Botox is the most frequently performed medical aesthetic procedure in the world. Even so, first-time patients always arrive with the same questions: will I look frozen, how long does it last, how many units do I need? Below are the questions we hear most often at our clinic.
1. Botox does not erase wrinkles — it prevents them
Botulinum toxin reduces excessive muscle contraction, which makes it highly effective on dynamic lines created by movement. Deep lines that remain visible at rest may need more: this is where fillers or skin treatments come in.
2. Dosing is personal — there is no standard number
Muscle strength can vary threefold between individuals, so there is no universal 20 units for the forehead. We assess your muscles in motion and plan exactly the dose you need.
3. You will not see the effect immediately
The first change appears on day 3 and the result settles between days 10 and 14. We therefore recommend treatment at least two weeks before any important event.
4. A natural result depends on technique as much as dose
The same dose placed differently produces entirely different results. A dose accidentally delivered to brow-elevating fibres can cause the brow to drop — a detail that only comes with experience.
5. Do not expect pain during treatment
The needles used are finer than insulin needles. Most patients describe a sensation similar to an ant bite. Topical anaesthetic cream is available if you prefer.
6. The treatment takes 15 minutes; preparation takes longer
The injections themselves take 10–15 minutes, but we recommend allowing 45 minutes in total for the examination, expression analysis and photographic record.
7. The first four hours matter
Do not lie down, bend your head forward or massage the area. This rule prevents the toxin from spreading beyond the target muscle.
8. Side effects are rare and temporary
The most common are small bruises and a mild headache lasting a few hours. Issues such as brow asymmetry can usually be corrected with a touch-up and are never permanent.
9. Price is determined by units
Be cautious of flat per-area pricing: it usually means either too much or too little product. Transparent clinics tell you in writing how many units were used.
10. The review session should never be negotiable
The day-10 review is where the result is assessed and a complimentary touch-up performed if needed. Think twice before choosing a clinic that does not include it.
In summary
Good botox never makes you look like someone else; it simply makes you look rested. When the right physician, the right dose and realistic expectations come together, the result is almost always satisfying.
