Botox: What to Know Before You Book
A purified muscle relaxant injected into specific facial muscles to soften the fine lines caused by repeated expression, most often on the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
Who it’s for
Best for people noticing expression lines that are visible even at rest, typically from the mid-20s onward, who want a natural, still-expressive result rather than a frozen look.
What to expect at your visit
A short in-clinic visit with a few small injections and no sedation. There is no downtime, though the full effect takes 7-14 days to settle in fully.
What results look like over time
Softening begins around day 3-5, reaches its full effect by day 10-14, and typically lasts 3-4 months before muscle activity gradually returns.
Downtime & aftercare
Stay upright and avoid vigorous exercise or facial massage for the rest of the day. Mild redness at injection points usually fades within the hour.
How to prepare for your visit
Come with clean skin (no makeup where possible) and avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medication like ibuprofen or fish oil for 24 hours beforehand, since this reduces the chance of bruising at injection points.
Often paired with
Often paired with dermal filler in the cheeks or jawline in the same visit, for patients who want lines softened and volume restored together.
Who might want to wait
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a neuromuscular condition, this is not suitable, and Dr. Alaa will discuss safe alternatives instead.
“Will Botox freeze my face?”
Not at the doses used here. The aim is softened movement, not stillness, so you can still raise your eyebrows and look surprised.
What Recovery and Results Look Like
Recovery follows a predictable pattern. In the first 24 hours, avoid lying flat, touching the treated area, or strenuous exercise, since this keeps the product from spreading beyond the target muscles. Mild swelling or small bumps at injection points settle within a few hours. Bruising, when it happens, is usually gone within 5 to 7 days and can be covered with mineral makeup after the first day. You will start noticing softening of movement around day 3 to 4, with the full effect visible by day 10 to 14, which is why booking at least two weeks before an event matters. The result typically holds for 3 to 4 months before muscle movement gradually returns, at which point a top-up appointment restores the effect. Results are not permanent, and that is by design, since ongoing sessions let Dr. Alaa fine-tune the dose to how your face moves over time.
Ready to talk it through?
Message Dr. Alaa directly on WhatsApp for an honest, no-pressure recommendation, or read the full Botox treatment page.
Guide FAQ
Does it hurt?
A fine needle and quick technique keep discomfort minimal; most people describe a brief pinch and no numbing cream is needed.
How soon before an event should I book?
Aim for at least two weeks ahead, since that is when the result is fully settled and any rare asymmetry has time to be corrected.
Can I exercise the same day?
It is best to wait a few hours and skip anything strenuous for the rest of the day, since increased blood flow can affect how the product settles.
What if I want to reverse it?
Botox cannot be reversed once injected, but its effect is temporary and fully wears off within 3-4 months, which is why a conservative starting dose is recommended.
