Botulinum toxin
Botulinum toxin type A is a medication that relaxes the muscle where it is injected for a few months. On the skin, it softens the lines that appear with movement on the forehead, between the eyebrows and around the eyes. It is also used for excessive sweating of the armpits, hands and feet (hyperhidrosis).
Summary
- Procedure
- 15 to 30 minutes with a fine needle, after a numbing cream
- Onset
- 3 to 7 days
- Full effect
- About 15 days, at the follow-up visit
- Duration
- Usually 4 to 6 months
- Back to routine
- Same day
Who it is for
For adults with expression lines that bother them, lines that remain visible with the face at rest, and people whose sweating interferes with daily life. It is not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in people with certain neuromuscular conditions.
How it works
At the consultation Dr. Karen von Kossel watches your face in motion and marks the injection points according to the strength of each muscle. The dose is adjusted to keep your expression. The injections use a fine needle and take a few minutes. About 15 days later, a follow-up visit checks the result and allows a touch-up if needed.
Aftercare
For 4 hours, stay upright and do not rub or massage the area. Wait until the next day for exercise, saunas and hair straighteners. Small red marks fade within hours. Bruises, when they happen, fade within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Will Botox freeze my face?
The dose and the injection points set how much the muscle relaxes. Treatment aimed at softening lines keeps facial movement. The follow-up visit at 15 days allows any adjustment.
How often do I need a new treatment?
The effect usually lasts 4 to 6 months. The next session is booked when movement returns. There is no fixed schedule.
Is botulinum toxin safe?
It is a medication approved by Anvisa, the Brazilian health regulator, and has been used in dermatology for more than 30 years. When a doctor injects the right dose, side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as a bruise at the site or a headache.
Last updated November 10, 2026 · Medical director (responsável técnica): Dr. Karen von Kossel, CRM-SP 107714 · RQE 58534