in approved aesthetic treatments for over 20 years. When performed correctly, botulinum toxin treatment is a safe procedure, and its results are highly predictable.
Safety is based on four factors:
- A thorough understanding of anatomy
- The correct dosage
- A botulinum toxin medication purchased at a pharmacy and stored properly
- Careful patient selection
Each patient’s face must be assessed as a whole before treatment. This helps avoid uneven results and minimizes the risks associated with treatment.
The effects of Botox are always temporary, which makes the treatment easier to manage and safer. A follow-up visit is included in the total cost of the procedure, and during the follow-up, the results can be enhanced with small additional injections. If necessary, the treatment plan can be further adjusted during subsequent visits.
(Ville Männistö)
The effects of Botox do not begin immediately after the injections. Most patients notice the first changes within 2–4 days, as muscle activity begins to decrease. The full effect is usually achieved after about two weeks.
The duration of the effects of botulinum toxin treatment depends on the muscle being treated as well as individual factors.
Botox Treatment: Risks and Safety
Botox treatment is a medical procedure, and like all injection treatments, it carries potential side effects. However, when properly planned and administered, Botox treatment is generally well tolerated. Ultimately, a doctor or dentist is always responsible for the use of Botox.
Any potential risks are always discussed before treatment begins. The treatment is safe, but of course it is not entirely risk-free.
(Ville Männistö)
The most common and temporary side effects
Side effects of Botox treatment are almost always mild and temporary. Side effects may include
- a small bump at the injection site
- mild swelling
- bruise
- temporary soreness
These side effects usually go away within a few days.
Rare but possible side effects
Botulinum toxin acts locally at the neuromuscular junction.
In some cases—especially if the medication spreads beyond the treatment area—the following may occur:
- temporary drooping of the eyebrow or upper eyelid
- asymmetry
- a feeling of heaviness in the forehead
These effects are also temporary and will resolve over time. Precise injection technique and proper dosing significantly reduce the risk of these side effects.
Medical contraindications
Botox treatments are not performed
- during pregnancy or while breastfeeding
- if the patient has certain neuromuscular disorders
- if there is active inflammation in the treatment area
- if it has been less than three months since your last botulinum toxin treatment
Any existing medical conditions and medications are always reviewed before treatment.
How is safety ensured?
Safety depends on a few factors:
- For a precise anatomical assessment
- Proper storage and preparation of botulinum toxin
- For the administration of botulinum toxin
- Careful patient selection
Would you like to read a more detailed safety guide?
This page provides a brief overview of side effects. A detailed safety guide can be found here.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s training and professional experience provide a deep understanding of the facial nerve and muscle structures. This medical knowledge is essential for administering botulinum toxin treatments effectively and safely.
(Ville Männistö)
Results of Botox treatment
The "before" and "after" photos were taken with the eyes in so-called "extreme expressions"
(e.g., maximum squinting, maximum raising of the eyebrows)
Ville Männistö's Botox Treatments
The informational content of this Botox guide was compiled by oral and maxillofacial surgeon Ville Männistö. Over the course of his career, Ville has performed tens of thousands of Botox treatments:
- Aesthetic and medical Botox treatments since 2016
- Leading Botox training programs since 2018
- Dentist since 2009
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon since 2023
- Education: University of Oulu
- In-depth knowledge of facial anatomy and function
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ville.aesthetic
“Botulinum toxin treatment is based on medical research evidence. As part of my doctoral research, I am participating in a study on botulinum toxin treatments for the masticatory muscles. The research findings have been published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.”
Image Consultation
The consultation can also be conducted using photos. You can send Ville a few photos of your face along with a brief description of your preferences. Based on the photos, Ville will assess your situation and provide a recommendation for treatments that are right for you, along with their costs.
Ville reviews photo consultations once a week, usually on Fridays. He will respond to you personally. All photos and messages are treated confidentially.
Frequently Asked Questions About Botox Treatments
What is botulinum toxin treatment?
Botulinum toxin treatment involves injecting botulinum toxin into carefully selected muscles. The goal of the treatment is to reduce excessive muscle activity. In aesthetic medicine, botulinum toxin treatment is most commonly used to treat expression lines. It can also be used to promote health, for example, to treat bruxism, migraines, and excessive sweating.
