Botulinum toxin type A (commonly known as Botox) is one of the most widely performed medical aesthetics procedures in the world today. By temporarily reducing muscle contraction it softens expression lines and can give the face a rested, refreshed appearance; in experienced hands the results can look very natural. It is a common misconception, however, that botulinum toxin is used only on the forehead: many different areas of the face and neck can be treated for a range of purposes.
The effect depends on temporarily blocking nerve signalling to the injected muscle. The muscle relaxes, the overlying skin softens and expression lines diminish. The effect lasts around 4–6 months, after which a follow-up session can be planned. Below are the 8 main facial treatment areas and the results typically expected from each. Results vary from person to person. Any treatment plan is subject to physician assessment.
1. Forehead lines
Horizontal forehead lines gradually deepen over time as the frontalis muscle contracts repeatedly. Forehead botulinum toxin softens these lines and smooths the surface. Dosing must be careful: over-treatment can cause the brows to drop. In experienced hands, forehead treatment tends to give one of the most natural and satisfying outcomes.
2. Between the brows (glabella — the "frown" lines)
Vertical lines between the brows can leave a person looking permanently angry or tense. Botulinum toxin placed in the glabella softens these lines and helps restore a more rested, approachable expression. It is one of the most frequently requested facial areas.
3. Around the eyes (crow's feet)
The lines that fan out from the outer eye when smiling or squinting in bright light are known as "crow's feet". Fine injections into the orbicularis oculi muscle can noticeably reduce them. Dosing must be precise so that a natural expression is preserved.
"In botulinum toxin treatment the goal is not to turn the face into a frozen mask but to soften dynamic wrinkles while preserving your expression. The right dose and technique are the most critical factors for a quality outcome."
4. Brow lift (botulinum toxin brow lift)
This technique lifts the brows slightly, giving the eyes a more open and refreshed appearance. It works by relaxing the muscle that pulls the outer tail of the brow downwards and is also known as a non-surgical brow lift. It is especially popular in the 35–50 age group.
5. Nose (bunny lines)
The small lines that appear across the bridge of the nose when smiling are known as "bunny lines". Minimal doses of botulinum toxin placed in the small muscles at the root of the nose soften these lines and give a smoother look across the upper nose.
6. Upper-lip lines (smoker's lines)
The fine vertical lines that develop around the upper lip over time appear due to repeated pursing movements and are not necessarily related to smoking. Very small amounts of botulinum toxin placed in the orbicularis oris muscle can soften them; they are often combined with lip filler.
7. Submental area and platysmal bands (neck botulinum toxin / Nefertiti lift)
The "Nefertiti lift" targets the vertical bands of the neck and the tissue beginning to loosen under the jawline. By relaxing the platysma it can help firm the lower face and refine the jaw–neck transition. It is an effective non-invasive option for people looking for an alternative to surgery.
8. Masseter (facial slimming and bruxism treatment)
Botulinum toxin injected into the chewing muscle (masseter) is used for two purposes: to relieve jaw pain related to bruxism (teeth grinding) and to visually slim the face. Enlarged masseter muscles can give the face a square outline; after treatment, facial contours typically soften noticeably over 4–8 weeks.
- Forehead: softening horizontal lines.
- Glabella: vertical between-the-brow lines and frown expression.
- Eye area: crow's feet.
- Brow lift: non-surgical brow lift.
- Nose: bunny lines.
- Upper lip: smoker's lines.
- Neck / platysma: Nefertiti lift and band appearance.
- Masseter: facial slimming and bruxism.
Every treatment area has its own technical requirements and dose calculations. For this reason it is critical that botulinum toxin (Botox) treatment is performed by an experienced, certified medical aesthetics practitioner. Botulinum toxin is often not used in isolation; it is typically considered part of a holistic rejuvenation plan alongside skin-quality treatments such as mesotherapy. At our Mersin clinic, botulinum toxin planning is tailored to each person, aiming for a natural and balanced facial appearance. Results vary from person to person. Any treatment plan is subject to physician assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Which facial areas can botulinum toxin be injected into?
Botulinum toxin (Botox) can be injected into many areas of the face and neck: forehead lines, the glabella (between the brows), crow's feet at the outer eye, brow lift points, bunny lines on the nose, upper lip lines, the submental area and platysmal bands (Nefertiti lift), and the masseter (chewing muscle). Each area calls for its own technique and dose.
How long does botulinum toxin last?
The effect typically lasts 4–6 months. Nerve signalling to the muscle is temporarily blocked, the muscle relaxes and expression lines soften; a follow-up session can be planned once the effect fades. Results vary from person to person.
Will botulinum toxin make my face look frozen?
With the right dose and technique, no. The goal is not to turn the face into a still mask but to soften dynamic expression lines while preserving movement. Dose and injection technique are the most critical factors for a natural-looking outcome.
What is masseter botulinum toxin used for?
Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter (chewing muscle) is used for two purposes: to relieve jaw pain related to bruxism (teeth grinding) and to visually slim the lower face. Facial contours typically become noticeably softer 4–8 weeks after treatment.
What is a Nefertiti lift?
The Nefertiti lift is a neck botulinum toxin treatment that targets the vertical platysmal bands and the tissue beginning to loosen under the jawline. By relaxing the platysma it can help firm the lower face and refine the jaw–neck transition; it is a non-invasive option for people looking for an alternative to surgery.
How is a botulinum toxin brow lift performed?
By relaxing the muscle that pulls down the outer tail of the brow, the brows can lift slightly, giving a more open and refreshed look around the eyes. Also called a non-surgical brow lift, the technique is particularly popular in the 35–50 age group. Results vary from person to person.