Botox treatment in Turku – frequently asked questions

Botox is a medication that contains botulinum toxin, which relaxes muscles by blocking the nerve signals that activate them. When the muscle contracts less strongly, the lines formed above it become softer. In aesthetic medicine, botulinum toxin is commonly used to treat forehead lines and lines around the eyes. In medical treatments, it is used for conditions such as bruxism, migraine and excessive sweating.

Botox was originally the brand name of a specific medication. The active substance used in treatments is botulinum toxin, often simply referred to as botulinum. Several botulinum toxin products are available on the market, such as Azzalure, Dysport, Vistabel and Xeomin. All of these are used in botulinum treatments performed by a doctor. However, the word Botox has become commonly used in everyday language to refer to botulinum toxin treatments in general, even though it was originally a brand name. For this reason, botulinum treatments are often simply called Botox treatments.

The effects of botulinum treatment are not visible immediately after the injection. The first changes usually begin to appear within a few days after the treatment. The final result is typically seen after about 2–3 weeks, once the treated muscle has fully relaxed. For this reason, the result of the treatment is often evaluated during a follow-up visit approximately two weeks after the treatment.

The effect of botulinum treatment usually lasts about 3–5 months. During this time, the treated muscle functions more calmly, which softens the lines formed above it. The effect gradually fades as the connection between the nerve and the muscle recovers. When muscle activity begins to return, the treatment can be repeated if necessary.

Botulinum toxin is one of the most studied medications in aesthetic medicine. When the treatment is performed with the correct technique and dosage, side effects are usually mild and temporary. The most common ones are redness at the injection site, slight swelling or a small bruise.

Botulinum toxin is a prescription medication. In Finland, the treatment must be performed under the responsibility of a physician. During the consultation, the doctor can assess possible contraindications and plan the treatment individually.

There is no specific age limit for botulinum treatments. Most people seek treatment when expression lines begin to appear even at rest. In some cases, the treatment is also used preventively to reduce strong muscle contractions before deeper lines form. During the consultation, the doctor always evaluates individually whether the treatment is necessary and what dosage is most suitable.

The most common treatment areas include: • horizontal forehead lines • frown lines between the eyebrows (glabella) • lines around the eyes (crow’s feet) • subtle eyebrow lift • drooping corners of the mouth • chin dimpling

When performed correctly, botulinum treatment does not make the face expressionless. The goal is to balance muscle activity so that the face looks rested and refreshed.

Botulinum treatments can also be used preventively. When the muscle contracts less strongly, the skin does not crease as much and the formation of deeper lines may slow down.

Botox relaxes the muscle. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, add volume to the tissue. They are commonly used for example for lip enhancement or restoring facial volume. These are two completely different treatment methods.

The price of Botox treatment depends on the treatment area and the amount of medication required. Aesthetic botulinum treatments are usually priced according to the treatment areas. Common areas include the forehead, the glabella (frown lines), and the lines around the eyes. You can find the exact prices and treatment options in our price list.(/hinnasto) The treatment plan is always made individually during the doctor’s consultation.

The required amount of botulinum toxin varies from person to person. The dosage depends on factors such as muscle size, muscle activity and the treatment area. Some patients need only a small amount, while stronger muscles may require a higher dose. The doctor determines the appropriate dosage during the consultation based on facial anatomy and treatment goals.

Botulinum toxin mainly affects the muscle into which it is injected. The area of effect depends primarily on the dose, injection technique and the anatomy of the treated area. For this reason, knowledge of facial anatomy and precise injection technique are important for a safe outcome. When the treatment is performed correctly, the effect targets the intended muscle.

Yes. Botulinum toxin can be used to treat excessive tension in the jaw muscles. The treatment may reduce teeth grinding, jaw pain and overactivity of the jaw muscles.

Botulinum toxin is also used in the treatment of chronic migraine. The treatment is carried out based on a doctor’s assessment, and the injection points and doses are planned individually.

Botulinum toxin can also be used to treat excessive sweating. The treatment blocks the nerve signals to the sweat glands and can significantly reduce sweating, for example in the underarms, palms or soles of the feet.

Kela no longer reimburses botulinum toxin treatment for bruxism. The reimbursement for botulinum toxin preparations for this indication was removed in March 2025. Previously, some patients received reimbursement for the medication when botulinum toxin was prescribed by a dentist. Today, the patient pays for both the treatment and the medication themselves. The change in reimbursement policy is based both on the limited scientific evidence for the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in treating bruxism and on the significant increase in medication reimbursements for botulinum toxin in recent years. Although Kela reimbursement has been removed for botulinum treatment of bruxism, botulinum toxin is still used in medicine for other conditions where reimbursement may still be possible based on a doctor's assessment. If you would like to read more about botulinum treatment for bruxism, its price and the change in reimbursement policy, you can read our article: Botox for Bruxism in Turku – price, treatment and why Kela reimbursement was removed.(/post/botox-for-bruxism-in-turku)

The injection usually feels like a small pinch. Botulinum toxin is injected with a very fine needle, which makes the treatment well tolerated for most patients.

After the treatment, the small injection marks usually disappear quickly. The treated area should not be rubbed for 24 hours. It is also recommended to avoid lying down for about one hour after the treatment. Heavy sweating should be avoided for about three hours, and sauna, hot tubs or solarium use for about four hours after the treatment. This helps reduce unnecessary irritation and the risk of bruising.

For most patients, a suitable treatment interval is about 3–5 months. Very frequent treatments are generally not recommended, as repeated injections within a short period may increase the risk of the body developing antibodies to botulinum toxin. For this reason, the treatment schedule is always planned individually during the doctor’s consultation.