The complete guide to Botox treatments: smoothing wrinkles with a natural result

If you have ever asked yourself what Botox is and how it treats wrinkles, you have come to the right place. Botox, known medically as botulinum toxin, is a natural protein that undergoes a meticulous purification process. When injected by an experienced doctor in precise doses, it causes a gentle, targeted relaxation of the facial expression muscles – the very muscles that create dynamic wrinkles when we laugh, get angry or are surprised. It is one of the most common, safest and most proven treatments in aesthetic medicine, approved for use by the Israeli Ministry of Health.

How does Botox treatment work, and who is it suitable for?

The aim of Botox treatment is to give the facial skin a calmer, smoother and fresher appearance by directly treating expression lines. These lines, known as "dynamic wrinkles", are the result of years of repeated contractions of the facial muscles. Every smile, every focused look and every raised eyebrow leaves its mark on the skin.

This is where Botox comes in. The active ingredient, botulinum toxin type A, works by temporarily blocking the nerve signal that tells the muscle to contract. It is important to stress: the goal is not to "paralyse" the face or create a frozen look. At the Dermacare clinic, the philosophy is to gently relax only the specific muscles that cause wrinkles, allowing the skin above them to become smooth and relaxed. The result, when performed correctly, is a completely natural look that preserves your ability to express yourself.

The main areas treated with Botox

The treatment is particularly effective in areas where muscle movement leaves the most prominent marks:

• Horizontal forehead lines: caused by frequently raising the eyebrows ("worry lines").

• The frown line between the eyebrows: the vertical line that appears when we are angry or concentrating.

• Fine lines at the sides of the eyes ("crow's feet"): formed mainly when smiling.

Tailoring the treatment by area and goal

Not just correction: Botox as a preventive treatment

One of the significant advantages of Botox is its ability to serve as a preventive treatment. More and more patients understand that there is no need to wait for wrinkles to become deep. If treatments start early, while the fine lines are still subtle, they can be prevented from "setting" and turning into static wrinkles – the kind that are visible even when the face is completely at rest.

"The philosophy of modern treatment is not to erase expressions, but to soften them gently. The goal is for you to look like the best, freshest and most relaxed version of yourself, not like someone else."

Whether you want to treat existing wrinkles or prevent them from deepening in the future, Botox treatment is an effective and safe solution. The key to a natural, successful result lies in a professional assessment and a personalised treatment. Here at Dermacare, every treatment begins with a consultation with a doctor. In this consultation, the doctor will assess your facial structure, muscle strength and unique needs in order to build a treatment plan that ensures a natural result and maximum safety.

What happens during Botox treatment? Step by step, from consultation to result

Many people feel a little apprehensive before their first Botox treatment, and that is completely natural. The common questions are "Does it hurt?", "How long does it take?" and "How will I look afterwards?". To put your mind at rest, it is important to understand that the Botox procedure, when performed correctly, is a precise, quick and very safe medical process. At Dermacare we believe in transparency as the basis for confidence, so we will explain exactly what happens from the moment you enter the clinic until you leave.

Think of the facial expression muscles as a sound system. Over the years, some of these "speakers" start playing too loudly and create "noise" on the skin – these are the expression lines. Botox acts like a gentle volume control (dimmer) that turns down the volume of those specific muscles. It does not "switch off the music" completely; the goal is not to create a frozen, expressionless face, but to soften the movement so that the skin above looks smoother and more relaxed.

Step 1: Consultation and setting expectations – the basis for a successful result

It all starts with a conversation. Before a needle is ever used, we sit down together for a personal consultation with one of our experienced doctors. This is without doubt the most important stage of the process. Here we listen to what bothers you, understand your goals and, above all, set realistic expectations about what can be achieved.

In this consultation we go over two main things:

• A comprehensive medical history: we will ask about your state of health, regular medications, allergies and medical history. The safety of our patients always comes first.

• A dynamic facial assessment: the doctor will ask you to make different facial expressions – raise your eyebrows, frown, smile – in order to understand exactly how your muscles work. The doctor will assess their strength, the depth of the wrinkles and the symmetry of your face. This is a critical stage that allows us to tailor the exact dose to each area.

Step 2: Planning and marking the injection points

Once we have understood your goals together and analysed your unique facial structure, the doctor will gently mark the exact injection points with a special pencil. Each point is carefully chosen to achieve maximum effect on the target muscle, while avoiding any effect on neighbouring muscles whose natural movement we want to preserve.

This is where the doctor's experience comes into play. At the Dermacare clinic, we do not work from a "template". The treatment plan is based on a deep anatomical understanding and is tailored to each patient, to ensure a harmonious, natural result that preserves your unique expression.

