Botox, the commercial name for botulinum toxin (the active ingredient), is the most widely performed aesthetic treatment in the world. Initially used for medical purposes (neurology, ophthalmology, etc.), Botox is now highly popular in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. This substance, which comes in powder form, temporarily reduces the contraction of targeted muscles.
Botulinum toxin is used to reduce facial wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing the muscles responsible for these imperfections. Hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin are the two ultimate anti-aging treatments. They are essentials in aesthetic medicine for addressing skin aging.
This product is well known for treating frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles, but it also has many other indications, such as treating excessive sweating and bruxism.
Botulinum toxin is an aesthetic treatment widely used by both men and women to reduce the signs of aging.
While the motivations may differ, the desired results are the same : a younger, more rested, and natural appearance. For women, Botox is commonly used to smooth forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines.
Men, on the other hand, often seek treatment to soften wrinkles without completely freezing their expressions or altering their masculine appearance. Botox helps both genders maintain a fresh, dynamic look with subtle but visible results. The treatment is personalized and tailored to each patient's specific needs.
In the face, muscles are closely linked to the skin. Each time a muscle contracts, the skin moves with it. This leads first to the formation of dynamic wrinkles (expression lines), and later to static wrinkles (resting lines). Botox works by preventing the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger needed for muscle contraction, at the nerve ending. The muscle can no longer contract, the skin relaxes, and the wrinkles fade.
It has both aesthetic and functional effects :
L’injection de botox peut donner un résultat naturel ou figer la personne, cela dépend du souhait du patient et de la technique médicale employée.
Certains patients, préfèrent être complètement bloqués, à l’américaine, bien que le résultat naturel soit le plus plébiscité.
Du côté du médecin, des erreurs au moment de l’injection peuvent se faire au niveau de la dilution du produit, de la localisation des points injectés et des quantités utilisées pour chaque point. Cette absence de maîtrise technique est responsable de :
Hyaluronic acid is a gel used to fill hollow areas, add volume, or lift. It does not affect the muscles — muscle contractions continue after the injection. The result is immediate.
Botox is a powder that is reconstituted with saline solution for injection. Botulinum toxin only corrects wrinkles caused by muscle contraction.
The result becomes visible two days after injection and is fully set after seven days.
For muscle-related wrinkles, Botox is the first-line treatment. If the wrinkle persists, a hyaluronic acid injection can be added to make it disappear.
It depends on the condition being treated. For example, excessive sweating can be treated even at age 18.
The manufacturer advises not using Botox before the age of 18 or after 65.
In the aesthetic field, the indication is the appearance of static wrinkles. The age of onset varies from person to person and is linked to individual expressiveness.
If treatment is started too late, skin creases may already be deeply set and can be improved but not erased.
The best indication for Botox is prevention.
Don’t wait for wrinkles to become permanent — act before they appear.
Botox is the most performed aesthetic medicine procedure worldwide. Second in line are hyaluronic acid injections, followed by laser hair removal.
In 2012, nearly 3.3 million people in the United States received Botox : 2.9 million women and 340,000 men.
In Europe, the annual growth rate was 8.9% between 2019 and 2025.
Botox addresses a variety of aesthetic needs.
Botox frown lines
Treating the vertical lines between the eyebrows refreshes and lightens the gaze.
Botox crow's feet
The wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes are effectively treated, opening up the gaze.
Botox forehead wrinkles
The horizontal wrinkles on the forehead must be treated in a natural way to avoid freezing the patient’s expressions.
Botox jawline Slimming
This treatment is only effective in cases of hypertrophic masseter muscles. A wide jaw due to prominent bone structure is not a valid indication.
Eyebrow elevation is achieved by blocking the two depressor muscles of the eyebrows, which are also responsible for glabellar lines and crow’s feet.
Botox nose tip lift
The lifting of the nose tip is achieved by injecting Botox into the depressor muscle of the nasal septum.
Botox excessive sweating
Botox is the treatment of choice.
Several factors can contribute to this issue :
It is therefore important to consult a qualified and experienced doctor for Botox injections.
The face is analyzed both at rest and in motion. This evaluation is crucial to identify muscular balance, detect any asymmetries, and determine specific technical adjustments based on the patient’s anatomy.
There are different brands of Botox. Doctor Romano uses Azzalure, from the Galderma laboratory — a botulinum toxin that, according to studies, has the longest duration of effect.
The principle of the treatment is muscle blocking — the wrinkle itself is not injected, but rather the muscle.
Specific points adapted to the patient’s anatomy will be targeted.
The injection is quick. A very fine needle is used. No anesthesia is needed, the injection is almost painless. The product does not contain anesthetic (unlike hyaluronic acid). A warming sensation may be felt during administration.
Patients are informed of the importance of following specific instructions to avoid the occurrence of complications.
