If you're starting to notice wrinkles on your face when you smile, or your jawline isn't as defined as it used to be, Botox might be able to help. It's a popular aesthetic procedure that helps reduce wrinkles and naturally slims the face. It's quick, safe, and doesn't require a long recovery.
In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at Botox, covering everything from what it is, which brands are good, how much it costs, and how to prepare and care for your skin after the injection.
Botox, or Botulinum Toxin Type A, is the trade name for a protein extracted from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In aesthetic medicine, this substance is used to relax certain overactive muscles, which can naturally reduce wrinkles and reshape the face.
Botox works by inhibiting the function of a neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine, which transmits signals from nerves to muscles. When this signal is inhibited, muscles contract less, resulting in fewer wrinkles when making facial expressions.
Key Benefits of Botox
Non-surgical procedure
Quick to perform, approximately 15–30 minutes
No downtime
Fast results within 3–7 days
Safe when performed by an experienced doctor using authentic medication
What is Botox Used For?
While most people know Botox for its cosmetic wrinkle-reducing properties, it's also used in the medical field to treat other conditions such as muscle spasms (e.g., eyelid twitching), chronic migraines, and excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Botulinum Toxin Type A has been approved for safety by the U.S. FDA and the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Where Can Botox Be Injected?
Botox injections can be performed in various areas on both the body and face, depending on individual needs.
Wrinkle Reduction: This is the primary indication for Botox. It's used to reduce dynamic wrinkles (those that appear with facial expressions) and can also help prevent the formation of static wrinkles (deep lines) in the future. Common areas include crow's feet, frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and bunny lines (wrinkles on the sides of the nose).
Jawline Slimming (Masseter Botox): Addresses the issue of large jaw muscles. It reduces the activity of the masseter muscles, making the jaw appear smaller and the face look more slender.
Facial Lifting (Jawline Lift): Helps define the jawline and tighten sagging skin, making the face appear more lifted.
Neck Lift: Involves injecting to relax neck muscles, which helps reduce lines on the neck and makes it appear firmer.
Pore Tightening: Addresses enlarged pores, making them appear smaller, the skin smoother, reducing facial oiliness, and decreasing the chance of acne.
Nose Reshaping (Nasal Botox): Involves injecting Botox into the nose to reduce the size of the nostrils and make the nasal bridge appear more defined.
Sweat Reduction: Injected in areas like the underarms, palms, and soles of the feet. Ideal for individuals with excessive sweating or body odor, which can cause self-consciousness.
Calf Reduction: Involves injecting to reduce the activity of the calf muscles, addressing large or bulging calves and making them appear smaller and more slender.
Migraine Treatment: Involves injecting Botox at specific points related to migraine occurrence, which can help reduce migraine pain.
How Many Units of Botox Are Needed for Each Area?
The amount of Botox units needed varies depending on the individual's concerns, the desired injection area, and the size of the muscle in that area. The treating doctor will evaluate the number of units for each case before treatment.
Jawline Botox: Approximately 30-50 units
Facial Lifting (Jawline Lift): Approximately 30-50 units
Forehead Botox: Approximately 15-20 units
Frown Lines (Glabellar): Approximately 6-15 units
Crow's Feet: Approximately 10-25 units
Nasal Botox (Nostrils): Approximately 25 units
Underarm Sweat Reduction: Approximately 50-100 units
Which Botox Brand is Best?
There are six popular Botox brands in Thailand, each with different strengths. The best choice depends on the injection area and individual needs.
Allergan (USA)
Highlights: High purity, precise drug diffusion.
Results: Natural smoothness, lasts up to 5–6 months.
Suitable for: Areas requiring precision, such as around the eyes and fine wrinkles.
Doctor's Recommendation: If you want the highest quality and prioritize safety, Allergan is a top choice.
Xeomin (Germany)
Highlights: Pure Botox "without accessory proteins," reducing the chance of resistance.
Results: Lasts 4–5 months.
