Injectables
Botulinum toxin: the complete data sheet
Mechanism, indications, realistic results, duration, risks, side effects, evidence and cost — all nine fields for the best-studied treatment in aesthetic medicine.
Injectables
Minimally invasive treatments, soberly assessed.
Injectable treatments differ widely in how well they are supported by research — from procedures studied for decades to methods whose evidence base is still thin. Both appear here side by side.
Procedures
Six treatments, very different evidence.
The differences in scientific support are considerable — even though marketing often presents these procedures as equivalent.
Botulinum toxin
Selectively relaxes individual facial muscles and thereby softens expression lines. The best-studied procedure in aesthetic medicine.
Level of evidence: Strong
Hyaluronic acid fillers
Replace volume and shape contours. The effect is immediate and in principle reversible. Outcome and safety depend heavily on the experience of the injector.
Level of evidence: Moderate
Biostimulators
Stimulate the body to produce its own collagen rather than adding volume directly. The effect builds over weeks and lasts longer, but cannot be dissolved.
Level of evidence: Moderate
Skin boosters
Finely distributed hyaluronic acid intended to improve skin hydration and surface quality. Studies are mostly small and short.
Level of evidence: Limited
PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
The patient's own blood, processed to concentrate platelets. Preparation protocols vary widely, which makes studies difficult to compare.
Level of evidence: Limited
Polynucleotides
A comparatively new approach to improving skin quality. Early results look promising, but the evidence base is still limited.
Level of evidence: Limited
This rating is a deliberately simplified orientation. It describes how robust the published evidence is for the main indication — not how well a treatment will work in an individual case. Details are given in the corresponding article.
Structure
How every treatment is presented here.
Nine fixed fields, identical for every treatment, so that procedures remain comparable. Shown using botulinum toxin as the example.
Mechanism of action
Botulinum toxin inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The treated muscle therefore contracts more weakly for a period, so that lines created by facial expression appear less pronounced. The effect is reversible: as nerve endings regenerate, muscle function returns.
Indications
- Aesthetic: expression lines of the upper face (frown lines, forehead lines, crow's feet)
- Medical: excessive sweating, chronic migraine, muscle spasticity, teeth grinding
- Some aesthetic applications are off-label and require corresponding disclosure and consent
Expected results
First effects after roughly two to five days, the full result after about two weeks. It treats dynamic lines, that is, lines produced by movement. Deep lines already visible at rest improve considerably less.
Duration of effect
Usually three to four months, varying between individuals. Muscle strength, dose, treatment area and metabolism all influence the duration.
Risks
Temporary drooping of the eyelid or brow, asymmetry, unintended effect on adjacent muscles, very rarely allergic reactions. Not to be used in disorders of neuromuscular transmission, with infection at the injection site, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side effects
Common and harmless: brief redness, small bruises and tenderness at the injection sites, occasionally headache in the first few days.
Scientific evidence
Very well studied. Numerous randomised controlled trials and regulatory approvals across several indications. Efficacy and safety profile are considered well established when applied competently.
Level of evidence: Strong
Typical costs
In Germany typically around 200 to 450 euros per treatment area. The range is wide and depends on region, practice, product and the quantity required. This figure is intended only as a rough orientation.
Suitable / unsuitable
Suitable for adults with movement-related lines and realistic expectations. Not suitable in disorders of neuromuscular transmission such as myasthenia gravis, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with known intolerance to components of the product, or with infection in the intended treatment area.
Prescription-only medicines
Botulinum toxin and fillers are prescription medicines and medical devices respectively. They may only be administered by appropriately qualified professionals following personal examination and informed consent. The information on this page is provided for information and does not constitute a treatment recommendation.
Journal
View all articles
Articles in this category
Medical disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for general medical education and does not replace individual medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. It does not constitute a treatment recommendation for any individual case. If you have health concerns, or before undergoing any treatment, please consult a physician.
Full disclaimer