Is botulinum toxin treatment the same thing as Botox?
In practice, yes.
Botox is one brand of botulinum toxin products. Other products used in Finland include Dysport and Bocouture.
In everyday language, almost all botulinum toxin treatments are referred to as Botox treatments, regardless of which manufacturer’s product is used. Therefore, the terms “botulinum toxin treatment” and “Botox” usually mean the same thing.
For example, Botox for the forehead, Botox for the glabellar lines, Botox for crow's feet, and Botox for bruxism are all botulinum toxin treatments.
What is botulinum toxin treatment used for?
Botox treatments can be used for both cosmetic and medical purposes.
Common aesthetic treatment areas include
- Frown lines
- horizontal lines on the forehead
- chickweed
- gummy smile
- lip flip
- lifting the corners of the mouth
- masseter treatments
Medical indications include, among others
- bruxism
- migraine
- excessive sweating
- white-fingeredness
- tennis elbow
- certain muscle-related pain conditions
Is botulinum toxin treatment performed by a doctor better than that performed by a nurse?
The outcome of treatment depends above all on treatment planning, an understanding of anatomy, injection technique, and experience.
At many aesthetic clinics, botulinum toxin treatments are administered by both doctors and experienced nurses. Since botulinum toxin is a prescription medication, treatment must always be based on a doctor’s assessment and prescription.
From the patient's perspective, the most important thing is that treatment planning, medical responsibility, and implementation form a safe and cohesive whole.
Who is allowed to administer Botox in Finland?
Botulinum toxin (“Botox”) is a prescription drug.
The medical assessment of treatment and the prescription of medication are the responsibility of a physician. Treatment may be administered by a physician or a properly trained healthcare professional—such as a nurse—in accordance with the physician’s orders and the treatment plan.
How quickly does Botox start to work?
The first results are usually visible within 3 to 5 days of treatment.
The final treatment outcome is usually assessed after about 10 to 14 days.
How long do the effects of Botox last?
The effects usually last about 3 to 6 months.
The duration depends, among other things, on
- treatment area
- the product used
- dosing
- individual metabolism
Does Botox treatment hurt?
Most people describe the injections as small pinpricks, similar to an insect bite.
Botox treatments are administered using a very fine needle, and anesthesia is usually not required.
Can I go back to work after Botox treatment?
Yes, you can.
Most patients return to their normal daily routine immediately after treatment. Any redness or slight swelling at the injection site usually subsides within a few hours.
Can you still look natural after Botox treatment?
Yes.
The goal of modern botulinum toxin treatment is not usually a completely expressionless result. The goal is to reduce bothersome lines and balance muscle activity in a way that preserves the face’s natural expression.
Is Botox treatment safe?
Botox treatment can be considered safe when performed by a trained healthcare professional.
As with all medical procedures, botulinum toxin treatments are associated with potential side effects. The most common ones are
- tenderness at the injection site
- bruise
- mild swelling
- transient headache
Serious side effects are rare.
Can resistance to botulinum toxin treatment develop?
Yes, but that's rare.
Over the years, some people may develop neutralizing antibodies against botulinum toxin. In such cases, the treatment’s effectiveness may diminish or disappear entirely. However, the likelihood of resistance is low.
Who shouldn't get Botox?
Botox treatments are not usually performed
- during pregnancy
- while breastfeeding
- the area of active infection
- for people with certain neuromuscular disorders
The suitability of the treatment is always assessed during the consultation prior to the procedure.
How much does Botox treatment cost?
The price depends on the treatment area and the dose used.
at VM Aesthetics , the price for a at VM Aesthetics aesthetic treatment area is 270 euros. Combination treatments covering multiple areas are relatively more affordable.
What is the main benefit of Botox treatment?
The main benefit of Botox treatment is that it allows you to address excessive muscle activity and age-related changes caused by muscle activity without surgery.
In cosmetic applications, botulinum toxin treatment is used to smooth out wrinkles and refresh the appearance. In medical applications, the goal may be, for example, to reduce pain, teeth grinding, or excessive sweating.