There's a reason Botox is the most performed aesthetic treatment in the world. Every year, millions of injections are carried out globally — not because people want to look different, but because they want to look like the best version of themselves. Rested. Relaxed. Refreshed. That feeling of the mirror finally reflecting how you actually feel inside.
Yet despite its enormous popularity, Botox is still surrounded by misconceptions, myths and a certain mystique. Perhaps you've seen the horror stories on social media — frozen faces, exaggerated results, expressionless gazes. The truth? Those outcomes are almost always the result of poor technique, incorrect dosing or the wrong injector. In the right hands, Botox is one of the most elegant tools in modern aesthetics.
This guide is written for you if you're considering your first treatment, or if you're already familiar with Botox but want to understand more about the science and artistry behind the results. We cover everything — from the molecular level to aftercare, from myths to medical facts.
What exactly is Botox?
Botox is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Although the word "toxin" may sound dramatic, it is one of the most extensively studied and safe substances in modern medicine — provided it is handled by qualified practitioners.
Botulinum toxin has been used medically since the 1970s, originally to treat strabismus and muscle spasms. It wasn't until the 1990s that physicians began to observe a fascinating side effect: their patients' wrinkles disappeared. Since then, Botox has revolutionised aesthetic medicine and become the gold standard for treating dynamic wrinkles — those lines that form through repeated muscle movement.
Today, several approved botulinum toxin products are available on the market, but the principle remains the same: a meticulous, precise injection of a protein that temporarily reduces the muscle's ability to contract. The result is a softer, smoother skin surface — and a face that still looks alive and expressive.
How Botox works — the science behind the treatment
To understand how Botox works, we need to look at what happens beneath the skin. Every time you furrow your brow, squint against the sun or raise your eyebrows, the brain sends electrical signals through the nervous system to the facial muscles. These signals release a substance called acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction — the point where the nerve meets the muscle.
Acetylcholine is the messenger that tells the muscle to contract. Botox works by blocking the release of acetylcholine. When the neurotransmitter cannot reach the muscle, the muscle cannot contract with full force. The result is that the skin above the muscle relaxes and the wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movements soften or disappear entirely.
The most important things to understand
- Botox does not remove wrinkles that are already deeply etched into the skin as static lines — it prevents and softens the wrinkles that form during muscle movement
- The effect is temporary and typically lasts 3–6 months, depending on the dose, treatment area and individual metabolism
- The protein is naturally broken down by the body and disappears completely — it is not stored in the body
- With regular treatments, wrinkles can be prevented in the long term, as the muscle gradually weakens and the skin is no longer subjected to the same mechanical stress
It is this ability to work with the body's own biology that makes Botox so elegant. It doesn't change your face — it gives it a chance to rest.
Treatment areas — much more than just the forehead
Most people associate Botox with forehead lines, but the treatment's applications extend far beyond that. Here are the most common areas we treat at Dibélle, with an explanation of what happens in each zone.
The forehead — horizontal lines
The horizontal lines that run across the forehead are created by the frontalis muscle, the muscle that lifts the eyebrows. Every time you raise your eyebrows in surprise, acknowledgement or simply out of habit, this muscle contracts and creates folds in the skin. Over time, these lines become permanently etched.
Botox in the forehead requires an experienced hand — too much and the eyebrows can drop, creating a heavy expression. When dosed correctly, you retain natural movement while losing the deep furrows.
Glabella — frown lines
The vertical lines between the eyebrows, often called "eleven lines" or frown lines, are created by the corrugator supercilii and procerus muscles. These muscles activate when you frown — in concentration, irritation or simply against bright light.
Many people find that these lines give them an angry or stressed appearance, even when they are completely relaxed. Glabella treatment is one of the most rewarding Botox areas because the result is often immediately noticeable and has an enormous impact on the overall impression.
Crow's feet — lines around the eyes
The fine lines that radiate from the corner of the eye when you smile are caused by the orbicularis oculi muscle, the circular muscle around the eye. Crow's feet are often considered charming, but many people find they create a tired appearance or make them look older than they feel.
A skilful Botox treatment preserves your natural smile while softening the deepest lines, so you look rested without losing your expressiveness.