On the day of the injection, it is necessary to avoid touching the injection points, washing your hair, and bending your head forward.
In the two days following the injection, it is necessary to avoid any physical activity, eyelash and eyebrow treatments, and hair coloring.
For one week, avoid saunas, steam rooms, tanning beds, facial massages, and steam exposure to the face.
The contraindications are :
Side effects last between one and seven days.
Typical after-effects include :
Botox rejuvenates the face : wrinkles fade, the gaze is opened and looks more rested.
The result must be adapted to the patient’s expectations. Some patients prefer the complete disappearance of wrinkles over a natural result, others seek an open gaze, and some wish to keep some mobility in all facial muscles (actors, for example)...
Doctor Romano always respects the patient’s choice, but strongly recommends a natural-looking result.
The effects begin to appear two days after the injection and are final seven days after.
The result is not permanent. Its duration varies between four and six months.
Botox, or botulinum toxin type A, is widely used to reduce wrinkles and improve the appearance of the face. Here is a summary of its effects over time. reduce wrinkles and improve the appearance of the face. Here is a summary of its effects over time.
Immediate effects (0 to 7 days)
1 to 3 days : the first effects start to appear.
The treated muscles begin to relax, and the wrinkles begin to fade.
7 days : the result is optimal, with a significant reduction in wrinkles and smoother skin.
Short-term effects (1 to 3 months)
1 to 2 months : results are at their peak, as a free touch-up was performed one to three weeks after the initial injection to perfect the result.
The skin appears younger and wrinkles are significantly reduced.
3 months : effects begin to fade slowly, muscles begin to regain activity, but wrinkles have not yet returned.
Medium-term effects (3 to 6 months)
3 to 4 months : a visible decrease in Botox effectiveness is often observed.
Some wrinkles may reappear.
4 to 6 months : the effects of Botox continue to fade.
Muscles have almost fully recovered their normal function and wrinkles reappear.
Long-term effects (6 months and beyond)
6 months and beyond : Botox is fully metabolized by the body.
Muscles fully recover, and wrinkles reappear completely.
However, after several sessions, some wrinkles may appear less pronounced due to temporary muscle weakening.
Cumulative effects
Repeating injections every six months gradually weakens the muscles, leading to longer-lasting wrinkle reduction.
Preventive : regular Botox injections prevent the formation of new wrinkles.
Undesirable long-term effects
Tolerance to Botox : some people may develop tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the same result.
Weakening of muscles due to Botox : this is generally positive if the injections were performed correctly.
Otherwise, weakening of the lower part of the frontalis muscle, for example, can result in permanent eyebrow drooping.
Resistance to Botox : some individuals may develop antibodies against botulinum toxin, making the treatment less effective or ineffective.
This is often due to overly frequent injections.
Resistance is rare.
The price of botulinum toxin injections depends on several factors, notably the area to be treated, the amount of product needed, and the expertise of the practitioner. In the US, the price per area is calculated per unit, with an average cost ranging between 10 and 15 CHF per unit. In Switzerland, the price is more often calculated by treatment area.
It is important to consult a qualified practitioner for an accurate and personalized estimate, and above all to ensure a natural result without complications.
| Type of consultation | Generally practiced rates |
|---|---|
|
Botox upper face
|
WOMAN one zone : 300 CHF two zones : 450 CHF three zones : 600 CHF MEN one zone : 350 CHF two zones : 500 CHF three zones : 650 CHF |
|
Botox masseter/bruxism |
500 CHF for the 1st vial 350 CHF for each additional vial One to three bottles are required |
|
Botox for sweating
|
500 CHF for the 1st vial 350 CHF for each additional vial One to three vials are required |
Reviews on Botox are mostly positive, both from patients and doctors.
Patients praise Botox’s ability to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, giving a younger and more rested appearance.
They appreciate the subtlety of the treatment which, when performed by an experienced practitioner, allows natural expressions to be maintained while softening the signs of aging.
Results are visible quickly, with an optimal effect after one week.
Moreover, Botox is renowned for its safety and effectiveness, with effects lasting six months.
Quick recovery and minimal side effects increase patient satisfaction, making Botox a treatment of choice for those looking to address the signs of facial aging.
REFERENCES
TO LEARN MORE
Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is a widely used cosmetic treatment approved by health authorities in many countries, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Botox is considered safe when administered by a qualified doctor.
Botulinum toxin has been discovered and studied since the early 19th century. Initially identified as a cause of food poisoning, it became an important medical and cosmetic tool in the 20th century. Botulinum toxin is now widely used to treat a variety of medical and cosmetic conditions.
Botox is often used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the face, particularly those on the forehead, crow's feet and between the eyebrows. It can give a more youthful, rested appearance when administered correctly by a qualified doctor. However, it is essential to consult a doctor to assess whether Botox is right for you.
