What Does Botox Do? A Complete Guide

Rebekah
19 hours ago
8 min read

What Does Botox Do? The Simple Answer

Botox temporarily relaxes specific facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

When injected by a qualified practitioner, Botox blocks nerve signals to targeted muscles, preventing them from contracting. This smooths existing wrinkles and prevents new ones from forming, creating a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

At Hertford Cosmetics, we've performed hundreds of successful Botox treatments, and the most common question we hear is: "What exactly does Botox do to my skin?" Let's break down the science, benefits, and realistic expectations.

How Does Botox Actually Work?

The Science Behind Botox

Botox contains a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, which works by:

Blocking nerve signals - When injected, Botox prevents nerves from releasing acetylcholine, a chemical messenger
Relaxing muscles - Without these signals, the targeted facial muscles cannot contract as strongly
Smoothing wrinkles - As muscles relax, the skin above them smooths out, reducing the appearance of lines
Preventing new wrinkles - By limiting repetitive muscle movements, Botox prevents new wrinkles from forming

Important distinction: Botox treats dynamic wrinkles (those caused by facial expressions) rather than static wrinkles (those present even when your face is relaxed). Dynamic wrinkles include frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet.

What Areas Does Botox Treat?

At our Hertford clinic, we commonly treat:

Upper Face:

Forehead lines (horizontal lines when you raise eyebrows)
Frown lines/11s (vertical lines between eyebrows)
Crow's feet (lines around the eyes)
Bunny lines (lines on the nose when you scrunch it)

Mid to Lower Face:

Brow lift (subtle eyebrow elevation)
Gummy smile correction (excessive gum display)
Lip flip (subtle lip enhancement)
Smoker's lines (vertical lines around the mouth)
Jawline slimming (masseter muscle reduction)

Medical Uses:

Hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating)
Teeth grinding/TMJ relief
Migraine prevention

View our complete Botox treatment menu and pricing

What Are the Benefits of Botox?

Aesthetic Benefits

1. Reduces Dynamic WrinklesBotox effectively smooths expression lines, typically showing results within 3-5 days with full effects at 2 weeks.

2. Prevents Future WrinklesBy limiting repetitive facial movements, Botox helps prevent new wrinkles from forming—particularly beneficial when started in your 30s (known as "prejuvenation").

3. Natural-Looking ResultsWhen administered by experienced practitioners, Botox creates subtle, natural enhancement rather than a "frozen" look. You'll still have facial expressions—just smoother skin.

4. Quick Treatment with No DowntimeMost Botox appointments take just 10-15 minutes, and you can return to normal activities immediately. Perfect for busy Hertfordshire professionals.

5. Customisable TreatmentDosage can be adjusted to achieve your desired level of smoothing whilst maintaining natural movement.

Medical Benefits

Hyperhidrosis Relief: Botox can reduce excessive sweating by up to 87%, lasting 6-12 months.

Migraine Prevention: FDA-approved for chronic migraines, providing relief for many sufferers.

TMJ and Teeth Grinding: Relaxes jaw muscles, reducing pain and protecting teeth from grinding damage.

What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?

Whilst Botox is considered very safe when administered by qualified professionals, it's important to understand potential side effects.

Common, Temporary Side Effects

Injection Site Reactions (Very Common):

Mild pain, redness, or swelling at injection sites
Minor bruising (can be minimised with proper technique)
Temporary headache (usually resolves within 24-48 hours)

These typically resolve within a few hours to a few days and are considered normal.

Occasional Side Effects

Temporary Facial Asymmetry:

Slight drooping of eyelid or eyebrow (ptosis) - occurs in less than 5% of cases
Uneven smile or crooked eyebrow
These are temporary (2-6 weeks) and preventable with proper injection technique

Flu-like Symptoms:

Mild fatigue or malaise lasting 24-48 hours
More common in first-time treatments

How to Minimise Side Effects

At Hertford Cosmetics, we minimise risks through:

Thorough consultation to assess suitability
Precise injection technique by experienced practitioners
Conservative dosing especially for first-time clients
Proper aftercare instructions (avoid lying down for 4 hours, no exercise for 24 hours)
Follow-up appointments to assess results and make adjustments

Rare but Serious Risks

In extremely rare cases (less than 1%), botulinum toxin can spread beyond the injection site, causing:

Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Muscle weakness
Vision problems

These symptoms require immediate medical attention. This is why choosing a qualified, experienced practitioner is crucial.

