Wrinkle treatment, masseter injections and treatment for excessive sweating have different goals and risks. This page explains assessment, aftercare and possible unwanted outcomes.
What is botulinum toxin, and how does it affect wrinkles?
Botulinum toxin injections temporarily reduce nerve signals reaching the treated muscle. This can soften the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle movement.
Dynamic lines that become more visible with expression differ from static lines visible at rest. Botulinum toxin alone may not be sufficient for established skin creases; suitable options are discussed during consultation.
Forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet
Planning treatment for the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes involves more than looking at lines. Brow position, eyelid structure, muscle activity and pre-existing asymmetry are assessed together.
Injection points and doses for forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet are individualised. Possible unwanted effects are discussed alongside the intended changes in each area.
Consultation and assessment before treatment
Share the dates and areas of previous botulinum toxin treatments, the products used and any adverse effects you experienced.
Medical conditions, allergies, medicines and supplements are assessed. Neuromuscular disorders, existing swallowing or breathing problems, certain antibiotics and muscle relaxants are particularly relevant. Report any recent treatment with another botulinum toxin product too.
Do not stop any medicine, including blood thinners, without consulting the prescribing doctor.
How are injections performed, and how long do they take?
After the treatment areas are assessed and cleaned, injections are given at selected points with fine needles. The injection stage may take approximately 5–15 minutes, depending on the areas treated. I do not use a topical numbing cream.
Stinging, tenderness or pinpoint bleeding can occur at injection sites. Consultation and preparation take additional time.
When does botulinum toxin start working, and how long does it last?
The effect is not immediate. Initial changes are usually noticed within a few days. I review the treatment at 10–15 days.
In my practice, effects generally last approximately 4–6 months. Product, treatment area, dose and individual characteristics affect duration. The same result or duration cannot be promised after every treatment.
Review and repeat treatments
At review, I assess muscle activity, symmetry, the intended changes and any symptoms. Examination determines whether any additional treatment is appropriate.
Repeat treatment is planned according to the previous date and the product information. Excessively frequent treatment or high doses can contribute to unwanted effects and reduced treatment response.
What should you do after botulinum toxin injections?
In my own aftercare protocol:
- I recommend not showering on the day of treatment.
- I ask patients to avoid strenuous exercise, Turkish baths and saunas for the first week.
- I recommend avoiding rubbing, massaging or significant pressure on the treated area.
- I plan a review at 10–15 days.
Daily activities are adjusted to the treatment scope and how you feel afterwards. Redness, tenderness, swelling or bruising may occur.
Masseter injections: jaw clenching and chewing muscles
The masseter is one of the chewing muscles. Symptoms of clenching or grinding and the lower facial appearance related to muscle size can be assessed together.
The intended changes are discussed in relation to muscle structure, jaw-joint symptoms, dental condition and other possible causes. Assessment for bruxism may also require a dental examination and consideration of other treatments.
Reduced chewing strength, smile asymmetry and effects on nearby muscles are explained separately. Complete or permanent relief of symptoms cannot be guaranteed.
Botulinum toxin for excessive sweating
Botulinum toxin may reduce sweating by decreasing nerve signals reaching sweat glands. For concerns such as underarm or palm sweating, the pattern and possible causes should be assessed first.
Treatment area, product choice, expected effects and risks are considered individually. The selected product's licensed indications may differ by treatment site.
When should treatment be avoided or specially assessed?
A known allergy to the selected product or its ingredients and active infection at the injection site must be assessed.
Cosmetic treatment is postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Neuromuscular disorders, swallowing or breathing difficulties and certain medicines require special assessment. Always report problems after a previous injection.
Possible risks and unwanted outcomes
Every medical intervention, procedure and operation carries risks. Depending on the intervention and the person's health, death, disability, and temporary and/or permanent unwanted functional and/or aesthetic outcomes may occur.
No medical intervention, procedure or operation guarantees that the patient's desired result or results will be achieved.
Risks vary in frequency and severity. The treatment area, product, dose and individual health matter.
Open the headings to read the relevant risk explanations.
Injection-site risks
- Pain and tenderness. Pain, stinging or tenderness may occur.
- Bleeding and bruising. Bleeding or bruising can develop at needle entry sites.
- Redness and swelling. Redness or swelling may occur.
- Infection. An infection may require further assessment and treatment.
