Botox is a medical method that temporarily reduces the contraction strength of a targeted muscle by delivering very small doses of botulinum toxin into it. When the muscle works less, the fold that builds up in the overlying skin softens, an overactive muscle settles down, and the signal reaching the sweat glands drops. At his clinic in Nişantaşı, İstanbul, Dr. Levent Ünal uses this method for both cosmetic and functional concerns, with a plan built around the individual.
Some facial lines come from movement. Frowning, raising the brows, squinting when you smile: over the years these fold the skin in the same place, and in time that fold becomes visible even when the face is at rest. Botox reduces, in a measured way, the muscle movement that creates the fold. The same logic applies to other muscle related complaints, including night time clenching, a jaw angle that has become prominent, persistent shoulder tension, excessive sweating and frequent headaches.
Botox is not a filler. It does not add volume, does not fill a hollow area and does not on its own change skin quality. It addresses a movement problem through movement. That is why some plans combine it with filler, skin care or energy based treatments.
These treatments have separate aims and separate techniques. Dose, number of points and depth differ in every one of them, so an approach that works in one area is never simply carried over to another.
It is considered for adults with lines that sharpen with movement, a muscle related complaint, or sweating they find hard to live with. It is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in certain neuromuscular conditions, when there is an active skin infection in the area, or where there is known hypersensitivity to the ingredients. Blood thinners, a recent procedure in the area, a history of eyelid drooping and how realistic the expectation is are all reviewed separately during the visit. Whether you are a suitable candidate is decided only by a medical assessment.
The visit starts by watching the face, or the relevant area, in motion. How hard each muscle is working, the difference between the two sides and the state of neighbouring structures such as the brow and eyelid are all noted. The area is then cleaned and the injection points are marked. Small doses are placed at the planned points with fine needles. The procedure is usually short and most people go back to their normal routine the same day.
The effect is not visible straight after the appointment. The first change is usually noticed within a few days and it can take two weeks to settle fully. It generally holds for a few months; metabolism, expression habits, the treated area and the strength of the muscle all influence that window. Results vary from person to person, so no specific outcome can be promised for any treatment.
A review visit at around two weeks is the right moment for a small adjustment if one is needed.
The worry that botox freezes the face is a common one. A frozen look comes from dose and point selection, not from the method itself; with measured planning expression is preserved. A second piece of misinformation is that things look worse than before once you stop. When the effect wears off, the area returns to its own natural state. The third confusion is with filler: botox reduces movement, filler adds volume. Which one, or which combination, is appropriate is decided during the examination.
Measured planning for forehead, frown and eye corner lines
Treatment of the chewing muscle for clenching and jaw width
Excessive sweating of the underarms, palms and soles
Supportive treatment of the head and neck in chronic migraine
Neck and lower jawline treatment targeting the platysma
Trapezius treatment for shoulder line and tension
Body treatment for a prominent calf muscle
Let's plan the protocol most suitable for you together with a free initial meeting. Unhurried, no pressure; just an honest physician's conversation.