Botulinum Toxin — Ankara

How it works

Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces the signal travelling from nerve to muscle. With less contraction, the skin above the muscle folds less and lines formed by expression soften.

An important consequence follows: the treatment only works on lines created by muscle movement. Lines caused by sun damage, volume loss or skin laxity will not improve with this method. That distinction is the first one made at the consultation.

Where it is used

• Forehead lines
• Vertical lines between the brows
• Lines at the outer corner of the eye
• Lines at the root of the nose
• Teeth grinding and the jaw muscle enlargement that follows

The last two are functional rather than aesthetic indications. For teeth grinding, a dental assessment is also requested.

Who it does not suit

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Disorders of the neuromuscular junction
• Active skin infection at the treatment site
• Known allergy to any component of the product

You need to declare all medication you take, particularly muscle relaxants and certain antibiotics, before treatment.

What to expect and what not to

The effect is not immediate. The first change is usually noticed after the third day and the result settles within two weeks. Assessment therefore waits two weeks, with a small adjustment at review if needed.

Dose selection determines whether the result looks natural. A high dose stops expression altogether and leaves a fixed appearance. The aim is not to remove expression but to reduce the excessive contraction that creates the line.

The effect fades over time and the muscles return to their previous strength. It is not a permanent treatment; if you want to continue, it is repeated at intervals.

Recovery

1. First 4 hours Do not massage the treated area and avoid bending forward for long periods.
2. First 24 hours Avoid heavy exercise, sauna and sunbeds. Minor redness and needle marks fade.
3. Days 3 to 7 The effect begins to show.
4. Week 2 The result settles. Review takes place now, with a small adjustment if needed.
5. Months 3 to 6 The effect fades. Treatment is repeated if you wish to continue.

These are average times; recovery varies from person to person.