Step 3: The injection itself – a few minutes and it's behind you

Now for the practical part. After thoroughly disinfecting the treatment area, the doctor will make a series of small injections. The whole process takes just a few minutes. We use the finest, gentlest needles available on the market today, which keeps the sensation to a minimum. Most of our patients describe it as slight pinpricks that pass immediately.

The product is injected in tiny amounts and with great precision into the pre-marked muscles. The doctor's skill lies in knowing the right depth and location for the injection, to ensure that the product spreads optimally and the result is precise.

Step 4: Finishing the treatment and aftercare instructions

That's it, we're done. Immediately after the injections you can return to your daily routine. No recovery time is needed, but there are a few simple instructions that we will go through together to ensure the treatment is successful. Our team will make sure you leave with all the information you need and complete peace of mind.

When do you see results, and how long do they last?

One of the first questions we hear here at the clinic, and rightly so, is: "When will I start to see results, and how long will they last?". It is a crucial question, because setting expectations is the key to success. It is important to stress: Botox is a process. It does not work instantly, but develops gradually.

Unlike fillers, which provide immediate volume, Botox works differently. It does not "plump", but relaxes the muscle that causes the wrinkle. Initial results begin to appear subtly 3 to 5 days after the injection. During these days the product starts to take effect and the muscle gradually relaxes.

Peak effect and the final result

The improvement continues to develop day by day. Most patients see a significant change towards the end of the first week. The final, full and smooth result is usually achieved after about 10 to 14 days. This is the time it takes for the product to reach its maximum effect and give the skin the relaxed, fresh look we are aiming for.

Here at Dermacare, we always schedule a follow-up appointment about two to three weeks after the treatment. This is our time to review the final result together and make sure it is exactly what you wanted – natural, symmetrical and flattering. If necessary, this is also the time for small touch-ups.

How long do Botox results last?

The effect of Botox treatment lasts on average between 3 and 4 months. It is important to understand that this is an average, and it can vary from person to person.

Several factors influence this:

• Muscle strength: people with particularly strong expression muscles may see movement return a little sooner.

• Metabolism: a fast metabolism may slightly shorten the duration of the effect.

• Lifestyle: factors such as intensive exercise or a lot of sun exposure can have an effect.

• The treated area: in some areas of the face the effect lasts for a slightly different length of time.

From our experience with thousands of patients, we see that with regular treatments, results tend to last for longer periods. The body "learns" to relax these muscles, and the effect may last longer.

The importance of consistency for a continuously fresh look

To maintain a smooth, fresh look on an ongoing basis, our recommendation is to renew the treatment every 3-4 months. Consistency not only maintains the existing result and prevents wrinkles from returning, it is also an excellent preventive treatment.

When the muscle "rests" for long periods, it stops "creasing" the skin above it. In this way we prevent expression lines (dynamic wrinkles) from turning into permanent, deep wrinkles (static wrinkles) that are etched into the skin even at rest.

Important instructions before and after Botox treatment

A successful Botox treatment is a combination of precise injection and following a few simple instructions. On the one hand, our experience and precision at the clinic are key. On the other hand, your adherence to a few rules before and after the treatment is what ensures a perfect result and a quick recovery.

Preparing for treatment: what to do beforehand?

Preparation begins a few days before your appointment. The main aim is to minimise the chance of small bruises appearing at the injection sites. They are not dangerous, but they can easily be prevented.

We recommend the following steps, especially in the 48 to 72 hours before the treatment:

• Avoid alcohol: alcohol dilates the blood vessels and increases the chance of minor bleeding that causes a bruise.

• Temporarily stop blood thinners and certain supplements: consult your treating doctor about any regular medications. Where possible, it is advisable to avoid over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements known to thin the blood, such as:

  • Aspirin and ibuprofen (such as Advil or Nurofen).

  • Vitamin E.

  • Fish oil and omega-3 supplements.

  • Ginkgo biloba and turmeric in high doses.

Following these rules helps ensure that your skin looks clean and smooth immediately after the treatment, without unnecessary marks.

Aftercare instructions: what to do afterwards?

The hours and days after the injection are critical. All the instructions serve one purpose: to prevent the Botox from "migrating" from the treated muscle to neighbouring muscles. Such migration could cause unwanted effects, such as a slight drooping of the eyelid (which is always temporary, but best avoided).

In the first 4 to 6 hours:

• Stay upright: do not lie down or bend over with your head down for long periods.

• Do not touch your face: avoid touching, rubbing or massaging the injection areas.

• Avoid make-up: let the skin rest and the injection points close naturally.

In the first 24 hours:

• Avoid strenuous exercise: intensive training increases blood flow and could disperse the product too quickly.

• Avoid extreme heat: avoid saunas, jacuzzis, very hot showers or prolonged sun exposure.

• Postpone other facial treatments: wait at least two weeks before peels, facial massages or laser treatments in the treated area.