Suitable for: Individuals who have had frequent Botox injections or are starting to develop resistance.
Doctor's Recommendation: Suitable for those who want long-lasting results with reduced risk of allergic reactions.
Neuronox (Korea)
Highlights: Fast-acting, precise diffusion.
Results: Starts showing results in 3 days, lasts 4–5 months.
Suitable for: Jawline injections, large area wrinkle reduction such as the forehead.
Doctor's Recommendation: Designed for those who want to see quick results.
Aestox (Korea)
Highlights: High purity, pH similar to skin, no stinging or swelling.
Results: Suitable for sensitive skin, fast results.
Suitable for: Small areas around the eyes, people with sensitive skin.
Doctor's Recommendation: For those who are afraid of swelling, needles, and prefer a comfortable experience.
Botulax (Korea)
Highlights: Affordable price, consistent quality.
Results: Lasts 3–4 months.
Suitable for: First-time Botox users or those who want to focus on small, specific areas.
Doctor's Recommendation: If you're looking to manage your budget and want standard results.
Hugel (Korea)
Highlights: Affordable price, consistent quality.
Results: Lasts 3–4 months.
Suitable for: First-time Botox users or those who want to focus on small, specific areas.
Doctor's Recommendation: If you're looking to manage your budget and want standard results.
How Much Does Botox Cost?
Injection Area
Average Units
Allergan (USA) Price/Unit (฿)
Xeomin (Germany) Price/Unit (฿)
Neuronox (Korea) Price/Unit (฿)
Aestox (Korea) Price/Unit (฿)
Botulax/Hugel (Korea) Price/Unit (฿)
Price/Unit
250-350
200-300
100-150
90-130
70-100
Forehead
10–20 units
฿2,500–฿7,000
฿2,000–฿6,000
฿1,200–฿3,000
฿1,000–฿2,600
฿900–฿2,000
Between Eyebrows
10–15 units
฿2,500–฿5,000
฿2,000–฿4,000
฿1,200–฿2,200
฿1,000–฿1,800
฿900–฿1,600
Crow's Feet
10–15 units
฿2,500–฿5,200
฿2,000–฿4,200
฿1,200–฿2,400
฿1,000–฿1,900
฿800–฿1,500
Eyebrow Lift / Foxy Eyes
10–20 units
฿3,000–฿6,000
฿2,500–฿5,000
฿1,500–฿3,000
฿1,200–฿2,600
฿1,000–฿2,200
Jawline Reduction / Slim Face
40–60 units
฿12,000–฿17,500
฿10,000–฿15,000
฿5,000–฿7,500
฿4,500–฿6,500
฿3,500–฿5,000
Jawline Lift
20–30 units
฿5,000–฿8,500
฿4,000–฿7,000
฿2,500–฿4,500
฿2,000–฿3,800
฿1,800–฿3,000
Underarm Sweat Reduction
50–100 units
฿15,000–฿30,000
฿12,000–฿25,000
฿6,000–฿12,000
฿5,000–฿10,000
฿4,000–฿8,000
Prices depend on the brand, number of units, and service fees of each clinic.Units are averages; a doctor's assessment is needed for accuracy.
Factors Affecting Botox Prices
Brand Chosen: For example, Allergan is more expensive than Botulax due to its import from the USA and FDA approval.
Number of Units Used: The quantity depends on each individual's concerns. Some may require slightly more than the standard amount.
Injecting Doctor: If performed by a specialized doctor or one with extensive experience, there may be additional service fees.
Promotions: Many clinics offer package deals for multiple areas at special prices.
Who is Botox Suitable For?
Botox isn't just for older individuals. Younger people can also start injections, especially for areas with frequent expression lines or if they want to naturally slim their face without surgery.
Groups Suitable for Botox Injections:
Individuals with early expression lines such as forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, or frown lines, often caused by frequent frowning or smiling.
Those who want a slimmer face or jaw reduction for individuals with large jaw muscles from chewing hard foods or teeth grinding. Botox can relax these muscles, making the face appear slimmer without surgery.
