What is Botox?

Botox is a natural, purified protein derived from Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It is a non-surgical, simple, and quick procedure that reduces wrinkles and lines caused by facial expressions. Botox is injected into specific facial muscles using fine needles, temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for wrinkles. Its effect is localized to the treated area and does not affect other regions.

How Do Wrinkles Form?

Facial aging is a complex natural process influenced by multiple factors. Genetic predisposition and gravity are unavoidable, while environmental factors such as sun exposure, diet, smoking, stress, sleep patterns, rapid weight changes, and skincare habits can partially accelerate aging.

Repeated facial expressions—smiling, frowning, surprise, or anger—cause underlying muscles to contract. Over time, this repeated movement forms wrinkles. The severity of wrinkles depends on expression frequency, skin and muscle structure, sun exposure, age, and gender.

Types of Lines:

Dynamic Lines: Temporary lines that appear with facial movements; may become permanent over time.
Static Lines: Permanent lines visible even when the face is at rest.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) reduces dynamic lines, delays their transformation into static lines, and minimizes the appearance of existing wrinkles.

How is Botox Applied?

The physician identifies the precise injection sites to achieve optimal results. Most procedures do not require anesthesia, although a topical anesthetic cream or ice may be applied for sensitive patients. Small amounts of Botox are injected into each targeted area. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, and patients can resume normal activities immediately.

Who Should Perform Botox?

Botox must be administered by a qualified physician familiar with facial anatomy and muscle structure. Proper injection technique preserves natural facial expressions while effectively reducing wrinkles. Inexperienced practitioners may cause undesirable effects, such as drooping eyelids.

Areas for Botox Application

Horizontal forehead lines
Frown lines between eyebrows
Crow’s feet (eye corners)
Lower eyelid wrinkles
Eyebrow shaping
Bunny lines on the nose
Nose tip lift
Gummy smile correction
Lip lines (smokers lines / barcode lines)
Chin wrinkles
Mini facelift (Nefertiti lift)
Horizontal neck lines
Vertical neck bands
Teeth grinding (bruxism)
Excessive sweating (underarms, palms, soles)
Migraine treatment

How Long Does Botox Last?

Effects start within 3–7 days and peak around day 15. Clinical results usually last 4–6 months. Long-term use (over 2 years) in the same area may increase durability.

Are There Side Effects?

Side effects are rare when administered by experienced professionals. Possible effects include:

Headache
Mild redness or bruising at injection site
Temporary drooping of eyelids (if improperly injected)

Patients taking aspirin, blood thinners, painkillers, gingko, ginseng, vitamin C, or alcohol may have a higher risk of bruising. Discontinuing these substances 5–7 days before treatment is recommended.

Is Botox Painful?

Patients may feel a brief, mild stinging, often compared to a mosquito bite. Topical anesthetic cream or cold compresses can reduce discomfort. Pain varies individually but usually resolves immediately after treatment.

Who Can Receive Botox?

Generally suitable for all adults with wrinkles, except for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those with certain neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis.

About Dr. Sedef Demirer

Dr. Sedef Demirer, based in Alsancak, Izmir, provides Botox treatments for:

Facial expression lines (forehead, crow’s feet, frown lines)
Excessive sweating (underarms, palms, soles)
Migraine
Teeth grinding
Face slimming

At our clinic, we offer various types of Botox treatments tailored to your needs — including Migraine Botox, Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis) Botox, and Masseter Botox for jawline slimming.

Learn more about each treatment below and discover which option is right for you.

Migraine Botox → /migraine-botox
Sweating Botox → /hyperhidrosis-botox
Masseter Botox → /masseter-botox

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