Botulinum Toxin — Botox
Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) is an injectable treatment that temporarily blocks nerve signals to the muscles, causing them to relax in a controlled manner. It is indicated for dynamic wrinkles on the forehead, frown lines (glabellar lines), and crow's feet, as well as for masseter reduction (jawline slimming), and reducing muscle tension in the chin and neck bands. Visible results typically appear within 5–14 days and last for 3–4 months before muscle activity gradually returns.
Compiled from BonBoz Clinic clinical documentation — currently in medical review
Mechanism of Action
Botulinum toxin type A blocks the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, preventing the targeted muscle from receiving contraction signals and allowing it to relax. As a result, the overlying skin stops creasing, smoothing out dynamic wrinkles; for masseter hypertrophy, reduced muscle activity leads to a gradual reduction in muscle size over several weeks. This effect is temporary, as nerve terminals regenerate after 3–4 months.
Common Treatment Areas
Glabellar lines ("11" lines), horizontal forehead lines, crow's feet, bunny lines, subtle brow lift, cobblestone (dimpled) chin, downturned mouth corners (DAO lift), jawline slimming (masseter hypertrophy), platysmal neck bands, and axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating). Each area requires specific dosages and injection points; incorrect placement on the forehead can cause brow ptosis, while inaccurate injection around the eyes can lead to an asymmetrical smile.
Why Dosages Must Be Customized
Muscle strength, skin thickness, facial expression habits, and pre-existing conditions like brow ptosis or latent eyelid ptosis vary from person to person. A "one-size-fits-all" dose can easily cause a frozen expression or trigger brow ptosis in individuals who rely on the frontalis muscle to keep their eyes fully open. The physician evaluates dynamic muscle movement, administers a conservative dose during the initial session, and makes adjustments after 2 weeks if needed.
Risks to Know
Bruising, mild injection-site pain, transient headache; temporary brow or eyelid ptosis if the toxin diffuses to unintended muscles (lasting 2–6 weeks), asymmetrical smile, dry eyes or excessive tearing, temporary masseter weakness when chewing tough foods, and rarely, antibody formation leading to reduced efficacy from overly frequent injections. Most side effects resolve spontaneously as the toxin's effects wear off.
At BonBoz
Aesthetic dermatologists conduct in-person consultations, evaluate dynamic muscle movement, and examine brow and eyelid positioning prior to forehead injections. We use only officially registered, licensed products, tailor dosages to the individual, and map injection points for precise future adjustments. Injections are performed directly by physicians, with a follow-up scheduled at 2 weeks for any necessary touch-ups.
Technique variants
1
Upper facial injections
Forehead, glabella, crow's feet — expressional muscle group.
2
Lower face and jawline injections
Masseter muscle, chin — different targets from the upper group.
3
Periodic maintenance injections
Dosage and intervals are adjusted based on your individual response over time.
When should you see a doctor?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Underlying neuromuscular disorders, or currently taking interacting medications — must inform the doctor beforehand.
- Active infection at the planned injection site.
- Recent injection at another clinic with unknown dosage and product.
How is it performed?
No anesthesia is required, or topical anesthesia may be applied. The doctor marks the injection sites based on an individualized mapping plan, reconstitutes the product to the correct concentration, and injects precise doses into the target muscles at each site using an ultra-fine needle, followed by gentle pressure for hemostasis. The procedure takes 10–20 minutes; you can go home immediately.
Before the procedure
Assess facial muscle dynamics, eyebrows, and eyelids; screen for neuromuscular disorders, current medications, and pregnancy; discontinue anticoagulants and alcohol for 24–48 hours; thoroughly remove makeup from the injection site.
After the procedure
Do not lie face down or rub the injection area; avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and alcohol for 24 hours; noticeable results appear within 5–14 days; follow up after 2 weeks for adjustments; repeat treatment after 3–4 months when muscle activity returns.
Possible risks — your doctor explains them before treatment
- Bruising, localized tenderness at the injection site, transient headache
- Temporary brow ptosis or eyelid ptosis if the product diffuses into adjacent muscles
- Asymmetrical smile, frozen facial expression with high doses
- Temporary dry eyes or excessive tearing
- Temporary chewing weakness (masseter muscle)
- Decreased efficacy due to antibody formation from overly frequent injections (rare)
Who should NOT have this?
