Botox – how it works, prices, experiences & comparing options
Botox is an injectable treatment used to soften expression lines by temporarily reducing muscle activity. The treatment is widely known, but is often interpreted in different ways. This page is designed as a definitive decision-making resource: what Botox is, how it works, what results are realistic, how long the effects last, what the costs are, what real experiences actually show, and how to compare doctors and clinics. Factual, independent, and written from the perspective of European medical practice.
What is Botox & how does it work
Botox in brief
Type: muscle-relaxing injectable treatment
Active substance: botulinum toxin type A
Purpose: reducing expression lines
Result: gradually becomes visible
Duration of effect: on average 3–4 months
Safety: dependent on medical expertise, dosage, and technique
What exactly is Botox?
Botox is the common name for botulinum toxin, a substance that temporarily blocks the signal transmission between nerve and muscle. As a result, the muscle relaxes and the skin above it can become smoother. In a medical context, it is referred to as botulinum toxin type A, while consumers may also use terms such as wrinkle injections or muscle relaxants.
How does a Botox treatment work?
During a Botox treatment, the doctor injects small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific muscles. The effects:
reduces excessive muscle activity
prevents further deepening of wrinkles
allows the skin to relax
The effect usually develops within 3–10 days. The treatment itself often takes 10–20 minutes.
Applications by area
Frown lines (between the eyebrows)
Forehead
Crow’s feet (around the eyes)
Brow lift (subtle)
Jaw muscles (bruxism)
Excessive sweating (armpits/hands)
In cases of volume loss or static wrinkles, Botox is sometimes combined with fillers or skin-improving treatments such as skinboosters.
Botox Results, Duration & Safety
What results can you expect from Botox?
When properly dosed, the result of Botox is subtle and natural.
Commonly reported effects:
softening of expression lines
a more relaxed facial appearance
prevention of deeper lines
Botox is intended to preserve facial expressions, not to completely eliminate them.
Botox before and after photos
How long does Botox last?
The effect lasts on average 3–4 months. The duration depends on:
muscle strength
dosage
metabolism
frequency of treatments
With repeated treatments, the duration of effect may sometimes increase slightly.
Is Botox safe?
Botox is considered safe when it is administered by a qualified and experienced doctor with knowledge of facial anatomy and injection techniques.
Common, temporary reactions
mild redness
small bruise
temporary tenderness
Undesired effects almost always result from incorrect dosage or technique.
The quality and experience of the doctor are decisive for both safety and results.
Botox Prices, Experiences & Comparison
Botox prices
The cost of Botox depends on:
number of treatment areas
amount used
experience of the doctor
clinic and region
Indicative prices
Per area: £120 – £200
Multiple areas: £300 – £500
A price without context says little; the indication and dosage are decisive.
Botox experiences: what do reviews really say?
Searches for Botox experiences are rarely about the substance itself, but rather about:
how natural the results look
trust in the doctor
communication and expectation management
Experiences show that satisfaction is mainly linked to aesthetic judgment and technique, not the brand of botulinum toxin used.
Reviews
I wouldn’t go anywhere else and always been happy with the Botox and fillers that I have had over the years.
I had a detailed consultation with her. She was friendly and made me feel at ease.
I hardly felt some of the botox injections.
The results are brilliant.
Dr Kerry is on hand if there are any follow up questions.
I will be back later in the year for my next session with her.
Thank you Dr Kerry.
Mikaela always sets realistic expectations, yet somehow the results consistently surpass them. I’m very much the type of person who would happily say yes to every treatment on the menu, but Mikaela will always take the time to explain honestly if she doesn’t feel I’m a suitable candidate for something. That level of professionalism and integrity really sets her apart and is clearly at the core of her business.
I would recommend anyone considering aesthetic treatments to visit Mikaela! Show less »
I had my first ever treatments yesterday at Monroe Aesthetics. I was welcomed in and made to feel comfortable (I had lip numbing cream applied while I waited). Before my session I was asked what kind of look I wanted and we worked together to choose the correct treatment. During my lip filler I was continually asked if I was comfortable. I chose to have Botox during the same visit and was again asked if I was comfortable. I was provided with aftercare sheets for both treatments and advised on signs to look out for as it was my first lip filler. Both treatments were quick and painless and I will be back for further top ups. Highly recommend this clean and pretty salon and all the staff are lovely. Show less »
Teena suggests what is best for you and not her bank balance. I was there last week and after she did my Botox, Teena noticed an unsightly wart under my eyelid which I have hated for years but had accepted as part of aging. Not only did she remove it without any discomfort to me, she insisted on not charging me anything.
