Botulinum toxin: everything you need to know in one place

This page brings together our articles on botulinum toxin in reading order. Start with how the treatment works, then the risks and warning signs; you will also find what to do after treatment and the rumours you often hear.

1 · Start here

Treatment GuidesBotulinum Toxin (Commonly Called “botox”): What It Is, Who It Suits and What to Watch ForHow botulinum toxin works, who it suits, how the procedure is done, its side effects and when to see a physician. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board GuidesBotulinum Toxin or Filler? The Differences and What Each One Is Used ForBotulinum toxin relaxes muscles; hyaluronic acid filler adds volume. Which is considered for which line, and how do duration, recovery and risks differ?Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

2 · By area, type and related treatments

Treatment GuidesMasseter (Jaw Muscle) Botulinum Toxin: What Does the Evidence Say for Teeth Grinding and Slimming the Lower Face?How effective is masseter (jaw muscle) botulinum toxin for teeth grinding and facial slimming? Evidence, side effects, duration, who it does not suit.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Treatment GuidesTreatment of Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Botulinum Toxin and Other OptionsWhy does excessive sweating happen, and when should it be investigated? Antiperspirants, iontophoresis, medicines, botulinum toxin and more, step by step.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Start With a ConcernWrinkles: Types, Which Treatment Does What, and Realistic ExpectationsExpression lines, static wrinkles, sun damage and volume loss: which treatment helps with what? Sun protection and creams supported by evidence.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

3 · Risks

Safety CentreSide Effects after Botulinum Toxin: Drooping Eyelid, Asymmetry, Headache and What to DoSide effects after botulinum toxin: why drooping eyelids or brows, asymmetry and headache happen, how long they last, when to call 112. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreBruising and Swelling: How Long Do They Last after an Aesthetic Treatment, How Can They Be Reduced and When Should You Worry?How long do bruising and swelling last after an aesthetic treatment, how can they be reduced, which signs are not normal? Cold compresses, risks, warnings.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Safety CentreAllergic Reactions in Aesthetic Treatments: Symptoms from Redness to Anaphylaxis and What to DoHow to recognise an allergic reaction in aesthetic treatments: local redness, cream or anaesthetic allergy, fainting, and anaphylaxis needing 112.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

4 · Emergencies and aftercare

Safety CentreWhat Should You Do If a Complication Occurs after an Aesthetic Treatment? A Step-by-Step GuideIf a complication occurs after an aesthetic treatment: urgent signs, reaching your physician, photos and product records, second opinions, complaints.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board GuidesAftercare Following Medical Aesthetic Procedures: General Principles and Warning SignsGeneral aftercare principles after injections, laser, peels and device treatments; what is normal, and when to call your physician or 112.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

5 · Rumours

Rumour or Science?Rumour: “Botulinum toxin (commonly called ‘botox’) is poison” — What does the science say?Is botulinum toxin really a poison? A plain guide to dose, why a physician's treatment differs, the real risks and the danger of counterfeit products.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Rumour or Science?Rumour: “Botulinum toxin (commonly called ‘botox’) makes your face look frozen” — What does the science say?Does botulinum toxin make your face look frozen? Plain information on dose, injection points, planning a natural result and when a frozen look occurs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Rumour or Science?Rumour: “Starting botulinum toxin (commonly called ‘botox’) at a young age prevents wrinkles” — What does the science say?Does early botulinum toxin prevent wrinkles? The evidence for preventive use, the twin study, the unknowns, and the stronger evidence for sun protection.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Rumour or Science?Rumour: “Botulinum toxin (commonly called ‘botox’) wastes the muscles in the long term and makes the face sunken” — What does the science say?Does long-term botulinum toxin waste the muscles and hollow the face? Plain facts on muscle thinning, reversibility, stopping and the unknowns.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board Rumour or Science?Rumour: “Botulinum toxin (commonly called ‘botox’) and fillers are addictive; once you start, you cannot stop” — What does the science say?Are botulinum toxin and fillers addictive? There is no physical dependence; the effect is temporary. What happens if you stop, and the warning signs.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board