Bunny lines — wrinkles on the bridge of the nose
Small horizontal or diagonal wrinkles on the bridge of the nose that appear when you scrunch your nose. They're called "bunny lines" and are treated with just a few units of Botox for a clean, smooth result.
Lip flip and smoker's lines
Subtle vertical lines above the upper lip — sometimes called smoker's lines even in people who have never smoked — can be softened with Botox. A lip flip involves injecting a minimal dose just above the lip border, causing the upper lip to gently turn outward and creating a fuller, softer contour without filler.
Masseter (jaw muscle) — teeth grinding and facial contouring
Botox in the masseter muscle has a dual effect: it reduces teeth grinding (bruxism) and can slim the lower facial contour. Many people who grind their teeth during sleep develop an overdeveloped jaw muscle that creates a wider, more angular facial expression. Botox relaxes the muscle, reduces tension and headaches, and can create a slimmer, more V-shaped face.
Gummy smile
If you show a lot of gum tissue when you smile, Botox can be injected into the muscle that lifts the upper lip to create a more balanced smile.
Necklace lines and platysma bands
With age, the platysma muscle in the neck can create visible vertical bands or tightness. Botox can soften these bands and create a smoother, more youthful neckline — sometimes referred to as a "Nefertiti lift".
The treatment experience at Dibélle
Choosing where you have your Botox treatment is just as important as choosing to have it done. At Dibélle, we have created a treatment experience that respects both your face and your time.
The consultation — the foundation of everything
Every Botox journey at Dibélle begins with a thorough consultation. This is not a standard form to be ticked off — it is a conversation. Abir takes the time to understand your wishes, your facial anatomy, your expressions and your expectations. She analyses how your face moves, which muscles are overactive, and where the skin has begun to show signs of repeated movement.
"I don't just see wrinkles — I see the entire face as a whole. Every face tells a story and my job is to preserve that narrative, just with softer chapters. The natural expression should always remain — the one that makes your loved ones recognise you."
— Abir Mustafa, Registered Nurse, Dibélle
This philosophy permeates every treatment. The goal is never perfection in the traditional sense — it is harmony, balance and a result that makes people say "you look so well-rested" rather than "have you had something done?"
During the treatment
The treatment itself is quick and straightforward, typically 10–20 minutes depending on how many areas are being treated. Here's what the process looks like:
- Cleansing — The skin is thoroughly cleansed in the area to be treated
- Marking — Abir marks exactly where the injections will be placed, based on the consultation and her analysis of your muscle activity
- Injection — Using ultra-fine needles (30–32 gauge), small, precise doses are injected into the selected muscles. Most people describe the sensation as a brief, light prick — no more uncomfortable than a mosquito bite
- Post-treatment check — Abir checks symmetry, discusses aftercare and schedules a follow-up in 2–3 weeks
Anaesthesia is not necessary for the vast majority of patients, but if you are particularly sensitive, we can apply a numbing cream before the treatment.
The environment
Dibélle is located at Kullagatan 40 in Helsingborg, in a calm, elegant setting designed to make you feel relaxed and cared for from the moment you step through the door. There are no cold clinical lights or stressful atmospheres here — just warmth, professionalism and a genuine care for your wellbeing.
Results — a timeline
Botox does not produce immediate results, and that is actually one of its strengths. The gradual change allows the result to blend in naturally.
- Day 1–2: You may feel a slight tightness in the treated area. Some people experience minimal swelling or small dots at the injection sites. This is completely normal.
- Day 3–5: The first effects begin to appear. The muscles gradually weaken in their contraction and wrinkles begin to soften.
- Day 7–10: Significant improvement is now visible. Most people find this is the point where they truly see and appreciate the result.
- Day 14: Full effect has been achieved. This is the time for your follow-up at Dibélle, where we assess the result and make any fine adjustments.
- Month 1–3: You enjoy your result. The skin looks smooth, soft and rested.
- Month 3–4: Muscle activity gradually begins to return. The wrinkles are still softer than before the treatment.
- Month 4–6: Most clients choose to book their next treatment within this interval to maintain the result.
An important insight: With regular treatments, results tend to last longer and longer. The muscle "learns" to be more relaxed, and many clients can eventually extend the intervals between treatments.