The "Frozen Face" Myth: What Actually Causes It?

The infamous "frozen" or "overdone" Botox look happens when:

Too much product is used - Excessive dosing paralyses muscles completely
Wrong areas are treated - Injecting areas that should retain movement
Inexperienced injector - Lack of understanding of facial anatomy

The truth: Properly administered Botox should soften lines whilst maintaining natural facial expressions. You should still be able to smile, frown, and show emotion—just with smoother skin.

At our Hertford clinic, we prioritise natural results through:

Conservative initial dosing (can always add more, can't remove excess)
Strategic placement preserving facial movement
Customised treatment based on your facial anatomy and desired outcome

What Botox Cannot Do: Important Limitations

Understanding what Botox doesn't do is just as important as knowing what it does:

Botox Does NOT:

❌ Treat Static Wrinkles

Wrinkles present when your face is completely relaxed (caused by sun damage, ageing, or volume loss) won't improve with Botox alone. These may benefit from dermal fillers or skin treatments.

❌ Add Volume

Botox relaxes muscles but doesn't fill hollows or restore lost facial volume. For this, consider dermal fillers.

❌ Tighten Sagging Skin

Botox doesn't address skin laxity. For sagging jowls, neck, or significant drooping, other treatments like skin tightening procedures may be more appropriate.

❌ Work Permanently

Effects last 3-4 months on average. Maintenance treatments are required to sustain results.

❌ Improve Skin Texture or Tone

For concerns like pigmentation, scarring, or rough texture, consider chemical peels, microneedling, or facials.

How Long Does Botox Last?

Typical Duration: 3-4 months

Factors Affecting Longevity:

Metabolism - Faster metabolism = shorter duration
Muscle strength - Stronger muscles may metabolise Botox faster
Dosage - Higher doses may last slightly longer
Treatment area - Some areas (like forehead) may last longer than others (like crow's feet)
Frequency - Regular treatments may last progressively longer as muscles "train" to relax

Maintenance Schedule:Most Hertford clients book appointments every 3-4 months to maintain consistent results. Some find they can extend to 4-5 months with regular treatments.

What Does Botox Cost in Hertford?

At Hertford Cosmetics, our Botox pricing is:

Women:

1 Area (e.g., crow's feet): £160
2 Areas (e.g., forehead + frown lines): £180
3 Areas (forehead + frown lines + crow's feet): £200

Men (Bro-Tox):

1 Area: £180
2 Areas: £200
3 Areas: £240

Specialist Treatments:

Bunny lines: £150
Lip flip: £110
Jawline slimming: £200
Hyperhidrosis: £250

Cost Considerations:

Budget £160-£200 every 3-4 months for maintenance
Annual investment: approximately £640-£800 for consistent results
Consider this an investment in confidence and preventative anti-ageing care

Who Should NOT Get Botox?

Botox is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid Botox if you are:

Absolutely Not Recommended:

Pregnant or breastfeeding
Planning to become pregnant soon
Allergic to botulinum toxin or any Botox ingredients
Allergic to cow's milk protein
Have an active skin infection at injection sites

Consult with Practitioner First:

Have neurological conditions (myasthenia gravis, ALS, Lambert-Eaton syndrome)
Taking certain medications (aminoglycosides, anticoagulants)
Have had facial surgery recently
Have very weak facial muscles
History of swallowing or breathing difficulties

During your consultation at Hertford Cosmetics, we thoroughly review your medical history to ensure Botox is safe for you.

What to Expect: The Botox Treatment Process

Before Your Appointment

Avoid blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen) for 24-48 hours if possible to reduce bruising
Skip alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
Arrive with clean skin (no makeup on treatment areas)
Plan your schedule (avoid important events for 2 weeks whilst results develop)

During Treatment (10-15 minutes)

Consultation review - Confirm treatment areas and address questions
Marking - We may mark injection points
Cleaning - Treatment areas are cleansed
Injection - Multiple small injections using a very fine needle
Ice - Optional cooling to minimise swelling

Pain level: Most clients describe it as quick pinches or mosquito bites. Very tolerable.

