Treat rosacea with Botox | Effect, experiences & cost

Botulinum toxin type A may reduce persistent facial redness and flushing in some people with rosacea. Small clinical studies are promising, but the evidence is still limited and treatment methods are not yet standardised.

Using BOTOX specifically for rosacea is an off-label use in the UK, meaning rosacea is not one of the product's licensed indications. Treatment should therefore be considered differently from a routine cosmetic Botox treatment.

Research has mainly investigated superficial or intradermal injections for redness and flushing. It does not show that botulinum toxin cures rosacea or reliably treats every rosacea symptom.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face. It can cause episodes of flushing, persistent redness, burning or stinging, visible small blood vessels and, in some people, spots or inflammatory bumps.

The symptoms vary considerably between individuals. This matters when considering botulinum toxin because the current research does not suggest that it addresses every feature of rosacea.

Botulinum toxin research has focused particularly on persistent facial redness, also called erythema, and facial flushing.

What does the research say about Botox for rosacea?

Research suggests that intradermal botulinum toxin type A may reduce facial redness and flushing in some people with rosacea, but the evidence base remains relatively small.

A 2026 systematic review identified three randomised controlled trials specifically studying botulinum toxin type A in adults with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. The studies reported improvements in erythema and flushing, but the review also highlighted small participant numbers, short follow-up periods and differences in study design.

A wider review of intradermal botulinum toxin for rosacea-related erythema also found improvements in redness, while noting differences between treatment protocols and the need for further randomised research.

For this reason, Botox for rosacea is better described as an emerging treatment option rather than an established or predictable treatment for everyone with rosacea.

How does Botox fit alongside other rosacea treatments?

Botulinum toxin is not currently a standard first-line treatment for rosacea in the UK. Established treatment options depend on which symptoms are present.

For example, prescription creams or gels and oral medicines may be considered for some forms of rosacea. For persistent facial redness and visible blood vessels, vascular laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) may also be considered.

Botulinum toxin therefore should not be presented as automatically "better" than laser, IPL or medication. A suitable approach depends on the symptoms being treated, previous treatment response, medical history and the assessment made during consultation.

Risks and practical considerations

How long can the effect of Botox for rosacea last?

There is not yet a well-established standard duration for Botox used specifically for rosacea. Published studies generally have relatively short follow-up periods, and treatment techniques are not standardised.

This means the usual duration quoted for cosmetic wrinkle treatment should not automatically be applied to rosacea. Improvement may be temporary, and some people may consider further treatment after reassessment.

For general information about treatment duration in other Botox applications, see how long Botox lasts.

How much does Botox for rosacea cost in the UK?

There is no single price that applies to every Botox-for-rosacea treatment. Cost can depend on the area being treated, the treatment plan, the amount of product required and the clinic or practitioner providing the treatment.

Rosacea may also require a different injection approach from standard anti-wrinkle treatment, so a generic "one Botox area" price should not automatically be treated as the price of rosacea treatment.

You can review broader Botox cost information when comparing clinics, but check whether a clinic lists a specific price for rosacea treatment.

What should you ask a practitioner before Botox for rosacea?

Experience with standard anti-wrinkle injections does not automatically mean that someone frequently treats rosacea with botulinum toxin. Ask specifically about their experience assessing facial redness and flushing and using superficial or intradermal botulinum toxin techniques.

Useful questions include:

• Which of my rosacea symptoms would the treatment aim to address?

• Why are you considering botulinum toxin rather than an established rosacea treatment?

• Which botulinum toxin product would be used?

• What does off-label use mean in my circumstances?

• What unwanted facial muscle effects are possible?

• What happens if I do not respond as expected?

• What follow-up is available?

For broader provider-comparison guidance, see how to choose a Botox practitioner.

Compare clinics for Botox and rosacea

Not every clinic that provides Botox will necessarily offer botulinum toxin for rosacea. When comparing clinics, check whether rosacea or facial flushing is specifically mentioned and whether the clinic can discuss the off-label nature of the treatment before you decide how to proceed.

Compare the treatment information available for each clinic, ask what the proposed treatment is intended to target and discuss alternatives during consultation.

Choosing not to proceed with treatment remains an option.

Frequently asked questions about Botox for rosacea