Botulinum Toxin (Botox)

Botulinum toxin, or Botox®, is a substance produced by a bacterium that is isolated and purified, capable of partially and temporarily relaxing the muscle being treated.

Small amounts of toxin can target the exact muscles that control wrinkles, relaxing them and leaving the skin looking younger and smoother.

The treatment involves injecting botulinum toxin in small amounts into the muscles that cause wrinkles, temporarily paralyzing them.

The toxin is diluted according to a safe and highly rigorous protocol and is injected intramuscularly at very specific points. The points and doses administered are the key to the success of botulinum toxin treatment.

Botulinum toxin can be used to eliminate or reduce wrinkles on the sides of the eyes, commonly known as ""crow's feet,"" wrinkles between the eyebrows (the glabella area), and also expression lines on the forehead. Although there are other areas where botulinum toxin can be applied, these are the main and safest points—and also the most sought after.

It is also possible to apply the toxin in the armpits or the palms of the hands to treat excessive sweating.

To better understand your improvement desires and expectations, we recommend scheduling an aesthetic evaluation consultation with our specialists in Dermatology. You'll understand which application areas the specialist recommends to achieve natural results and eliminate what you dislike about yourself.

These two substances have very different modes of action.

Botulinum toxin promotes muscle relaxation when applied at specific points. It is mainly used to treat areas in the upper third of the face. The action of the toxin is not immediate. Its effect begins to be visible from the 3rd day, progressing until the 10th/14th day.

Hyaluronic acid is a very versatile substance that acts by filling wrinkles and lines, restoring the volume that is lost over time.

Unlike hyaluronic acid, botulinum toxin does not restore volume but only reduces muscle activity to prevent the skin from contracting excessively, leading to the formation of wrinkles or expression lines.

During the aesthetic evaluation consultation, Dr. Augusto Guerreiro conducts a careful analysis and advises on the most appropriate treatment for the patient's specific needs.

This treatment is used by people who want to improve the appearance of their skin and conceal expression wrinkles.

Botulinum toxin can not only have a corrective function but also be used for prevention, as its constant application reduces the strength of muscle contractions, reducing the possibility of early formation of expression wrinkles. Botulinum toxin is also recommended for the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating in the armpits), where it is very effective. In this case, small injections are applied painlessly to the armpits.

For pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with autoimmune or neurological diseases, including those allergic to egg protein, this procedure is contraindicated.

If you have doubts about whether this is a suitable treatment for you, speak to one of our specialist doctors, who will clarify it for you.

During the hours following Botox® treatment, you should:

• Avoid intense physical activities, as they can enhance the dispersion of the substance;
• Avoid touching the area where the substance was applied;
• Avoid exposure to the sun and other heat sources.

Generally, treatment with botulinum toxin generates minimal side effects. A small redness restricted to the application sites may occur. Swelling and bruising (black and blue marks) are rare, and when they do occur, they are of small size.

You may start to feel some differences 2 or 3 days after the application. The definitive result appears between the 10th and 14th day.

After two weeks, during the follow-up consultation, the symmetry and effect of the toxin are evaluated, lasting on average 4 to 6 months.

The application of Botox® is a safe procedure with a minimal impact on the personal and professional lives of patients. It is a quick and painless procedure. However, it is essential that it is performed by certified and experienced professionals to minimize the risk of complications.

At LHR Clinic, you will be treated by our medical specialists in the field of dermoesthetics, with certification and several years of medical experience.

This is a minimally painful procedure, so in the vast majority of cases, the use of topical anesthesia is not necessary. However, in some cases, a numbing cream can be used to make the patient more comfortable.

The application of Botox® by a physician in the most common areas—sides of the eyes (crow's feet), the area between the eyebrows (glabella), and the forehead—ranges from €250-€300 per session. This is an average service price in the Lisbon region.