- Dizziness and fainting. Needles or anxiety about treatment can cause dizziness or fainting.
Risks involving the eye area and vision
- Brow or eyelid drooping. The eyebrow or upper eyelid may droop.
- Changes in eyelid movement. Eyelid movement and blinking may be affected.
- Dryness, watering and light sensitivity. Dry eyes, watering or sensitivity to light may occur.
- Visual problems. Blurred or double vision may develop and require ophthalmology assessment and treatment.
- Lower eyelid and under-eye appearance. Outward turning of the lower eyelid or more prominent under-eye bags may occur.
Facial expression, mouth and chewing risks
- Asymmetry and expression changes. Asymmetry, greater-than-expected reduction in expression or changes in the smile may develop.
- Difficulty moving the lips. Lip movement may be affected, with liquids leaking from the mouth.
- Chewing difficulty. Difficulty chewing may occur, particularly after treatment of a chewing muscle.
- Lip and cheek appearance. Lip drooping or cheek laxity may develop.
- Unmet expectations. The effect may be insufficient, or appearance may not meet expectations.
General, allergic and distant effects
- Headache and general symptoms. Headache, weakness, nausea or a dry mouth may occur.
- Allergic reactions. Reactions to the product or its ingredients may develop. Serious reactions can require emergency treatment.
- Generalised muscle weakness. Spread of the toxin's effects beyond the treatment area can cause serious problems such as generalised muscle weakness.
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing or breathing. Speech, swallowing or breathing difficulties may develop. Symptoms can appear hours, days or weeks after injections.
Additional risks when treating sweating
- Local symptoms. Pain, tenderness, bruising or temporary weakness may occur in the treated area.
- Sweating response. Sweating may not decrease as expected, or increased sweating elsewhere may be noticed.
- Numbness. Numbness may occur in the treated area.
Seek emergency medical help if you develop difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing. In Türkiye, call 112 or attend an emergency department, and inform your treatment team.
This information does not replace individual examination, discussion with your doctor or the pretreatment informed consent process. Reading it does not constitute consent to treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is botulinum toxin snake venom?
No. It is a protein derived from a bacterium and prepared for medical use.
What is the difference between botulinum toxin and fillers?
Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces muscle activity. Fillers aim to support volume or contour depending on the product and treatment site. Line type and anatomy determine which option may be suitable.
Can botulinum toxin and fillers be used together?
They may be planned together in suitable patients. Areas, products and individual risks determine the order and timing.
Can my face look frozen or asymmetrical afterwards?
Yes. These are possible unwanted outcomes. Individual planning aims to reduce the risks but cannot guarantee their elimination.
What happens when the effect wears off?
As the effect decreases, muscle movements and associated lines may become more noticeable again. Treatment does not stop ageing.
Can men have treatment too?
Suitability is determined individually. Muscle structure, facial characteristics and expectations are considered in planning.
At what age can cosmetic botulinum toxin be considered?
Cosmetic treatment is assessed in adults according to individual need. Medical use for certain childhood conditions does not imply that cosmetic injections are appropriate for children.
Are units of different botulinum toxin products equivalent?
No. Units are product-specific and doses from different products are not directly interchangeable. This is why the previous product and treatment date matter.
What affects wrinkle treatment costs in Antalya?
Costs depend on treatment areas, the selected product, required dose and treatment scope. Masseter or excessive sweating treatment may involve a different plan from facial wrinkle treatment.
Your individual treatment plan is determined after consultation.
References
Personal information about treatment, follow-up and duration reflects the surgeon's stated practice. Medicine information should be considered with the current patient leaflet for the selected product and individual assessment. Adverse-event frequencies for other conditions or treatment areas have not been directly applied to wrinkle treatment. The English version follows the current Turkish page. Last updated: 26 October 2026.
- Botulinum Toxin Treatment Patient Information and Consent Form. Procedure and risk information from the surgeon-supplied document has been adapted for the website. Document supplied: 25 October 2026.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Botulinum Toxin ↗
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Botulinum Toxin Results ↗
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Botulinum Toxin Risks and Safety ↗
- American Academy of Dermatology — Botulinum Toxin Therapy: Preparation ↗
- MHRA — Botulinum Toxin Type A Products: Updated Warnings Regarding Risk of Iatrogenic Botulism, 15 July 2026 ↗