Safety and side effects — honest information
Transparency is a cornerstone of Dibélle's philosophy. Botox is one of the most studied aesthetic treatments in the world, with over 40 years of medical use and thousands of published scientific studies. But as with all medical procedures, there are things you should know.
Common, mild side effects
These are harmless and temporary:
- Mild redness at the injection sites (disappears within a few hours)
- Small bruises (may occur in some people, particularly those taking blood-thinning medication)
- Mild headache in the first 24 hours (uncommon but does occur)
- Slight swelling in the treated area
Uncommon side effects
With an experienced injector, these are rare:
- Asymmetry — can be adjusted at the follow-up appointment
- Heavy brow — if too large a dose is placed in the forehead, the eyebrows may drop. This is temporary and a reason to choose an experienced practitioner
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid) — extremely rare with correct technique and placement
Why the injector matters
The risk of complications decreases dramatically with an experienced, licensed practitioner. Abir Mustafa has been working with aesthetic injections since 2011 and has performed thousands of treatments. Her deep knowledge of facial anatomy, the interplay of muscle groups and individual variations is your best guarantee of a safe, beautiful result.
Aftercare — how to look after your result
Aftercare following Botox is simple but important for maximising the result and minimising the risk of side effects.
The first 4 hours
- Do not touch the treated area — avoid rubbing, massaging or pressing on the skin
- Keep your head upright — avoid lying down
- Avoid makeup on the injection sites
The first 24 hours
- No intense physical exercise — sweating and increased blood flow can cause the product to spread
- No alcohol — can increase the risk of bruising
- No sauna, steam baths or hot baths
- No facial treatments or massages
The first week
- Avoid pressure on the face — sleep on your back if possible for the first few nights
- Be careful with hats and sunglasses that press against the treated area
- Contact us if you experience anything unexpected — we are always available
Long-term care
- Sun protection is always important for skin health and for maintaining the result
- Moisturising helps the skin look its best
- Book a follow-up after 2–3 weeks to assess the result and make any adjustments
- Plan your next treatment — the best results are achieved with consistency
Who should not be treated with Botox?
Despite its excellent safety profile, there are situations where Botox is not appropriate. During your consultation, we carefully review your medical history, but here are the key contraindications:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women — safety has not been sufficiently studied in these groups
- Allergy to botulinum toxin or any of the product's ingredients
- Neurological conditions such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Active infection in the area to be treated
- Certain medications — particularly aminoglycoside antibiotics and muscle relaxants
- Bleeding disorders — increased risk of bruising and complications
If you are unsure — ask. Abir always carries out a thorough assessment and never recommends a treatment if there is the slightest doubt about safety.
Combination treatments — the art of creating harmony
Botox is remarkable on its own, but the true masterpiece often emerges in combination with other treatments. At Dibélle, we see the face as a whole, and sometimes the most harmonious result is a combination of techniques.
Botox + fillers
While Botox relaxes muscles and softens dynamic wrinkles, fillers (hyaluronic acid) restore volume loss and smooth deep lines. Together, they can:
- Provide a complete facial rejuvenation
- Soften nasolabial folds (lines from nose to mouth) that Botox cannot address
- Restore youthful volume in the cheeks and temples
- Define the lips and jawline
Botox + Rejuran
Rejuran is a groundbreaking skin rejuvenation treatment using polynucleotides that stimulate the skin's own collagen production. Combined with Botox, you get:
- Wrinkle-free, relaxed skin (Botox)
- Improved skin quality, elasticity and radiance (Rejuran)
Botox + Dermapen (microneedling)
Dermapen creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin that stimulate collagen and elastin production. Together with Botox, this delivers:
- Softer expression lines (Botox)
- Smoother skin texture, reduced pores and more even skin tone (Dermapen)
Botox + chemical peel
A chemical peel removes dead skin cells and stimulates cell renewal. In combination with Botox:
- Wrinkles are softened from within (Botox) and from the surface (peel)
- The skin gains a radiant, fresh appearance
- Fine lines and pigmentation are reduced
Note: Combination treatments are always planned individually with appropriate time intervals between treatments.
