Botox

Botox has become an indispensable part of the cosmetic landscape. From frown lines to migraine relief, this treatment offers solutions for both aesthetic and medical purposes. In the UAE, thousands of treatments are performed each year, and demand continues to grow. Curious about what Botox actually does, how much it costs, what risks are involved, and what to look out for when choosing a clinic? Keep reading.

What is Botox?

Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, is a naturally derived protein used to temporarily relax muscles. This protein comes from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Botulinum toxin works by blocking the “signal to contract” between nerves and the tiny muscles in the skin. This prevents the muscles from fully contracting, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin.

In the UAE, various brands of Botulinum toxin are used, all of which provide effective and safe treatments for reducing wrinkles and addressing other conditions.

Which wrinkles can be treated with Botox?

Botox is effective at reducing various types of wrinkles and lines on the face. Here are some of the most commonly treated areas:

• Eyebrow lift: This treatment uses Botox to relax the muscles around the eyebrows, giving them a natural lift and creating a more open, youthful appearance.

• Lip flip: By injecting Botox into the muscles around the lips, a subtle lift of the upper lip can be achieved, making it appear fuller and preventing it from curling inward when smiling.

• Bunny lines: Botox can reduce the lines that form on the sides of the nose when smiling, also known as “bunny lines,” giving a smoother appearance to the nose and surrounding area.

• Frown lines: Botox can be injected into the muscles between the eyebrows to soften frown lines and promote a relaxed look across the forehead.

• Crow’s feet: Injecting Botox into the muscles around the eyes can reduce crow’s feet, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking eyes.

The treatment areas

• The forehead

• The frown

• The crow's feet

• The jaw muscles (Masseterus)

• The chin

• The corners of the mouth

• Migraine

• The neck

Medical applications of Botulinum toxin

In addition to cosmetic uses, Botulinum toxin is widely used to treat a range of medical conditions.

Migraine

Botox has proven to be an effective treatment for migraine. Studies show that up to 70% of people with migraine benefit from the treatment. While the exact cause of most headaches is not fully understood, increased muscle tension is thought to play a role. Botox helps by relaxing the muscles, which can reduce headache symptoms.

Teeth grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding can lead to excessive tooth wear, broken teeth, and other issues. Botox treatment for teeth grinding can help protect the teeth and relieve the pain that often accompanies it. Botox relaxes the targeted muscle, preventing it from contracting too forcefully. In this treatment, Botox is injected into the masseter muscles—the large chewing muscles on the sides of your jaw—reducing muscle activity and the pressure caused by grinding.

Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)

Botulinum toxin blocks the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. A Botox treatment for excessive sweating prevents these glands from producing sweat, for example in the underarms. Botox provides an effective solution for those affected by hyperhidrosis, significantly improving quality of life.

Facts about a Botox treatment

A Botox treatment offers an effective way to reduce wrinkles and address certain medical conditions. Here are some key points about the procedure:

• How it works: Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin, works by blocking the “signal to contract” between the nerves and the small muscles in the skin. This prevents the muscles from fully contracting, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

• Pain level: Botox treatments are generally not painful. The injections are almost painless, so anaesthetic is usually not required.

• Treatment duration: Botox treatments are typically quick, often lasting just 5 to 10 minutes. These fast and simple procedures can often be done during a lunch break.

• When results appear: The full effect of Botox usually becomes noticeable after 1–2 weeks, as the muscles gradually relax and the treatment takes effect.

• How long results last: On average, the results last 3 to 4 months, depending on the area treated and individual factors. After this period, the muscles that cause wrinkles regain activity.

• Follow-up treatments: You can then decide whether you want to have another treatment.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Botox is not offered to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the safety of treatment during these times has not been fully established.

Before and after your treatment

Before the treatment

It’s advised to avoid alcohol before your treatment, as alcohol thins the blood and can increase the chance of bruising. The same applies to blood-thinning medications—always check with your prescribing doctor first.

Aftercare

You can resume your normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. However, there are a few recommendations to follow: Avoid UV exposure for 2 weeks after your treatment, including direct sunlight and tanning beds, as UV light can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Refrain from using a sauna or steam room for 2 weeks. Avoid smoking for at least 6 hours after your treatment. Avoid strenuous exercise during the first 24 hours. Do not apply makeup around the treated area for the first 24 hours.

Botox prices

The cost of a Botox treatment varies depending on the clinic, typically ranging from around £70 to £220 per area. Prices can be influenced by several factors: some clinics are located in premium areas, some employ highly experienced cosmetic doctors (who often charge more), and some use different brands of Botulinum toxin. The leading brands include Vistabel/Botox, Azzalure/Dysport, and Bocouture. Clinics that buy in larger quantities or have shorter treatment times may offer lower prices.

Average Botox prices per treatment

A Botox treatment starts from around £45 for a half area. Compare local prices using the button below. Average prices in the UAE are approximately:

It’s important to prioritise the quality of the treatment over the price alone.

What do clients say about their experience?

In the UAE, thousands of Botox treatments are performed each year. Most people are very satisfied and often choose to have follow-up treatments 2–3 times per year.

Read our article on Botox experiences.

Is Botox safe?

In general, scientists agree that when administered by a qualified medical professional, Botox is considered low-risk. In other words, you don’t need to worry about the safety of the treatment. Botulinum toxin has been widely used for medical purposes since the 1980s. It’s prescribed in much higher doses for conditions such as muscle spasms, urinary incontinence, and other neurological disorders than in cosmetic treatments. There is currently no evidence suggesting that long-term use of Botox is dangerous. Worldwide, millions of treatments are carried out each year.

Risks

Botox treatments are generally safe, but there are some potential risks and side effects. These may include mild swelling, bruising, headaches, and sensitivity at the injection site. In rare cases, Botox may not be injected in exactly the right spot, which can lead to temporary asymmetry or drooping eyelids. These effects usually resolve within a few weeks.

To maintain the desired results, repeated treatments—around 2–3 times per year—are usually required. Excessive use, however, can sometimes lead to a “frozen” appearance.

Read more:
What does a half-area Botox treatment do?

Frequently asked questions about Botox treatments

Sources:

Injectablesbooking Research 2025
Research by Tom Decates in collaboration with Injectablesbooking