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis, ALS...)
- Allergy to any component of the medication
- Active skin infection at the injection site
- Currently taking aminoglycosides or medications that affect neuromuscular transmission
- Expecting to eliminate deep static wrinkles using Botox alone
How BonBoz uses it
BAP Technique (Bio Aesthetic Points) with Structural HA Skin Rejuvenation
BAP involves injecting high-concentration, thermally cross-linked (chemical-free) HA into 5 anatomical points on each side of the face. This allows the product to spread and stimulate collagen and elastin production over a wide area, improving skin firmness, elasticity, and overall skin quality without adding volume or reshaping facial features.
Learn about this method →Dermal Fillers (HA Fillers)
HA fillers consist of cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel injected into the skin or periosteum to restore volume, contour facial features (chin, nose, cheeks, lips), and fill static wrinkles. The filler gradually dissolves over 6 to 18 months, and can be dissolved with an enzyme if necessary.
Learn about this method →Non-Invasive HIFU Lifting
HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy to the deep dermis and SMAS layer, creating thermal coagulation points that contract existing collagen and stimulate new collagen production. This improves firmness in mild-to-moderate sagging skin with zero downtime; results are subtle to moderate and require maintenance.
Learn about this method →Non-Surgical Aesthetics
Service Page: Medical specialists directly examine your condition, recommend the most suitable treatment plan, and provide transparent pricing before you make any decision.
Learn about this method →Want a cost range for your own case?
Estimate the cost →Cost guidance
The cost depends on the number of treatment areas, your personalized muscle dosage, and whether this is your first treatment or a routine maintenance session.
The final price follows the doctor’s recommendation after an in-person exam. A confirmed quote has no hidden extras.
Inside the BonBoz clinic
Book a consultation with a doctor
Choose a date, time slot and doctor — the clinic calls to confirm within 5 minutes during opening hours. Free consultation, no commitment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Botox last?
How soon will I see results?
Will Botox make my face look frozen?
Is Botox toxic?
Will wrinkles get worse if I stop getting Botox?
What is the difference between Botox and fillers?
Does masseter Botox cause sunken cheeks?
What should I do if I experience eyelid drooping (ptosis) after injections?
Is there any downtime after Botox injections?
Related topics
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Cost: Price Range Reference
- Mesotherapy and Skin Booster Costs: Price per Session and Treatment
- Dermal Filler Cost by Treatment Area: Price per cc and Key Factors
- Botox Cost by Area: Reference Price Range
- BAP (Bio Aesthetic Points) Technique with Skin-Restructuring HA: 5 Points per Side of the Face, Mechanism of Action, and Ideal Candidates
- Mesotherapy (Micro-injections of Active Ingredients): Mechanism of Action, Common Ingredients, Treatment Protocol, and Limitations
More from our doctors
How Long Does Forehead Botox Take to Work? A Detailed Guide
Forehead Botox typically starts taking effect after 3–5 days, reaching optimal results within 2 weeks. Results depend on individual physiology and dosage.
What is the Difference Between Botox and Filler? A Guide to Choosing the Right Treatment for Each Facial Area
Botox relaxes muscles, while Filler restores volume. Botox is ideal for the forehead and eyes; Filler is best for the cheeks, chin, and lips. Each facial area requires its own tailored approach.
How Do Botox and Thread Lifts Differ in Mechanism? When Should They Be Combined?
Botox relaxes muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles, while a thread lift provides facial lifting and skin rejuvenation. These two methods work differently and can be combined to achieve optimal results.
Botox and Dermal Filler Injections in HCMC: 8 Licensed Clinics — A Verification Checklist for You
List of 8 Botox and Dermal Filler Injection Clinics in Ho Chi Minh City with Published Operating Licenses, Addresses, and Services — Including a 4-Step Self-Verification Guide (Operating License, Address, Practitioner's Medical Practice Certificate, Injectable Product) and a Pre-Injection Questionnaire. No Rankings, No Price Comparisons.