Published 2 October 2026
Botulinum toxin is used in aesthetic medicine to temporarily reduce the activity of selected facial muscles and soften the appearance of certain expression lines.
The key here is not the number of injections or the number of units. It is understanding what is actually causing the line in the first place. Botulinum toxin works on muscle activity, so it may be appropriate when the concern is related to repeated facial movement rather than primarily to loss of volume or changes in skin quality.
Because it works with expression lines
Forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet are often connected to repeated muscle contractions. When we raise the eyebrows, frown or smile, the same muscles contract again and again, creating folds in the overlying skin.
Botulinum toxin temporarily reduces the activity of the targeted muscles. As the muscles relax, the associated expression lines can become less noticeable.
This is why Botox is different from a filler. A filler adds volume or supports specific areas of the face. Botulinum toxin works by changing muscle activity. It does not replace lost volume and it is not designed to reshape the face.
Because treatment is planned around individual anatomy
One of the most important parts of treatment is knowing which muscles actually contribute to the patient’s concern.
The goal is not to make the face completely motionless. The doctor assesses facial anatomy, muscle activity and the way the patient naturally expresses emotions before deciding whether treatment is appropriate and which areas should be addressed.
Facial proportions, muscle strength and eyebrow position can differ significantly from person to person. The same treatment pattern cannot simply be copied from one face to another.
A well-planned treatment should take the patient’s individual anatomy into account rather than follow a standard template.
Because dynamic lines can change over time
Expression lines do not appear overnight. They develop gradually as the skin repeatedly folds over active muscles.
When dynamic lines are already visible, botulinum toxin may make them less pronounced by reducing the muscle activity responsible for them. When the concern is mostly about the appearance of dynamic lines, the approach depends on the individual assessment.
This does not mean Botox can stop ageing. Skin quality, sun exposure, genetics and natural changes in facial tissues continue to play a role. That is why the doctor looks at the whole picture rather than treating a line in isolation.
Because it is not the answer to every wrinkle
This is probably the most important point.
If a line is visible mainly when you frown, raise your eyebrows or smile, muscle activity may be an important part of the problem. If the same fold remains clearly visible when the face is completely relaxed, other factors may be involved — for example, changes in skin quality or loss of volume.
In that situation, Botox may not be the procedure that addresses the main cause.
The same applies to concerns such as hollow cheeks, under-eye volume loss or facial contour. These are structural concerns, and a consultation may lead to a completely different treatment plan.
Because the consultation comes first
At MED YU MED, the doctor first determines what the patient actually wants to change and whether botulinum toxin is appropriate for that concern.
The doctor assesses facial movement, muscle activity and anatomy, discusses the expected effect and explains possible risks and limitations before treatment.
In Dubai, cosmetic Botox is classified by the Dubai Health Authority as a prescription-only medicine and must be administered by a trained and privileged licensed physician. Written informed consent and patient information about risks, possible complications and expected outcomes are also part of the DHA requirements.
That is why Botox should be treated as a medical procedure rather than a routine beauty service.
What happens during the appointment?
The treatment itself consists of a series of small injections into selected muscles. The exact injection points and amount of product depend on the treatment area, anatomy and the doctor’s assessment.
Some patients describe the injections as brief pinches or stinging sensations. Mild redness, tenderness, swelling or bruising can occur afterwards and usually resolve as the injection sites settle.
The effect is not immediate. The treated muscles gradually become less active, so the visible result develops over the following days rather than appearing instantly.
The duration of effect varies between patients and depends on the product, treatment area, muscle activity and individual response. Repeat treatment should be planned with the treating physician rather than according to a fixed schedule.
What about side effects?
As with any medical injection, botulinum toxin treatment can cause local reactions such as pain, redness, swelling or bruising.
More significant complications are uncommon but possible. Depending on the product and treatment area, temporary unwanted muscle weakness or changes in the position of nearby structures can occur. Rarely, botulinum toxin effects can spread beyond the injection area and cause more serious symptoms.
For this reason, treatment should only be performed by an appropriately qualified and licensed medical professional using an authorised product.
Is Botox right for you?
There is no age at which every man should start Botox.
Some patients come in because a particular expression line has become noticeable in photographs. Others are bothered by lines that remain visible more often than they used to. And some simply want to understand whether their concern is actually related to muscle activity.
The correct starting point is not a request for a specific number of units. It is a medical consultation.
If botulinum toxin fits the concern, the doctor can discuss the treatment area, expected outcome, limitations and possible alternatives. If another issue is responsible for the change, another procedure — or no injectable treatment at all — may make more sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Botox take to work?
The effect develops gradually over the days following treatment rather than immediately after the injections. Clinical studies have assessed improvement during the weeks following treatment.
How long does the result last?
The duration varies between patients, treatment areas and individual muscle activity. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 randomised controlled trials involving 8,369 participants, the researchers found that the effect of onabotulinumtoxinA on upper facial expression lines was sustained for several months, although individual results vary.
Is Botox only for older men?
No specific age automatically makes someone suitable or unsuitable for treatment. The relevant question is what is causing the patient’s concern and whether botulinum toxin is an appropriate treatment for it.
Can Botox replace skincare?
No. Botulinum toxin and skincare address different aspects of facial ageing. A skincare routine can support the skin barrier and protect the skin from environmental factors, while botulinum toxin acts on selected muscle activity.
Medical disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. It does not recommend or prescribe any prescription-only medicine.
License statement: MED YU MED operates under DHA License 6589480.
Individual results caveat: Results vary by diagnosis, anatomy, product used and individual response, and no outcome is guaranteed.
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MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
DR. Alina Lebedeva General Practitioner, Aesthetic Medicine Doctor, Dermatologist DHA License No. 35044799-002
References
1 Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Standards for Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures. Dubai Health Authority, 2024/2025.
2 Camargo CP, Xia J, Costa CS, et al. Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021;7(7):CD011301. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011301.pub2.
3 Rahman E, Mosahebi A, Carruthers JDA, Carruthers A. The Efficacy and Duration of Onabotulinum Toxin A in Improving Upper Facial Expression Lines With 64-Unit Dose Optimization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis of the Randomized Controlled Trials. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023;43(2):215–229. doi:10.1093/asj/sjac253.