After Treatment

Immediate aftercare (first 4 hours):

Stay upright (no lying down)
Avoid touching or rubbing treated areas
No vigorous exercise
Avoid extreme heat (saunas, hot yoga)

First 24 hours:

No exercise, heavy lifting, or straining
Avoid alcohol
Sleep elevated
No facials or facial massage

Timeline for results:

Days 3-5: Initial effects become noticeable
Days 10-14: Full results visible
Week 2: Return for assessment if needed

Botox vs. Dermal Fillers: What's the Difference?

Many Hertford clients ask whether they need Botox, fillers, or both:

Botox:

Relaxes muscles
Treats dynamic wrinkles
Prevents future wrinkles
£160-£200 per treatment
Lasts 3-4 months

Dermal Fillers:

Adds volume
Treats static wrinkles and volume loss
Plumps lips, cheeks, fills hollows
£140-£250 per syringe
Lasts 6-18 months

Many clients benefit from both: Botox to relax expression lines and fillers to restore volume.

We can create a comprehensive treatment plan during your consultation.

Real Results: What Our Hertford Clients Say

"I was nervous about looking 'done' but my Botox results are so natural. My colleagues just think I look well-rested. The frown lines between my eyebrows have completely softened." Sarah, 42, Hertford

"As a man, I was sceptical about Botox. After trying it for my forehead lines, I wish I'd done it years ago. Subtle but effective, I look less angry all the time!" James, 48, Ware

"The hyperhidrosis treatment changed my life. No more anxiety about sweat patches at work. Worth every penny." – Emma, 35, Welwyn Garden City

Is Botox Right for You?

Botox might be right for you if:

✅ You have dynamic wrinkles (lines that appear with facial expressions)

✅ You want to prevent deeper wrinkles from forming

✅ You're looking for a non-surgical anti-ageing solution

✅ You can commit to maintenance every 3-4 months

✅ You have realistic expectations about results

✅ You want to treat excessive sweating or migraines

Botox might NOT be right if:

❌ You're pregnant or breastfeeding

❌ You have mainly static wrinkles (volume loss is the issue)

❌ You want permanent results

❌ You can't afford regular maintenance

❌ You have certain medical contraindications

Why Choose Hertford Cosmetics for Botox?

Experienced Practitioners

Over 12 years combined experience with hundreds of successful treatments.

Natural-Looking Philosophy

We prioritise subtle enhancement over dramatic change. You'll look like yourself, just refreshed.

Medical-Grade Safety

We use only authentic Botox products and follow strict safety protocols.

Personalised Consultations

Every treatment is customised to your facial anatomy, concerns, and goals.

Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. Clear pricing structure with package options available.

Convenient Hertford Location

Easily accessible for clients throughout Hertfordshire with flexible appointment times.

Book Your Botox Consultation in Hertford

Curious whether Botox is right for you? We offer complimentary consultations to:

Assess your suitability for treatment
Discuss your concerns and goals
Explain realistic outcomes
Answer all your questions
Provide transparent pricing
Create a personalised treatment plan

No obligation, no pressure, just expert guidance.

Book your free Botox consultation now

Frequently Asked Questions About What Botox Does

Q: Does Botox actually freeze your face?

A: No. Properly administered Botox softens lines whilst maintaining natural expressions. The "frozen" look only happens with excessive doses or poor technique.

Q: Will Botox make my wrinkles worse when it wears off?

A: No. When Botox wears off, you'll simply return to your baseline. Your wrinkles won't be worse than before treatment—and may actually be better due to the "muscle training" effect.

Q: How quickly does Botox work?

A: Most clients notice initial effects within 3-5 days, with full results visible at 2 weeks.

Q: Does Botox hurt?

A: Most clients describe it as quick pinches. We use very fine needles and the entire treatment takes just 10-15 minutes.

Q: Can I get Botox just once to try it?

A: Absolutely! There's no commitment to ongoing treatments, though most clients choose to maintain results with regular appointments.

Q: What age should I start Botox?

A: Many clients begin preventative Botox in their late 20s or early 30s. Others start later when wrinkles are more established. We assess each client individually.

The Bottom Line: What Does Botox Do?

Botox temporarily relaxes facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles, prevent new lines from forming, and create a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

When administered by qualified practitioners like our team at Hertford Cosmetics, Botox is a safe, effective, and predictable treatment with natural-looking results.

The key to successful Botox is: