The Benefits of Botox Injections
Botox—short for botulinum toxin—is used to temporarily relax specific facial muscles to smooth expression lines and soften wrinkles. It is a safe and well-studied treatment with minimal side effects and can be used repeatedly over time.
The cost of a Botox injection ranges from €300 to €900, depending on the number of areas treated.
What Is Botox and How Does It Work?
Botox is a purified protein derived from bacteria. When injected in tiny amounts just beneath the skin, it works by blocking nerve signals that trigger muscle contraction. As the treated muscle relaxes, the wrinkles caused by its movements become less visible—or disappear entirely.
- Onset: 2–3 days after injection
- Peak effect: 3 weeks
- Duration: 4 to 6 months
How Is Botox Performed?
Botox is administered in the office without the need for anesthesia. For particularly sensitive individuals, Emla® numbing cream can be applied two hours before treatment.
The Process:
- The skin is disinfected.
- Target areas are marked while you contract the relevant muscles.
- Injections are performed with fine needles in a session lasting just a few minutes.
Common Treatment Areas:
- Frown lines (between the eyebrows)
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet (outer eye corners)
- Bunny lines (on the sides of the nose)
- Drooping nasal tip (when smiling)
- Gummy smile treatment
- Downturned mouth treatment (lip lift blocking the depressor anguli oris muscle)
- Jaw sliming for patients with hypertrophy of the masseter muscles
- Platysmal neck bands (Nefertiti Lift)
Aftercare Instructions:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, lying down, or exaggerated facial movements for at least two hours.
- Do not massage or rub the treated areas for 24 hours.
- Some mild marks may remain temporarily but fade quickly.
Results appear within 2–4 days, with optimal effects around 3 weeks. The initial results typically last 3 to 4 months. If you maintain regular intervals (3–4 months during the first year), you can often space treatments every 6 months thereafter.
A new toxin Relfydess was launched in early 2025. Its effect is set up earlier, more powerful and can last up to 6 months.
Our Approach to Botox
We use Azzalure® (Botulinum Toxin A) in over 60% of our cases. It is potent and long-lasting, particularly effective for men. Depending on the desired effect, we may also use Vistabel® or Bocouture®.We avoid injections near the upper part of the mouth, as even in expert hands, it may result in temporary smile asymmetry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Botox Dangerous?
No. Although derived from a toxic substance, Botox is administered in extremely low doses, making it completely safe when injected by a qualified professional. However, it is contraindicated in patients with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., myasthenia) and during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What Types of Botulinum Toxin Are Available?
- Vistabel (Allergan): Gold standard with robust clinical data.
- Azzalure (Galderma): Powerful, especially effective in male patients.
- Bocouture (Merz): The mildest toxin. Its effect is slightly less powerful than that of other toxins. We reserve it for cases of allergy to other toxins.
- Letybo (Croma): Korean alternative to Vistabel with a cheaper price
- Relfydess (Galderma): Made from an original strain of Relabotulinumtoxin A, it is the latest toxin to be authorised in France. Presented already diluted with a volume of 1.5 mL, it gives powerful, long-lasting results.
How Do You Avoid a “Frozen” Look?
Our tailored approach starts with a detailed facial assessment. By mapping your facial muscle activity, we can customize the dose to achieve a natural result—such as preserving slight brow elevation while softening wrinkles.
What Are the Possible Complications?
- Temporary headache (rare)
- Mild asymmetry (e.g., uneven brows), correctable with a touch-up
- Mild eyelid drooping (ptosis) occurs in about 1 in 200 cases in literature. Nevertheless, since injecting the botox in a strictly subdermal plane, we haven’t experienced ptosis for the past 10 years.
- If you wish for a completely immobile forehead, keep in mind it can cause your eyebrows to lower, possibly worsening upper eyelid sagging—something to consider if a mini-lift or blepharoplasty might be a better solution.
Are There Long-Term Side Effects?
No. Botox is fully metabolized within 4 months and does not have known long-term neurological effects. However, some patients may develop mild allergic reactions or resistance to a specific brand. Switching products usually resolves this.
Botox Pricing
- Frown lines only: €300
- Frown lines + forehead: €450
- Full-face Botox (e.g., forehead, eyes, nose, jawline, neck): €900
Most patients repeat Botox injections 2 to 3 times per year.