dr batul patel

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Dr. Batul Patel (Dermatologist)
Medical Director – The Bombay Skin Clinic
Dr. Batul Patel is an award winning dermatologist honored as the “Dermatologist of the Year 2023” at the national level by The Economic Times. View profile

Overview | Right Candidate | How works | Safety, side-effects & contraindications | Myths and facts | Cost

What is Botox®?

Botox® is the brand name for a prescription formulation of botulinum toxin type A used in small, carefully placed doses to soften the appearance of dynamic facial lines. In experienced hands, it can relax overactive muscles that create frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet while keeping normal expression intact [1,2].

Key benefits of Botox®

Advantages

  • Short, clinic-based procedure with minimal downtime and simple aftercare [1].
  • Helps soften expression lines for a refreshed, natural-looking appearance when planned well.
  • Predictable onset and duration windows, allowing treatment to be scheduled ahead of events [1,3].
  • Works well within combination plans that address multiple ageing concerns (muscle activity, volume loss, skin quality) [4].

What Botox® cannot do?

  • It cannot restore lost facial volume or contour; that may require dermal fillers or other options.
  • It does not directly treat pigmentation, pores, scars, or laxity; adjunct treatments may be advised.
  • Results are temporary; maintenance is needed at intervals determined during follow-ups [1,3].

Are you the right candidate?

  • Adults seeking softening of dynamic lines such as frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet.
  • Those open to a conservative, medical approach under dermatologist supervision.
  • Individuals planning ahead for occasions (wedding, shoot) with at least 2–3 weeks’ buffer for assessment and any refinements [1].

Who should avoid or defer?

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: defer until cleared post-partum, as safety data are limited [2].
  • Certain neuromuscular conditions or specific medications that increase risk; disclose full history during consult [2,5].
  • Active skin infection at the intended treatment site.
  • Unrealistic expectations or desire for a “frozen” look; our goal is balanced, natural movement.

How Botox® works

Dynamic wrinkles vs static wrinkles

Dynamic wrinkles form from repeated muscle contraction (for example, frowning or squinting). Static wrinkles remain visible at rest and may relate to volume loss and skin changes. Treating the muscle component helps reduce the dynamic contribution to these lines [6].

Mechanism: targeted muscle relaxation

Botulinum toxin type A blocks acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction, producing a temporary, localised relaxation of the targeted muscle. Dosing and placement are individualised to preserve expression while softening unwanted lines [2,6].

Areas commonly treated (forehead, frown, crow’s feet, etc.)

Common facial areas include glabella (frown lines), forehead lines, and lateral canthal lines (crow’s feet). Other medically appropriate areas can be discussed during consultation, depending on goals, anatomy, and safety [1,2].

Session plan & comfort

Consultation, facial mapping, and consent

Every patient begins with a dermatologist-led consultation at The Bombay Skin Clinic. We review goals, medical history, and facial muscle balance, and discuss benefits, risks, alternatives, and expected timelines.

The procedure step-by-step

  1. Cleansing of the treatment area; optional numbing measures based on comfort needs.
  2. Precise micro-injections following a personalised facial map.
  3. Brief observation, aftercare instructions, and scheduling of a review visit if needed.

Comfort options and pain levels

Most patients describe a series of quick pinches with mild, short-lived discomfort. Cooling or topical anaesthesia can be used if sensitive. The entire visit typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the plan and areas addressed.

Botox® downtime & aftercare checklist

What to expect in the first 24–48 hours

  • Mild redness, tenderness, pinpoint marks, or a transient headache may occur and usually settle quickly [1].
  • Makeup can typically be applied after a few hours if the skin is intact and calm.

Do’s and don’ts (workouts, facials, travel, sleep)

  • Avoid rubbing or massaging treated areas for 24 hours; keep the head elevated for a few hours as advised [7].
  • Delay vigorous workouts, steam/sauna, and facials for 24 hours.
  • Avoid tight headwear pressing on treated zones on the day of treatment.
  • Follow any personalised instructions given by your dermatologist.

Signs to contact the clinic

  • Unexpected or persistent asymmetry, drooping of eyelid or brow, or visual symptoms.
  • Prolonged redness, swelling, or discomfort at injection sites.
  • Any symptom that worries you—contact our team promptly for guidance [2,5].

Botox® safety, side-effects & contraindications

Common, temporary effects

  • Mild bruising, swelling, or redness at injection points.
  • Headache or a heavy feeling that settles as muscles adapt [1].

Less common risks and how we minimise them

  • Eyelid or brow ptosis, asymmetry, or smile changes if units diffuse into neighbouring muscles; minimised through anatomy-led mapping, conservative dosing, and aftercare adherence [2,6].
  • Allergic reactions are rare; full medical history and prior responses are reviewed.
  • We use stringent hygiene, single-use consumables, and doctor oversight across all branches.