People with excessive sweating, such as in the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet. Botox effectively inhibits sweat gland activity.
Certain groups of migraine sufferers: Some doctors use Botox to treat chronic migraines by injecting it at specific, research-backed points.
Who Should Not Get Botox?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Individuals with neurological or muscular disorders
Those allergic to Botulinum Toxin
Individuals with an active infection or inflammation in the injection area
What Can Botox Help With?
Many people know Botox for wrinkle reduction, but it actually has a wider range of benefits in both aesthetics and medical applications. When used correctly, it can naturally rejuvenate the face without surgery.
Aesthetic Use:
Reduces expression lines: Such as forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow's feet, and smile lines around the mouth.
Reshapes the face: Reduces the size of the masseter muscle for individuals with a square face or who overuse their jaw muscles (e.g., those who chew hard gum or grind their teeth while sleeping).
Eyebrow lift / Foxy Eyes: Helps open up the eyes to make them appear rounder and brighter without eyelid surgery.
Jawline lift / V-shape facial contouring: Injected at specific points around the jawline to enhance definition and tighten the skin without thread lifts.
Nostril reduction / Slight nose tip lift: For those who want to adjust their nose shape without surgery (temporary results).
Therapeutic Use:
Reduces excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Injected in the underarms, palms, or soles of the feet to reduce sweat gland secretion.
Treats chronic migraines: In some cases of frequent migraines, Botox can reduce the frequency of headaches.
Treats certain types of muscle spasms: Such as eyelid twitching, facial distortion, or abnormal muscle contractions.
How to Prepare Before Botox Injections
Proper preparation before the procedure affects the effectiveness of the medication and reduces the chance of side effects.
What to Do Before Injection:
Stop medications that affect blood clotting 3–7 days in advance, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Vitamin E, fish oil, and Ginkgo, to prevent bruising at the injection site.
Avoid alcohol 24–48 hours before the injection, as alcohol can increase blood circulation, increasing the risk of bruising.
Get enough sleep to prepare your body for the treatment and promote better recovery.
Drink enough water for skin hydration and circulatory system health.
Avoid heavy makeup on the day of the injection, especially in areas to be injected (e.g., forehead, around the eyes, chin), as the doctor will clean the skin before every injection.
What Not to Do Before Injection:
Avoid intense heat treatments before injection, such as laser, Ulthera Prime, Oligio, or Ultraformer III, as they may irritate the skin.
Don't forget to inform your doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions or a history of drug allergies/Botox reactions.
What is the Botox Injection Procedure Like?
Consultation and Facial Assessment:
The doctor will discuss your needs, such as wrinkle reduction or facial reshaping.
They will then assess the injection sites and the strength of the muscles in each area.
The appropriate brand and number of units will be selected.
Facial Cleansing:
The doctor will remove makeup and disinfect the injection area to prevent infection.
Marking Injection Sites:
A medical pen will be used to mark key points for precise injection.
Some clinics may use a muscle analysis device as well.
Injecting Botox into Specific Muscles:
A small needle will be used to inject at a shallow or deep level, depending on the location.
Average injection time: 10–20 minutes.
Does Botox Hurt?
The sensation is similar to a small ant bite or a slight sting at the injection site. If you're concerned about pain, the doctor can apply topical anesthetic cream or use an ice pack.
What to Do After Botox Injections?
Remain upright or semi-reclined for 4–6 hours to prevent the medication from spreading to unwanted muscles (e.g., causing eyelid drooping).
Gently move the injected muscles, such as frowning, smiling, or wrinkling your forehead slightly. This helps the medication absorb and bind with the muscles more effectively.
Drink plenty of water and get enough rest for good recovery and beautiful results.
What to Avoid After Injection:
Do not lie flat within the first 4–6 hours.
Avoid facial massages, scrubbing, or pressure on the injected area for 24–48 hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise / sauna / hot baths for 1–2 days.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
Avoid heavy makeup immediately after the procedure, especially loose powder or foundation.
