Botox is the commonly used name for treatments based on botulinum toxin, a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In medicine, it is used in extremely small, controlled doses to temporarily reduce the activity of selected muscles.

Its story began in the 19th century, when physicians first investigated cases of food-related muscle paralysis. Later, scientists identified the responsible bacterium and isolated the toxin. What was once known as a powerful natural toxin gradually became an important medical tool through purification, precise dosing, and controlled clinical use.

Before botulinum toxin became known in aesthetic medicine, it was used therapeutically — for example in ophthalmology and neurology — to treat conditions involving excessive or uncontrolled muscle activity. Over time, physicians observed that treated areas also showed a visible softening of expression lines. This led to its development as one of the most widely used aesthetic treatments in the world.

Botulinum toxin works at the connection between nerve and muscle. It temporarily blocks the release of a messenger substance that tells the muscle to contract. When the selected muscle relaxes, the overlying skin is no longer folded as strongly with repeated facial expression. This can soften existing dynamic lines and help prevent them from becoming deeper over time.

Botulinum toxin is used in areas where repeated muscle activity contributes to expression lines, facial tension, downward pull, or loss of definition. Treatment planning focuses on precise muscle modulation — softening movement where needed while preserving natural facial expression.

Depending on individual anatomy, muscle strength, and treatment goals, aesthetic Botox may be used for:

• Forehead lines
  To soften horizontal lines caused by frontalis muscle activity while maintaining a natural, expressive appearance.

• Lines between the eyebrows / frown lines
  To relax the muscles responsible for frown lines, tension, or a tired or stern expression.

• Brow lift
  To create a subtle lifting effect by carefully balancing the muscles that pull the brow downward and upward.

• Crow’s feet lines
  To soften lines around the eyes while preserving a natural smile.

• Lip flip
  To gently relax the upper lip muscle, allowing the lip to appear slightly more open without adding volume.

• Mouth corner muscle / DAO treatment
  To reduce downward pull at the corners of the mouth and support a softer, more balanced lower-face expression.

• Chin muscle / strawberry chin
  To relax overactivity of the mentalis muscle, which can create dimpling, tension, or an uneven chin surface.

• Jawline definition and lower face lift
  To reduce downward muscle pull in the lower face and improve jawline contour.

• Platysma muscle / neck bands
  To soften vertical neck bands and support a subtle lifting effect in the lower face and neck. This approach is often referred to as a Nefertiti lift.

• Gummy smile
  In selected cases, botulinum toxin may be used to reduce excessive upper gum visibility when smiling.

• Nose refinement
  Subtle nasal tip lift and reduction of nostril flare by relaxing selected nasal muscles, depending on individual anatomy and movement pattern.

These treatments can be performed individually or combined as part of a broader facial balancing approach.

Medical Botox Indications

Botulinum toxin is also used medically for selected functional indications:

• Excessive sweating / hyperhidrosis, for example in the underarms, hands, soles, scalp, forehead, hairline, or other selected areas

• Teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or TMJ syndrome / bruxism, when overactivity of the masseter and temporalis muscles contributes to tension or discomfort

• Migraine or tension-related symptoms, when medically indicated and assessed individually

• Neck pain, muscle tension, and back pain, when related to muscle overactivity and assessed for medical suitability

For these indications, please see the dedicated Medical Botox page.

Each treatment begins with a structured facial assessment. The face is evaluated both at rest and during movement to understand individual muscle activity, balance, and expression patterns.

A 3D facial analysis is used to assess proportions, symmetry, and dynamic movement. This supports precise, individualized treatment planning rather than standardized injection patterns.

Where clinically indicated, ultrasound imaging may be used to further enhance anatomical understanding and treatment safety, particularly in selected lower face areas.

Botulinum toxin is a medical treatment that requires detailed anatomical knowledge and clinical experience. Dosage and placement are tailored to the individual, with a conservative, safety-focused approach.

The goal is a controlled, natural-looking result that respects facial anatomy and preserves expression.

For balanced and long-lasting results, botulinum toxin is often combined with complementary treatments that address other aspects of facial aging, skin quality, and overall facial harmony.

Depending on individual needs, this may include:

• Regenerative Treatments
  To improve hydration, texture, glow, and regenerative skin health with treatments such as skinboosters, polynucleotides, PRP, exosomes, or medical peels.

• Dermal Fillers
  To restore structural support, improve contours, or rebalance facial proportions when volume loss or tissue descent contributes to the overall appearance.

• Biostimulators
  To support collagen production, skin firmness, and long-term tissue quality.

• Laser & Light-Based Treatments
  To improve pigmentation, redness, sun damage, skin texture, and overall skin clarity.

Treatment time
Usually 15–30 minutes, depending on the areas treated.

Comfort during treatment
Injections are generally well tolerated. A vibration anesthesia device is used to improve comfort, and numbing cream can be applied on request.

Downtime
No downtime. Normal daily activities can usually be resumed immediately.

When results appear
Initial effects typically begin within 3–7 days.
Full results are usually visible after 10–14 days.

How long results last
Results generally last around 4–6 months. Duration may vary between individuals.

Repeat treatments
Regular treatments are required to maintain results. Treatment intervals are determined individually.

Side effects & risks
Temporary redness, swelling, or small bruises at injection sites may occur. Rare side effects and potential complications are discussed during consultation.

Expectations
The goal is a relaxed, natural appearance while preserving facial expression. Results develop gradually.

Botulinum toxin treatments are priced according to the number of treated areas and the individualized treatment plan. An exact treatment plan and final cost are determined during the medical consultation.

One facial area
(e.g. frown lines)
CHF 350

Two facial areas
(e.g. frown lines and forehead)
CHF 550

Three facial areas
(e.g. forehead, frown lines, and crow's feet)
CHF 650

Four facial areas
(e.g. including lip flip)
CHF 750

Lower face and neck
(Jawline definition and platysma muscle relaxation)
CHF 700

A follow-up visit including a possible touch-up is included within 4 weeks after treatment.