Medical conditions, medications, pregnancy/breastfeeding

The boxed warning for botulinum toxin products describes the rare possibility of distant spread of effect, emphasising appropriate patient selection and technique [2,8]. Disclose all neuromuscular disorders, blood thinners, antibiotics like aminoglycosides, and pregnancy/breastfeeding status. When evidence is insufficient, we recommend deferring and re-evaluating later.

Botox® results & realistic timelines

Onset, peak effect, and how long results may last

Visible softening can begin in 2–3 days, typically peaks around 10–14 days, and may last about 3–4 months, sometimes longer depending on area, dose, and individual muscle activity [1,3]. Longevity varies from person to person and by facial zone.

Natural-looking outcomes vs “frozen” myths

The goal at The Bombay Skin Clinic is balanced expression. By mapping your unique muscle patterns and treating conservatively, we aim to reduce harsh lines while retaining natural movement. Review visits, if scheduled, help fine-tune subtle asymmetries.

When to plan treatment before an occasion (e.g., wedding, shoot)

Plan your first session at least 3–4 weeks before a key event. This allows for onset, peak effect, and any touch-ups if clinically appropriate. For regular maintenance, your dermatologist will propose a personalised schedule based on response.

Myths and facts

“Botox® will stop my facial expressions.”

The goal is softening overactivity, not removing expression. Conservative mapping preserves natural movement while reducing line‑forming strain [1].

“Results are instant.”

Most people notice early change in a few days; peak effect builds by around two weeks [2].

“Once I start, I cannot stop.”

The effect naturally wears off over months. You can pause or adjust maintenance at any time in discussion with your dermatologist [2].

“All brands and techniques are the same.”

Different preparations and techniques exist. Outcomes depend on medical assessment, placement, and follow‑up, not just the product [1,5].

Botox® vs other options (comparison)

Botox® vs Dermal Fillers

Botox® targets muscle movement; fillers replace or contour lost volume. Many patients benefit from both in a staged or combined plan to address different layers of ageing [4].

Botox® vs HIFU/Ultrasound skin tightening

HIFU focuses ultrasound energy into deeper tissues to stimulate tightening over months. It does not relax expression muscles. Your plan may include either or both depending on whether movement lines, laxity, or both are the priority.

Botox® vs Skin boosters/microneedling

Skin boosters and microneedling target hydration and texture. They can complement Botox® by improving skin quality while Botox® softens movement lines.

Combination treatments for best outcomes

Indian consensus papers commonly support combination strategies (for example, toxin with fillers or skin procedures) for balanced outcomes, when assessed and sequenced by trained clinicians [4].

Indicative pricing in Mumbai

What influences the cost

  • Number and type of facial areas addressed, and individual muscle strength.
  • Dermatologist expertise and clinic protocols, including consumables and follow-ups.
  • Whether part of a broader plan (for example, with fillers or skin treatments).

Botox® Treatment indicative pricing

Your exact quote is provided after in-clinic assessment and mapping, as dosing and plan are individualised. Package options may be available when treatments are combined during a multi-visit plan.

Why The Bombay Skin Clinic

  • All injectable treatments are planned and delivered under dermatologist oversight, with evidence-based protocols and safety checklists at every step.
  • Single-use consumables, medical-grade disinfectants, sterile technique, and adverse-event pathways are standard across our clinics.
  • We prioritise individual goals, conservative dosing, and privacy across all branches.
  • Choose the location most convenient to you: South Mumbai (Kemps Corner), Bandra, Andheri West, or Chembur.
  • Call or WhatsApp The Bombay Skin Clinic, submit your details via our website form, or visit the clinic to schedule a dermatologist consultation.

FAQs

Is Botox® safe when done by a dermatologist?

When performed by trained clinicians in an appropriate setting, botulinum toxin injections have a well-characterised safety profile. As with any medical procedure, side-effects can occur; proper assessment, technique, and aftercare reduce risks [1,2,6,8].

Will I look “frozen” or unnatural?

Our approach is conservative and anatomy-led. The aim is to soften harsh lines while retaining natural expression. Treatment is adjusted at follow-up if required.

How soon will I see results and how long do they last?

Early changes may be visible within a few days, peak around 10–14 days, and generally last 3–4 months, sometimes longer depending on individual factors [1,3].

Can I combine Botox® with fillers, lasers, or facials?

Yes, combination plans are common in Indian practice and can address different concerns in a coordinated way. Your dermatologist will sequence treatments for safety and synergy [4].

Is there a right age to start Botox®?

There is no universal “right” age. Suitability depends on muscle activity, line patterns, goals, and medical considerations. For younger adults, it may be considered as a supportive option to reduce dynamic line formation, after clinical assessment [6].

What should I avoid after my session?

Avoid rubbing treated areas for 24 hours, delay vigorous exercise and facials for a day, and follow the clinic’s instructions. Contact us if you notice symptoms that concern you [7].

Sources

 

 

dr batul patel

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Dr. Batul Patel (Dermatologist)
Medical Director – The Bombay Skin Clinic
Dr. Batul Patel is an award winning dermatologist honored as the “Dermatologist of the Year 2023” at the national level by The Economic Times. View profile