If you experience minor bruising after the injection, it's normal and will gradually fade within a few days. However, if you notice any unusual symptoms such as eyelid drooping, facial asymmetry, or severe headache, seek immediate medical attention.
Is Botox Dangerous?
This question is frequently asked, and it's good that many people prioritize safety before injections. Botox is generally a very safe procedure when used in appropriate amounts, injected by an experienced doctor, and using authentic, FDA-approved medication.
Common and "Non-Dangerous" Side Effects:
Minor swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site. Usually resolves within 2–3 days (if bruising persists for more than 7 days or new symptoms appear, consult a doctor).
Feeling skin tightness or muscle stiffness during the muscle's adjustment period in the first 1–2 weeks.
Slight headache (in some cases only).
Less Common but "Requires Immediate Medical Attention" Symptoms:
Eyelid drooping, eyebrow drooping, or facial asymmetry: May occur if the medication spreads to unintended areas.
Allergic reactions: Such as severe swelling, redness, or difficulty breathing. Stop the medication and seek immediate medical attention.
Reasons Why Botox Injections Can Be Dangerous:
Injected by an unlicensed practitioner.
Using fake or non-FDA-approved Botox.
Injecting too much or in the wrong location.
Not taking a thorough medical history before injection (e.g., neurological or muscular disorders).
Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention:
Eyelid drooping / Facial asymmetry / Uneven smile: May be due to the spread of the medication to nearby muscles.
Difficulty swallowing / Difficulty speaking: Often seen in cases where the neck area is injected or too many units are used.
Acute allergic reactions: Such as severe itching, widespread facial swelling and redness, or difficulty breathing.
When Does Botox Show Results?
A common question after Botox is, "When will I start seeing results?" and "How long do the results last?" The effects of Botox don't appear immediately after injection but gradually become more evident over time.
Timeline for Seeing Results After Injection:
First 3–5 days: You'll start to feel muscle weakness, such as tension when frowning.
7–14 days: Wrinkles will begin to fade, and results will become more apparent.
14 days onwards: This is when the results are "most stable" and look most natural.
How Long Does Botox Last?
Injection Area
Average Duration
Forehead / Crow's Feet Wrinkles
3–4 months
Jawline Reduction / Slim Face
4–6 months
Jawline Lift / Foxy Eyes
3–5 months
Underarm / Palm Sweat Reduction
6–8 months
This duration is an average and may be shorter or longer depending on the brand used, the number of units, muscle usage habits, and post-injection care.
It's recommended to have a follow-up check within 14 days after the injection. If any areas are still unbalanced, the doctor can safely adjust them.
Appropriate re-injections every 4–6 months will help maintain facial contour and wrinkle reduction long-term.
5 Things to Know Before Getting Botox
Botox must be authentic and approved by the Thai FDA.
Genuine brands will have a Lot Number, expiration date, and verifiable packaging.
Your doctor should always be able to show you the actual box before injection.
Choose a clinic with an operating license (from the Ministry of Public Health) and ensure that only a qualified doctor performs the injection. Never get injections from staff or "bag doctors," as this carries a risk of incorrect injection depth, side effects, or facial distortion.
Avoid injecting too frequently. There should be a 4–6 month interval between injections. Injecting too often can lead to Botox resistance.
Botox is not a permanent solution, but it can be safely re-injected under a doctor's supervision.
A health history must be taken before injection. Individuals with certain underlying medical conditions, such as neurological or muscular disorders, or those who are pregnant, should not receive injections.
Conclusion
Botox is a safe, fast-acting procedure that can effectively reshape the face, reduce wrinkles, and even treat certain medical conditions. By choosing authentic medication, getting injections from an experienced doctor, and following proper pre- and post-injection care, you can achieve natural-looking and long-lasting results. Therefore, before deciding, it's advisable to choose a reliable clinic for beauty that comes with long-term safety.
