Botox is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the world, and the reason is simple: it delivers visible results without surgery and without a lengthy recovery. It involves an injection of botulinum toxin that temporarily relaxes the muscles responsible for wrinkle formation.
At the DentalVortex clinic in Belgrade, we use botox for both aesthetic and dental purposes, making us one of the few places where you can address multiple concerns in one visit. Results are natural, the face remains expressive, and wrinkles become invisible.
What is botox and how does it work
Botox is a preparation based on botulinum toxin, a protein that temporarily blocks nerve signals in a muscle. When injected into the targeted muscle, it prevents the release of acetylcholine (the neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contraction). The muscle relaxes, the skin above it becomes smooth, and wrinkles disappear or become significantly less visible.
It is important to understand one thing: botox does not “freeze” the face. In the hands of an experienced physician who precisely determines the dose and injection points, the face remains natural and expressive. Botox has been used in medicine for more than 40 years, and in aesthetic medicine for more than 30. It is approved by the relevant health authorities and is one of the most extensively studied preparations in aesthetic medicine.
Which areas are treated with botox
Botox is not a treatment only for the forehead. It is applied to multiple regions of the face and body, depending on what the patient wants to address. Some of these applications are purely aesthetic, while others also have a medical basis.
Facial botox
The most commonly treated regions are the upper third of the face:
- Forehead – horizontal lines that appear when raising the eyebrows
- Between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) – vertical furrows that form when frowning
- Around the eyes (crow’s feet) – smile lines that spread toward the temples
- Correction of eyebrow or eyelid asymmetry
Botox is increasingly being applied to the lower half of the face as well: perioral lines (fine lines above the upper lip), lines around the nose, and neck lines.
Lip flip
Lip flip is a specialized upper lip botox treatment. A small amount of the preparation is applied to the muscle above the upper lip, causing it to gently curl upward. The result is a natural effect of a fuller and more defined lip, without fillers and without adding volume. As an additional effect, the lip flip can also soften fine lines above the upper lip, although that is not its primary purpose. Lip flip is a good choice for people who want a subtle change, or who are not sure whether they are ready for filler treatment.
Botox in dentistry: gummy smile and bruxism
In dentistry, botox has two clear indications:
- Gummy smile (high smile line) – a condition in which too much of the gums is visible when smiling. A small amount of botox injected into the upper lip muscle reduces the elevation of the lip when smiling, making the smile aesthetically more balanced.
- Bruxism – unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, most often during sleep. Botox is applied to the masseter muscle (the chewing muscle), reducing its excessive activity. This protects the teeth from wear, reduces jaw pain, and alleviates the headaches caused by bruxism.
Botox for hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition characterized by excessive sweating, most commonly in the underarm area. Botox blocks the nerve signals that activate the sweat glands, drastically reducing sweating. The effect lasts longer than with aesthetic treatments — up to one year.
What does a botox treatment look like
The treatment begins with a consultation. The physician assesses the condition of your skin, evaluates muscle activity, and listens to your expectations. Only then is a decision made about the injection points and the amount of preparation.
The procedure itself takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas treated. Injections are administered with needles designed for precise application, and any discomfort is minimal and brief. Anesthesia is usually not required, although a local anesthetic or cold compress can be used if needed. Botox is injected directly into the targeted muscle at pre-determined points. The number of injection sites depends on the region being treated.
After the preparation is applied, there is no visible mark from the procedure — at most, only minor redness that fades quickly. After the treatment, you can immediately resume your daily activities. This is why botox is often referred to worldwide as a “lunch-break” procedure.
When results appear and how long they last
The first effects become visible between 3 and 7 days after treatment. The full result is seen after 10 to 14 days, when the skin looks firm, smooth, and rested. The effect of botox lasts between 4 and 6 months. Several factors influence the duration: the area treated, individual metabolism, and whether this is a first-time or repeat treatment. For hyperhidrosis, the effect lasts longer — up to one year.
When the effect begins to wear off, the treatment is repeated. With regular treatments, muscles remain relaxed for longer because their habitual activity is reduced. This means that over time you can achieve the same result with fewer repeat sessions, and deep wrinkles are less likely to reform.
Does botox hurt and what to expect
Botox treatment is not painful. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief prick, similar to a mosquito bite. Mild redness or slight swelling may occur at the injection site, but this subsides within an hour or two. Serious side effects are extremely rare when the treatment is performed by an experienced physician. Very rarely, temporary drooping of the eyelid may occur, but this also resolves on its own within a few weeks.
One thing is certain: botox remains localized at the site of application and does not enter the bloodstream.
Post-treatment instructions
After a botox treatment, please follow these recommendations:
What to avoid:
- For the first 4 hours, do not lie down, bend your head forward, or exercise
- Avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours
- Avoid saunas and tanning beds for several days
- Avoid intense physical activity for several days
- Do not massage the treated areas or apply creams to the injection sites
- Avoid facial cosmetic treatments for several days after the procedure
Who is botox suitable for, and who should not have it
Botox is suitable for adults who have begun to develop expression lines, or who have one of the dental or medical indications such as gummy smile, bruxism, or hyperhidrosis. The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has approved the use of botulinum toxin from the age of 18, and it is most commonly used by patients between 30 and 70 years of age.
There is no strict age threshold for the “right time” for botox. Treatment makes sense when wrinkles appear, and for some people that happens earlier, for others later.
Botox must not be used in the following cases:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Active infection in the area to be treated
- Allergy to the components of the preparation
- Use of certain muscle-relaxing medications or aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Dysmorphia (body dysmorphic disorder)
If you are not sure whether you are a candidate for treatment, that is precisely what we discuss during the consultation.
Botox treatment price list
The cost of botox treatment depends on the number of areas treated and the type of indication. In the table below you can find indicative prices for all procedures performed at the DentalVortex clinic.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Three regions | 30,000 RSD |
| One region | 14,000 RSD |
| Gummy smile | 9,000 RSD |
| Lip flip | 9,000 RSD |
| Hyperhidrosis (underarm area) | 36,000 RSD |
| Botox for bruxism (m. masseter) | 25,000 RSD |
Frequently asked questions about botox
Schedule a botox treatment at the DentalVortex clinic
If you are considering botox treatment, the first step is a consultation. During this visit, we will assess the condition of your skin, discuss your expectations, and recommend a treatment that makes sense specifically for you. No pressure, no obligations.
The DentalVortex clinic is located in Belgrade, at the address Živka Davidovića 96A/14, in Zvezdara, in the East Side complex next to the Aviv Park shopping center. You can schedule a consultation by phone, email, or online.