Botox — expression lines, how it works, how long it lasts
Botulinum toxin in questions and answers — no myths, no half-truths.
7 min read
Botox (botulinum toxin type A) is one of the most thoroughly researched medicines in the history of medicine — in use for over 40 years. In aesthetic medicine, it blocks neuromuscular transmission, causing a muscle to relax temporarily. Below we answer the questions we hear most often from clients at J'ADORE INSTYTUT.
How does Botox work?
Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The muscle stops contracting for several months, and the skin above it may smooth out.
Aesthetic indications — where is Botox used?
Botulinum toxin can be used across many areas of the face and body. In aesthetic medicine, it's most often chosen for:
Forehead lines
Glabellar lines — the so-called "11s" or "frown lines" between the brows
Crow's feet at the corners of the eyes
Brow lift — a subtle lift of the arch
Bunny lines — wrinkles on the nose
Gummy smile
Lip flip
Corners of the mouth (marionette lines)
Venus rings — horizontal neck lines
Bruxism — tension in the masseter
Excessive sweating — underarms, hands, feet
When do results appear, and how long do they last?
Botox results don't appear immediately — they take time, as the toxin needs to act on the neuromuscular junction.
24–48 hours — first signs of effect
7–14 days — full effect visible
3–4 months — effect at its optimal level
4–6 months — muscle activity gradually returns
After around 6 months — many people need another session
Products — Botox, Azzalure, Bocouture
Three main botulinum toxin type A products are available in Poland. All are prescription medicines registered for use in aesthetic medicine:
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) — Allergan/AbbVie, the market standard
Azzalure (abobotulinumtoxinA) — Galderma, a slightly different unit conversion
Bocouture (incobotulinumtoxinA) — Merz, a purified toxin without complexing proteins
Who performs Botox treatments at J'ADORE?
Botox for bruxism
Bruxism is involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often unconscious — particularly during sleep. An injection of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle can bring relaxation and reduce headaches, neck pain and tooth wear.
Botox for excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Botulinum toxin blocks the sweat glands — not by destroying them, but by cutting off nerve stimulation. The treatment can significantly reduce excessive sweating in the underarms, hands, feet or forehead.
Underarms — the effect often lasts for many months
Hands and feet — this treatment requires higher doses, and the effect is somewhat shorter
