Botox is used to soften expression lines on the forehead and around the eyes. It is also used in excessive sweating and in chronic migraine. At her practice in Çankaya, Ankara, Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya plans botox injections after an examination.

What Is Botox?

Botox is a toxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When it is injected into a muscle, it temporarily reduces how much that muscle moves. Because the muscle moves less, the lines caused by that movement look less pronounced.

Where Is Botox Applied?

Forehead and Between the Brows

The areas where expression lines show most. Horizontal forehead lines and the frown line between the brows are treated here.

Around the Eyes

Crow's feet at the outer corners of the eyes, which can add to a tired look.

Excessive Sweating

Botox is used in hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the underarms, palms and forehead.

What Is Botox Used For?

  • Softening lines on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes
  • Reducing excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • Chronic migraine, together with a neurology assessment
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism), when the chewing muscle is involved

What Is Assessed at the Consultation?

At the examination, your facial movements, the position of your brows and eyelids and the movement that brings out each line are looked at. The dose and the number of injection points are set from this examination, so the same plan is not used for everyone. Tell your doctor about the medications you take, the illnesses you have had and whether you have had botox before.

Why a Physician Should Do It Botox must be injected by a physician. Because it acts on muscle activity, the dose and the injection points have to be chosen correctly, and they depend on your own anatomy. This is decided at the examination.

The Procedure

A botox session takes about 10-20 minutes, and you can return to daily life right away. It is done with very fine needles, so you feel a slight prick during the injection. How much discomfort you feel differs from person to person.

When Does It Start and How Long Does It Last?

  • The effect begins to show within 3-7 days
  • The full effect takes about 2 weeks, and the assessment is made after that
  • It lasts about 4-6 months, depending on the person and the area, and then fades
Who It Is Not Suitable For Botox is not given during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with an active infection, with a neuromuscular disease, or with a known allergy to botulinum toxin. Personal suitability is assessed at the examination.

Possible Side Effects

The most common are small bruises at the injection site, slight swelling and a short-lived headache. Rarely, a temporary droop of the eyelid or brow, or a difference between the two sides, can appear. These are usually temporary and are assessed at a follow-up with your doctor.

When to Contact Your Doctor Right Away

  • Marked drooping of the eyelid or a problem with vision
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Widespread muscle weakness
  • A widespread rash, itching or swelling of the face

Aftercare

  • Do not lie down for the first 4 hours
  • Do not massage or rub the treated area for the first 24 hours
  • Avoid intense exercise and heat such as saunas on the first day
  • Alcohol is not recommended in the first 24 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

From what age can botox be applied?
Botox is generally given to adults over 18. Whether it is suitable is decided at the examination, based on your skin and your concerns.

Does the face look frozen after botox?
With the right dose and technique, unwanted lines soften while a natural expression is kept. The aim is not to switch off all facial movement.

Is the effect of botox permanent?
No, the effect is temporary. It lasts about 4-6 months, and the injection is repeated when it wears off.

Can botox and filler be done in the same session?
Yes. They target different areas, so they can usually be done in the same session. The exact plan is made at the examination.

Does botox hurt?
It is done with very fine needles, and you usually feel a slight prick. How much discomfort you feel differs from person to person.

How often is botox repeated?
The effect lasts about 4-6 months, so the timing of the next injection is set at the examination, based on how long the effect lasted and on the area.

Is botox given during pregnancy?
No. Botox is not given during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

When Botox Is Not Enough

Botox softens lines caused by muscle movement. It does not correct excess skin on the eyelid or the shape of the nose. If the upper eyelid sags noticeably, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may be discussed. If you want a change in nose shape, rhinoplasty in Ankara is the option to look at. Which method suits you is decided at the examination.