Botox smoothes wrinkles and fine lines and opens up the eyes, giving the face a more youthful, rested appearance.
It is generally advisable to wait at least 24 hours before washing your face after a Botox injection. This allows the product to set properly and reduces the risk of the Botox spreading to other muscles.
Yes, Botox is very effective in temporarily reducing or eliminating forehead wrinkles. Results may vary depending on the depth of the wrinkles and individual reaction.
Botox delays ageing by preventing the formation of new wrinkles and the worsening of existing ones.
There is no cream that can completely replace Botox. However, certain creams containing peptides, retinol or hyaluronic acid can help improve the appearance of the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Argireline is a peptide that mimics the action of botox.
The laboratory advises against the use of Botox after the age of 65. When Botox is stopped, the temporary effects (reduction of wrinkles) will gradually disappear after 3 to 6 months and the muscles will resume their normal activity. Wrinkles and fine lines will then gradually reappear.
There is no 'natural Botox' identical to synthetic Botox. However, some natural products, such as serums based on peptides or plant extracts, can offer anti-ageing effects by stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
Botox can temporarily change the appearance of the face by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, but it does not change the structure of the face. When injections are carried out by a qualified doctor, the face retains its natural appearance.
A drooping eyelid after a Botox injection can occur if the Botox accidentally diffuses into the levator muscle of the upper eyelid. This complication is rare and temporary, usually resolving within a few weeks.
Drooping eyebrows, caused by the forehead being completely blocked, can give the false impression of a drooping eyelid.
Botox can be beneficial for those who wish to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and open up their eyes.
Azzalure.
Yes, Botox can be combined with other aesthetic treatments such as fillers, peels and laser treatments. Some of these treatments cannot be carried out on the same day.
Botox injections are generally well tolerated and pain is minimal. An anaesthetic cream may be applied before the procedure.
Botox injections do not have an immediate effect because the blocking of muscle receptors (acetylcholine receptors, which are the target of botulinum toxin) is only possible once they are free.
That's why Botox® doesn't work straight away: you have to wait for these receptors to be released before you see a visible effect.
It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to fall asleep after the injection. It is often said that on the first night after the injection, it is advisable to sleep with your head slightly elevated, but this is not necessary.
Botulinum toxin injections are mainly used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for expressions. The result is a smoother, younger-looking face without the need for surgery. Results are visible within a few days and last for several months.
The choice between Botox and hyaluronic acid depends on the indications. Botox is indicated for smoothing expression lines caused by muscle movements, such as forehead wrinkles and crow's feet. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a filler used to add volume, fill in deep wrinkles and hydrate the skin. The two treatments can be complementary and are often used together for a complete rejuvenation of the face.
Unfortunately, there is no method of reversing the effect of Botox. The effects of Botox are temporary and diminish naturally over time, generally between four and six months.
Botulinum toxin itself does not generally cause fatigue. However, some people may feel slightly tired after the injection, but these symptoms are temporary.
It is advisable to avoid steam rooms, saunas and baths for at least two days after a Botox injection. Excessive heat can increase the risk of botox spreading and bruising.
Yes, this is a frequent side effect, but it is generally mild and temporary.
A Botox injection session generally lasts between ten and twenty minutes. The injection itself lasts barely a minute.
Yes, you can fly after a Botox injection.
Botox can be used preventively before the age of 30 to reduce the appearance of expression lines.
Botox is indicated for curative purposes when the first static wrinkles appear.
It is important to consult a qualified practitioner to determine whether Botox is appropriate for you.
There is no specific antidote. Once injected, there is no substance capable of neutralising its action.
Yes, botox delays skin ageing and slows the appearance of muscle-induced wrinkles.
Botulinum toxin injections are not recommended for the lower part of the face. In fact, the benefits obtained at this level are low, while the risks of diffusion are high, which can cause speech defects or breathing difficulties.
Botox slows down the ageing of the skin, but only acts on wrinkles. The other components of skin ageing will not be treated.
Botox is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women, in cases of known allergy to botulinum toxin or any of the product's ingredients, and in patients with neuromuscular disorders. It is important to consult a qualified practitioner to rule out these contraindications.
Botulinum toxin injections delay ageing. However, botox can make you look older if the injections don't work and your face looks stiff.
The patient is seen again one to three weeks after the initial injection for a free touch-up to correct any asymmetry or anomalies and perfect the result.
Subsequent injections should be repeated every four to six months to maintain the result.
Botox is particularly effective in treating expression lines, such as forehead wrinkles, crow's feet and frown lines. By relaxing the muscles responsible for these folds, Botox smoothes the skin and visibly reduces wrinkles. The result is natural and harmonious. It's a fast, long-lasting solution for reducing the signs of ageing.
The services described on this website apply to Swiss territory; there are differences between countries.
Contact
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