Myths versus facts — clearing up the misconceptions
Botox is surrounded by myths that persist despite decades of research and clinical experience. Let's address the most common ones:
Myth: "Botox gives you a frozen, expressionless face"
Fact: The frozen look is the result of overdosing or incorrect placement — not of Botox itself. A skilled injector doses subtly and strategically so that you retain your natural expressions. The goal is for you to be able to smile, raise your eyebrows and show emotions — just without the deep furrows.
Myth: "Botox is dangerous and full of toxins"
Fact: Botulinum toxin has been used medically for over 40 years and is approved by regulatory authorities worldwide, including the FDA and the European Medicines Agency. The doses used aesthetically are minimal and entirely safe in the hands of a trained practitioner. The product is naturally broken down by the body.
Myth: "If I stop Botox, I'll look even older"
Fact: If you stop Botox, your face gradually returns to how it looked before treatment — it does not become worse. In fact, during the time you were treated, you prevented new wrinkles from forming, so you may even look younger than you would have without treatment.
Myth: "Botox is only for older women"
Fact: Botox is for all adults who want to treat or prevent dynamic wrinkles — regardless of gender or age. An increasing number of young adults (25–35 years) are choosing preventative Botox to delay wrinkle formation. And more and more men are discovering Botox as a discreet, effective tool.
Myth: "The more Botox, the better the result"
Fact: Less is often more. The most beautiful results are achieved with conservative dosing that respects the face's natural expression and proportions. An experienced injector knows that the art lies in restraint.
Myth: "All Botox treatments give the same result"
Fact: The result depends entirely on the injector's skill, experience and aesthetic eye. The same product can yield dramatically different results depending on who is holding the syringe. That is why the choice of clinic and practitioner is the most important decision you make.
Preparing for your treatment — practical tips
Want to maximise your result and minimise the risk of bruising? Here is our recommendation:
One week before
- Stop blood-thinning medications — Ibuprofen, Aspirin and omega-3 supplements can increase the risk of bruising. Always consult your doctor before stopping prescribed medications.
- Avoid herbal remedies such as ginkgo biloba, ginseng and garlic supplements — these can also affect the blood's clotting ability.
- Limit alcohol — ideally go completely alcohol-free in the final days.
On the day of treatment
- Arrive without makeup if possible — or be prepared for us to thoroughly cleanse the skin
- Eat and drink normally — do not arrive fasting
- Bring any questions you may have — feel free to write them down in advance
- Don't plan any intense activity directly afterwards — although you can return to most daily activities immediately
- Be honest during the consultation — tell us about all medications, health conditions and previous treatments
Frequently asked questions
How much does it hurt? Most people describe it as a light needle prick — significantly less uncomfortable than expected. The treatment is quick and the need for anaesthesia is rare.
How long do the results last? Typically 3–6 months, depending on the treated area, dosage and individual factors such as metabolism and muscle strength.
Can I go back to work straight away? Yes. Most people return to their daily routine immediately. Any redness disappears within an hour.
How often do I need treatment? Most clients come 2–3 times per year. Over time, the intervals can be extended.
Will people notice I've had Botox? With the right technique and dosage — no. Those around you should notice that you look fresh and well-rested, not that you've had a treatment.
Can I combine Botox with other treatments on the same day? It depends on the treatment. Fillers can often be done at the same session, but more invasive treatments such as Dermapen should be carried out at separate appointments. We always plan individually.
Why Dibélle?
Choosing a clinic for Botox is about trust. You are placing your face — your most personal expression — in someone else's hands. Here is why over a thousand clients have chosen Dibélle:
- Abir Mustafa, Registered Nurse since 2011 — with over a decade of experience in aesthetic injections
- 4.9 out of 5 rating with over 1,027 verified reviews on Bokadirekt
- Individually tailored treatments — never a one-size-fits-all approach, always bespoke
- Natural results — our philosophy is to enhance, not to alter
- Follow-up included — we follow up every treatment to ensure you are completely satisfied
- Calm, luxurious setting — Kullagatan 40, Helsingborg, in an atmosphere designed for your wellbeing
Your next step
Taking the step towards your first Botox treatment — or finding a new clinic you truly trust — is a decision that deserves care. At Dibélle, everything begins with a conversation. No pressure, no expectations, just an honest dialogue about what you wish for and what we can do for you.
Book a consultation at Dibélle and together we'll create a treatment plan tailored to your face, your wishes and your lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming you.
