Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox)

Botulinum toxin (marketed as Botox, Azzalure and similar brands) temporarily relaxes the facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles — lines that form when you frown, squint or raise your eyebrows. At DermaClinique Písek, injections are performed by MUDr. Kateřina Jůzlová, Ph.D., who holds formal certification in botulinum toxin application and has extensive experience working in hospital dermatovenerology departments. The treatment takes around 30–40 minutes, requires no anaesthesia, and produces visible wrinkle reduction within one to two weeks that lasts three to six months.

Botulinum toxin is a highly purified protein derived from Clostridium botulinum that, when injected in precise therapeutic doses into specific facial muscles, temporarily inhibits acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. This causes the target muscle to relax — reducing the repetitive contraction that creates and deepens dynamic wrinkles over time. **Who performs the treatment:** MUDr. Kateřina Jůzlová, Ph.D. holds a specialist certification in botulinum toxin application. Unlike aesthetic nurses or beauticians who perform botulinum toxin in many European countries, MUDr. Jůzlová's medical training (board-certified dermatovenerology + corrective dermatology specialisation, hospital research background) means she brings both anatomical precision and the ability to manage any complication that arises. **Areas treated:** The most commonly requested areas are: - **Forehead lines** (horizontal frontalis lines that appear when raising eyebrows) - **Glabellar frown lines** (vertical lines between the brows; the '11' lines) - **Crow's feet** (lateral orbital lines that appear when squinting or smiling) - **Brow lift** (small-dose injection to elevate the lateral brow) - **Bunny lines** (nasal dorsum wrinkles) - Other areas on request and clinical assessment **What to expect during the session:** The face is cleaned and areas mapped. A very fine needle is used to deposit precise amounts of toxin into each target muscle. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild pinprick — no topical anaesthetic is typically needed, though EMLA cream is available for sensitive patients. The session takes 30–40 minutes. Bruising is possible but usually minor and resolves within a few days. **Results and longevity:** The muscle-relaxing effect becomes visible within 3–7 days and reaches its peak at around 14 days. Results last 3–6 months depending on the dose used, metabolic rate and individual muscle activity. Regular treatment (2–3 times per year) over time may extend the interval between sessions as the muscles gradually habituate to less use. **Contraindications:** Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for those with neuromuscular disorders (myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert syndrome), allergy to botulinum toxin or its excipients, or current anticoagulant therapy (which increases bruising risk). **Preparation:** Avoid alcohol 24 hours before. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications for one week before if medically safe to do so. Come without make-up. **Aftercare:** Avoid touching the treated area for 4 hours, avoid lying down flat for 4 hours, skip vigorous exercise for 24 hours and avoid saunas or hot tubs for 48 hours.