At Dermacare, every patient receives a clear, well-organised instruction sheet from us, and our team is always available for any questions.

How much does Botox treatment cost in Israel?

How much does Botox treatment really cost? It is a key question for anyone considering smoothing their expression lines. At Dermacare we believe in transparency, so it is important to us that you understand what affects the price. There is no single price for Botox; the cost is always tailored to each patient in the consultation.

What factors affect the cost of treatment?

1. The type of product used: there are several types and brands of botulinum toxin used for aesthetic treatments, such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and others. Although their purpose is similar, each product has slightly different characteristics in terms of spread, onset of effect and duration of action. The choice of the right product is made according to the treated area, the muscle structure, medical preference and the doctor's experience. It is just as important to make sure the treatment is performed with an original, approved product, stored and prepared under proper conditions, to ensure a safe, precise and high-quality result.

2. The number of areas treated: naturally, the price differs depending on whether only one area is treated (such as the frown line) or a more comprehensive treatment of the upper third of the face is performed (forehead, between the eyebrows and the sides of the eyes).

3. The amount of product required: this is the most significant factor. Everyone has a different facial structure, muscle strength and wrinkle depth. Men, for example, will usually need a larger amount of product than women because of their stronger muscle mass. An experienced doctor will know how to assess precisely how many units of Botox are needed for an optimal result, without wasting product or using an insufficient amount.

4. The doctor's experience and expertise: this is the most important factor for quality and safety. A treatment performed by a specialist doctor with extensive experience and a deep anatomical understanding of the facial muscles ensures precision and minimises risks.

Especially with facial injections, a suspiciously low price should set off alarm bells. It may indicate the use of low-quality products, excessive dilution of the product, or a lack of experience on the part of the practitioner. When it comes to your face, investing in professionalism and safety is what matters most.

Realistic price ranges in Israel

To give a general idea, Botox prices in Israel vary over a wide range. Treatment of a single area (for example, the forehead or the sides of the eyes) usually costs from ILS 590. A more comprehensive treatment covering several areas together may cost more.

At Dermacare, our pricing is transparent and reflects a high standard: exclusive use of the most original, high-quality products approved by the Ministry of Health, and treatment performed by first-rate doctors in the field. You are welcome to read more about the cost of Botox for the frown line in our detailed guide.

Risks and side effects: what is important to know?

At Dermacare, safety comes first. That is why it is important to us that you know not only the benefits of the treatment, but also the possible side effects. Botox is one of the safest and most researched aesthetic treatments in the world, especially when performed by an experienced doctor with an in-depth knowledge of facial anatomy.

As with any medical procedure, side effects are possible here too. The vast majority are mild, local and pass on their own within a short time.

Mild, temporary side effects

Most reactions are related to the injection itself and pass within a few hours to a few days.

• Redness and slight swelling: slight redness may appear at the injection points and usually disappears within an hour.

• Small bruises: occasionally the needle hits a tiny blood vessel and causes a small, localised bruise. Avoiding blood thinners and alcohol before the treatment significantly reduces this risk.

• Mild headache: some patients experience a mild headache in the 24 hours after treatment, which is easily relieved with a simple painkiller.

Rare side effects and how to avoid them

There are rarer effects, which are almost always caused by incorrect injection technique or a dose that is not individually tailored. Here, choosing a skilled doctor reduces the risk to almost zero.

The best-known effect is temporary drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid (ptosis). It occurs if the product "leaks" from the treated muscle into the muscle that lifts the eyelid. It is important to stress: even if this effect occurs, it is always reversible and disappears completely when the effect of the Botox wears off. At Dermacare we are meticulous about precise injection technique and individually tailored doses precisely to prevent such situations.

"The key to preventing side effects is an in-depth understanding of anatomy. A doctor who knows exactly which muscle to inject, at what depth and at what dose, is the most important factor in ensuring a safe treatment and a perfect result."

When is Botox treatment not performed?

There are certain medical conditions in which we will not perform Botox treatment:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: there is not enough research on the subject, so out of responsibility, we wait.

• Specific neurological diseases: people suffering from diseases that affect the connection between nerve and muscle (such as myasthenia gravis).

• Known sensitivity to one of the ingredients of the product.

• An active skin infection in the area to be treated.

To ensure maximum safety, every patient at Dermacare undergoes a comprehensive medical history review in the consultation.

In summary:

Botox treatments are an effective and safe way to improve the appearance of the skin, smooth wrinkles and give the face a fresher, more natural look. Choosing a professional clinic, with a skilled team and high-quality products, is a key factor in achieving a precise, balanced result. Tailoring the treatment to the facial structure and needs of each patient, together with following the aftercare instructions and professional follow-up, contributes to achieving optimal results and maintaining a natural look over time.

The final price is set after a personal consultation and assessment at the clinic in Petah Tikva.