Injectables
Botulinum Toxin
A doctor-administered prescription injectable used to relax targeted muscles or reduce sweat-gland activity.
Free consultation, no obligation.
- 10-20 min
- Typical session time
- 1 per cycle
- Typical sessions
- No downtime
- Downtime
On this page
In brief
Botulinum toxin is a prescription injectable that temporarily reduces the signal between nerves and the muscle or sweat gland it acts on. In aesthetic medicine it is used for expression lines, jaw and calf muscle bulk, and excessive sweating. It is a medicine, so a doctor must assess suitability before it can be prescribed or given.
Results from Kaiteki patients
Before and after photos of patients treated at Kaiteki for fine lines & wrinkles and face contouring. A plan may combine more than one treatment.
10 photos · tap one to enlarge
Forehead lines, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Chin projection, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Forehead lines, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Cheek support and proportion, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Frown lines between the brows, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Chin projection, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Chin projection, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Forehead and upper-face proportion, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Jawline definition, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Jawline definition, before and after treatment at Kaiteki
Photographs of Kaiteki patients, published with consent. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed. These images are not a promise of outcome. A doctor will assess whether any treatment is suitable for you.
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin is a purified protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. In very small, controlled doses it is used in medicine to temporarily reduce the activity of a specific muscle or gland.
In Malaysia it is a prescription medicine: only a registered doctor can supply and administer it, after an in-person assessment.
How does botulinum toxin relax a muscle or sweat gland?
Muscles contract when a nerve releases a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the junction between the nerve and the muscle. Botulinum toxin temporarily blocks that release, so the treated muscle contracts less strongly. The same mechanism applies to the nerves that switch on sweat glands, which is why it is also used for excessive sweating.
The effect is confined to the small area injected and is temporary: nerve signalling gradually returns and the muscle or gland resumes its usual activity, at a pace that varies between people.
Because the effect wears off, treatment is a repeating cycle, not a course with an endpoint. How often depends on the area, the dose and how you respond, and is decided at review.
Concerns this treatment addresses
Each of these pages covers what the concern is and every option considered for it, not only Botulinum Toxin.
Who should postpone or avoid it
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
- Known allergy to botulinum toxin or any component of the preparation
- Active skin infection or inflammation at the intended injection site
- Certain medications, including some antibiotics and muscle relaxants: bring a full list
What a session involves
Consultation and assessment
It starts with a consultation. The doctor watches the area at rest and in movement, explains what is and is not achievable, and goes through the risks. Only then is a dose decided.
The injections, then a review
The area is cleansed and the doctor gives a series of small injections with a fine needle at planned points. Most people describe brief stinging, and numbing or cooling can be used. Any change develops over the following days, and a review appointment checks it before anything further is decided.
Risks, side effects, and what Botulinum Toxin cannot do
Common and temporary
Commonly reported temporary effects include tenderness, redness or small bruises at the injection points, and headache. These are usually mild and short-lived.Less common
Less commonly, the effect extends slightly beyond the intended muscle, causing temporary asymmetry, a heavy-feeling brow or eyelid drooping, which can take weeks to resolve. Rarely, spread of the toxin has been reported to cause difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing, or weakness away from the injection site. These need urgent medical attention.What it cannot do
- It is not permanent: nerve signalling gradually returns and the muscle or gland resumes its usual activity.
- It does not add volume, so it does not address lines or hollows caused by lost volume or structure.
- It does not treat a cause of excessive sweating, which is ruled out first.
Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners, and any neuromuscular condition
What affects the number of sessions, and the cost
Cost depends on the area and the dose. As a prescription medicine it cannot be quoted or sold as a package before assessment.
- The area or areas being treated.
- The number of units your doctor decides after examining how the muscles move. Units are product-specific, so a figure quoted for another brand or clinic does not transfer.
- Your plan over time: the effect is temporary, so treatment is a repeating cycle reviewed by your doctor.
Treatment areas
- Forehead
- Frown lines
- Crow's feet
- Jawline
- Underarms
- Palms
- Calves
Botulinum Toxin vs other options
| Treatment | Best for | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Botulinum toxin | Lines caused by muscle movement; sweating; muscle bulk | None |
| Dermal fillers | Lines and hollows caused by lost volume or structure | 1-3 days |
Pre and post treatment care
Before treatment
- Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners, and any neuromuscular condition
- Avoid alcohol for around 24 hours beforehand to reduce bruising
- Come with the treatment area clean and free of make-up where possible
- Reschedule if you have an active infection, rash or cold sore in the area
After treatment
- Stay upright for about four hours and avoid pressing, rubbing or massaging the area
- Skip strenuous exercise, saunas, steam and hot yoga for the rest of the day
- Avoid facials, facial massage and lying face-down for around 24 hours
- Small raised bumps at the injection points usually settle within an hour
- Contact the clinic if you notice drooping, double vision, swallowing or breathing difficulty
Devices used at Kaiteki
Which platform is used depends on your individual assessment.
Common questions
Is botulinum toxin permanent?
No. Treatment is a repeating cycle, timed at review rather than on a fixed schedule.
Can it help with excessive sweating?
It is one option for excessive sweating of the underarms, palms or soles, usually where antiperspirants have not been enough. Underlying causes of the sweating are ruled out first.
Will my face look frozen or expressionless?
That look comes from dose and placement, which is why the doctor watches how your muscles move first. Say how much movement you want to keep.
Is this the same as Botox?
Botox is one registered brand of botulinum toxin type A: a product, not a separate treatment. Several brands are registered in Malaysia and differ in formulation and unit potency.
Is it the same as dermal filler?
No. Botulinum toxin relaxes muscle activity, so it addresses lines caused by movement. Dermal fillers add volume or structure, for hollowing and lines caused by lost volume. The two are sometimes used together.
Read next
Where to go next
Book a free consultation
The consultation is free, takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and there is no obligation to book treatment afterwards. A doctor will examine your skin and tell you whether Botulinum Toxin is appropriate, and if it isn’t, what would be.
Ask about this treatmentMedically reviewed by
Dr Jeremy Low Jia Wei
Partner, Aesthetic Physician
MBBS, MAC, LCP Board Certified · MMC 91193
Dr Jeremy graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) from Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia. After completing his compulsory housemanship, he served as a medical officer in the Dermatology department and undergone training under a renowned dermatologist. He has vast knowledge and experience in dealing with a broad spectrum of skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and pigmentation. Dr Jeremy is also a distinguished speaker for several dermatology workshops associated with acne. With his years of experience in the hospital treating patients, improving their well-being and appearances, Dr Jeremy decided to venture into aesthetic medicine, aiming to broaden his horizons and achieve new heights in this field.
View full profile- Reviewed by
- Dr Jeremy Low Jia Wei, MMC 91193
- Last reviewed
- 24 Jul 2026
- Next review due
- 24 Jul 2027