Also, so many places are stingy with their botox vials - not Teena. I have never had to go back to get more.
I love Teena and would recommend her to anyone. I even took my 26 year old daughter to meet her who is interested in slowing down those wrinkles. There was only one place that I felt was good enough for my daughter and that was TW Aesthetics and once she had met Teena, my daughter was ready to book her own appointment. Thank you Teena. Show less »
The salon was beautiful and clean i felt really at home. Kayleigh explained everything to me asked all medical questions and asked if i had any questions. While i was having my treatments she was talking me through it constantly checking on me this was really lovely. I am so happy with the outcome really really happy. Kayleigh went through all the after care and i went away feeling amazing really happy. I would 100% recommend and will be going back again. Thank you so much Show less »
Every appointment includes a thorough consultation, and treatments are always tailored to your individual needs. Yuliya will often recommend specific areas or even a course of treatments to make sure you get the best possible results. She also has a great sense of humour that helps you feel completely at ease - even when needles are involved! The results are always natural-looking and beautifully done. A truly bespoke and reassuring experience every visit. Show less »
I’ve recently had Exosomes and microneedling which has made a huge difference to my skin quality. I also have perfect peels and Botox for maintenance. Very pleased with results and have referred several friends, thank you for your care. Show less »
Botox vs alternatives
Botox is often compared with:
fillers (volume restoration)
polynucleotides (skin quality)
skin-tightening treatments
Which treatment is most suitable depends on the type of wrinkle and the desired effect.
When do you choose Botox (and when not)?
Suitable if you:
want to soften dynamic (expression) wrinkles
want preventive treatment
are looking for a temporary and controllable effect
Less suitable if you:
want to restore volume loss
want to fill deep static wrinkles
A personal consultation is always decisive.
Botox doctors & clinics comparison
With Botox, experience, dosing, and injection technique make the difference. Compare doctors based on qualifications, experience, and treatment philosophy/approach.
Compare Botox clinics
Clinics differ in pricing structure, treatment protocols, and aftercare. Compare based on region, indicative pricing, and patient experiences/reviews.
Search, compare and book
Compare on experience & price Make an appointment immediately
Frequently Asked Questions about Botox
What are the disadvantages of Botox?
Botox generally has a good safety profile, but it also has disadvantages. Possible side effects include temporary swelling, redness, small bruises, or headache. In rare cases, a drooping eyelid or a heavy sensation in the treated area may occur. The effect is temporary, which means repeat treatments are needed to maintain the result.
What does Botox cost in the face?
The cost of Botox in the face usually ranges between £100 and £400 per treatment area. The price depends on the number of areas, the amount of Botox used, the experience of the doctor, and the clinic. Many clinics work with prices per treatment area, such as frown lines, forehead, or crow’s feet.
What should you not do after a Botox treatment?
After Botox, it is advised not to exercise, massage, or apply pressure to the treated area for the first 24 hours. It is also recommended to avoid lying flat within 4 hours after the treatment and to temporarily avoid the sauna, tanning beds, or alcohol. This helps prevent the Botox from spreading and optimizes the final result.
What is the best age to start Botox?
There is no fixed “best” age for Botox. Many people start in their late 20s or early 30s, often preventively to avoid deep wrinkles. Others begin later, when wrinkles are clearly visible. Suitability mainly depends on skin condition, muscle activity, and personal preferences.
Why would you say no to Botox?
People sometimes consciously choose not to get Botox because of its temporary effect, the cost, or fear of an unnatural result. Botox is also not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in certain medical conditions. In addition, some people prefer natural aging or alternative treatments such as skincare or collagen-stimulating therapies.
Compare Botox clinics
Clinics differ in pricing structures, protocols, and aftercare. Compare them by region, indicative price range, and patient experiences/reviews.