Patient guide
Neurotoxin treatment, softly done.
Small, carefully placed injections relax the muscles behind expression lines, so they soften while you still look like you. Here’s how it works, what to expect, and how we keep it safe.
Treatment
About 15 minutes
Results
Natural, not frozen
- 3–5 daysbefore you notice a change
- 2 weeksfor the full effect
- 3–4 monthshow long results usually last
- Doctor-ledassessment and treatment
How it works, in plain words.
Neurotoxin treatment uses botulinum toxin type A, a purified prescription medicine. Tiny amounts are injected into specific facial muscles. It temporarily blocks the signal that tells those muscles to contract, so the lines they create when you frown, raise your brows or smile soften.
- 01
Muscle activity
Works on lines that come from movement, such as frown lines and crow’s feet, and on an overactive jaw muscle.
- 02
Temporary
Muscle movement gradually returns over three to four months, and lines return as they were.
- 03
Tailored
The dose and placement are planned for your face, aiming for a rested, natural look.
- 04
Medical first
A prescription medicine, given only after a consultation and your written consent.
Good to know
- What it isn’t
- It isn’t a filler. It relaxes muscles rather than adding volume. Deep lines that show even when your face is at rest may only soften partly.
- Who gives it
- Dr. Madri assesses you, plans your treatment and does the injections herself.
- Age
- Only for adults aged 18 and over.
Common areas, explained.
These are the areas we treat most often. Choose one to see where the injections go and what to expect. Other areas can be discussed at your consultation.
Between the brows
Frown lines
The vertical “11” lines between your eyebrows come from frowning and concentrating. Relaxing these muscles can soften them and give a more rested look.
Good to know
- A few small injections between and above the brows
- Often the first area people choose
- Usually lasts three to four months
Your visit, step by step.
Your first visit starts with a conversation. You decide only once you have all the information.
- 01
Consultation
We talk about what bothers you, what you hope for, and your health, medicines and any previous treatments.
- 02
Plan and consent
Dr. Madri looks at how your face moves, explains the plan, the risks and the cost, and you give written consent.
- 03
Treatment
A few quick injections with a very fine needle. It feels like small pinches and takes about 15 minutes.
- 04
Review
We see you again after about two weeks to check the result and make small adjustments if needed.
Cosmetic treatment is a private service. We confirm the cost with you before treatment.
Safety first
Is it right for you?
Neurotoxin treatment is safe for most healthy adults when given by a trained doctor. Your consultation makes sure it suits you.
The aim is to look rested and like yourself, never frozen.
It may suit you if
- You’re bothered by lines that show when you frown, raise your brows or smile
- You’re 18 or older and in good general health
- You’d like a subtle, temporary change
- You have realistic expectations and time for a review visit
Not suitable if
- You are pregnant, trying to fall pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have a condition that affects your muscles or nerves, such as myasthenia gravis
- You have an infection or active skin problem where the injections would go
- You’ve reacted to botulinum toxin before. Tell us about all your medicines too, as some interact with it.
Aftercare, simple and short.
Most people go straight back to their day. A few simple steps for the first 24 hours help the treatment settle where it should.
Stay upright
Avoid lying down or bending over for the first four hours.
Hands off
Don’t rub, massage or press on the treated areas for the rest of the day.
Skip the gym
Leave strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
Avoid heat
No saunas, steam rooms or long hot baths for 24 hours.
Go easy on alcohol
Avoiding alcohol for a day can reduce the chance of bruising.
Be patient
Changes start after 3 to 5 days and settle by two weeks. We’ll review you then.
Contact us if you notice
- A drooping eyelid or eyebrow
- Double or blurred vision
- Increasing redness, swelling, warmth or pus where you were injected
- Effects that worry you or don’t settle after two weeks
Difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, or new muscle weakness, is rare but urgent: go to your nearest emergency unit.
Side effects, honestly.
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. We talk through all of them before you decide.
- Common
Small red bumps and tenderness where you were injected, usually gone within an hour or two.
- Sometimes
A small bruise or a mild headache for a day or two. After jaw treatment, chewing tough food can feel tiring for a few weeks.
- Uncommon
A temporarily drooping eyelid or brow, or uneven results. These settle as the effect wears off, often within a few weeks.
- Rare
The effect spreading beyond the treated area, causing trouble swallowing, speaking or breathing. This needs urgent care.
Your questions, answered.
Does it hurt?
Most people find it very tolerable. A very fine needle is used, and each injection feels like a quick pinch. The whole treatment takes only a few minutes.
Will I look frozen?
Not if it’s done well. We use the dose your face needs to soften lines while keeping natural expression, and we’d rather start gently and adjust at your review.
What happens when it wears off?
The muscles gradually work as before and lines return to how they were. Stopping treatment doesn’t make them worse.
How often can I have it?
Usually no more often than every three months. Many people find the effect lasts a little longer after a few treatments.
Is it covered by medical aid?
Cosmetic treatment is generally not covered by medical aid. We’ll confirm the cost with you at your consultation, before any treatment.
Can I have it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. We don’t give neurotoxin treatment during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Start with a conversation.
Book a consultation to talk about what you’d like and whether neurotoxin treatment is right for you. There’s no obligation to go ahead.
This guide offers general information and doesn’t replace a consultation with your doctor. Results vary from person to person.