Botulinum injections

What is botulinum toxin and how does it work?

Botulinum toxin type A, often called "botox", is a purified protein from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, used in aesthetic medicine in very small, precise doses. It temporarily blocks the nerve signal to a muscle, so the muscle contracts less and expression lines soften – the frown line, forehead lines and crow's feet. The same mechanism reduces sweat gland activity, so it is also used for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

The effect is temporary: within a few months the nerve–muscle connection recovers. In tiny amounts in the upper skin, it reduces oiliness, pores and fine lines without changing expression. Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine, so every treatment begins with a consultation.

Botulinum treatments at Melior Clinics

• Botulinum injections – forehead, frown and crow's-feet lines, brow lift, gummy smile, mouth corners, chin, neck bands and jaw muscles in teeth grinding.
• Botulinum injections for hyperhidrosis – underarms, palms, soles, scalp.
• Micro-Tox – micro-injections into the upper skin of the face, neck, décolleté or eye area.
• Mesobotox – botulinum toxin with a mesotherapy cocktail (hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids).
• Full Face – a whole-face plan with botulinum toxin alone or combined with fillers.
• Prices – the full price list.

What happens during the treatment?

At the consultation the specialist asks about your health, medicines, allergies and previous injections and explains which areas are worth treating. After cleansing and disinfection, the product is injected with a very fine needle into a few chosen points. Patients having botulinum toxin for the first time have a skin test before the treatment.

• Duration: 15–30 minutes for facial lines, 20–40 minutes for sweating, about 30–45 minutes for skin micro-injections.
• Onset: first changes after 2–5 days, full effect in 1–2 weeks. A follow-up visit is possible after about two weeks.
• Sessions: most treatments are single sessions, repeated when the effect wears off; micro-injections with a mesotherapy cocktail are often a course of 2–3 sessions, 3–4 weeks apart.

Who should not have this treatment?

• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• allergy to botulinum toxin or albumin;
• certain neurological and neuromuscular conditions, such as myasthenia gravis;
• inflammation, infection or a cold sore flare-up in the area;
• acute illness or fever.

Bleeding disorders, blood-thinning medication and autoimmune conditions are assessed individually. The final decision is made by the specialist at the consultation.

After the treatment

Lying down and massaging the treated areas are not recommended for 4 hours; exercise, sauna, sunbeds and alcohol for 24 hours; facial treatments for 48 hours. Mild redness, small bumps or swelling usually settle within hours, and a small bruise or mild headache can occur. Rarely, a temporary heavy feeling in the brow or eyelid develops, which is worth reporting to the clinic.

Frequently asked questions

How long do botulinum injections last?

Typically 3–4 months for expression lines, sometimes longer, and 4–9 months for excessive sweating, depending on the area, dose, muscle activity and metabolism.

Do the injections hurt?

The needle is very fine and most patients describe a short prick; numbing cream can be used on the more sensitive palms and soles.

Can the jaw muscles be treated for teeth grinding?

Yes, the masseter is one of the treatment areas; the injection reduces how strongly the muscle contracts. Suitability is assessed at the consultation.

What is the difference between botulinum toxin and dermal fillers?

Botulinum toxin relaxes a muscle and softens lines caused by movement. Dermal fillers add volume or support to the lips, cheekbones or deep folds.

The service is provided by Melior Clinics (Star Company OÜ, Estonian Health Board licence L04198), Liivalaia 53, Tallinn, Stockmann department store, 5th floor.