You’ve probably heard the warnings: frozen faces, overdone brows, results that look anything but natural. Most of those outcomes come down to poor dosing — not the treatment itself. Botulinum toxin is one of the most studied and widely performed aesthetic treatments available. Administered correctly, it relaxes the specific muscles responsible for expression lines, softens the jaw, and controls hyperhidrosis, while leaving surrounding movement intact.
At Sozo Clinic, botulinum toxin treatments are performed by Dr Justin Boey, Medical Director, who holds MOH-approved Certificates of Competence in Aesthetics and serves as a Physician Trainer for Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Fillers for Galderma, Vivacy, and Sinclair. Each treatment is dosed to your anatomy — not a fixed unit count.
Contents
- 1 What is Botulinum Toxin?
- 2 Benefits of Botulinum Toxin
- 3 What Can It Treat?
- 4 How Is Treatment Performed?
- 5 How Many Units Do You Need?
- 6 How Much Does Botulinum Toxin Cost?
- 7 Why Do Botulinum Toxin Prices Differ?
- 8 How Long Does Botulinum Toxin Last?
- 9 Side Effects and Risks of Botulinum Toxin
- 10 Who is Suitable for Botulinum Toxin?
- 11 FAQ
- 12 Book Your Botulinum Toxin Consultation
What is Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum toxin injections use Botulinum Toxin Type A to temporarily prevent targeted muscles from contracting. When a muscle cannot contract, the overlying skin cannot crease — so expression lines soften or disappear, and the muscle itself reduces in size with sustained treatment.
The effects are temporary. Results typically last three to six months depending on the area treated, the number of units used, and individual metabolism. With repeat treatments spaced appropriately, many patients find results become longer-lasting over time as the muscle reduces in bulk.
Botulinum toxin is FDA-approved and considered safe when administered by a qualified healthcare professional. It is not permanent, and its effects are fully reversible as the neurotoxin naturally breaks down.
Benefits of Botulinum Toxin
Cosmetic Benefits
- Smooth wrinkles and fine lines: Botulinum toxin effectively diminishes the appearance of existing wrinkles and fine lines, providing a smoother and more youthful complexion.
- Non-surgical with minimal downtime: As a non-invasive procedure, Botulinum toxin injections require no surgical intervention and involve little to no recovery time, allowing patients to resume daily activities swiftly.
- Prevents new wrinkles: By temporarily relaxing facial muscles, Botulinum toxin not only treats existing wrinkles but also prevents the formation of new lines as a proactive anti-ageing measure.
Medical Benefits
- Alleviates chronic migraines: Botulinum toxin has been proven to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, offering relief for those suffering from chronic headaches.
- Reduces excessive sweating: Also known as hyperhidrosis treatment, Botulinum toxin can significantly decrease abnormal sweating, providing comfort and confidence in various social and professional settings.
- Treats muscle spasms and bladder issues: Botulinum toxin offers therapeutic effects by treating muscle spasms, such as those associated with cervical dystonia, managing overactive bladder conditions, and improving the overall quality of life.
What Can It Treat?
Botulinum toxin addresses both cosmetic and medical concerns. For a full breakdown of wrinkle treatments in Singapore beyond botulinum toxin, see the wrinkles treatment page.
Used consistently, it also slows the formation of new expression lines — the muscle is not being exercised to its full range, so creasing reduces over time.
Frown Lines
The vertical lines between the eyebrows — caused by repeated contraction of the corrugator and procerus muscles — are one of the most commonly treated areas. Left untreated, these lines deepen from dynamic (movement-related) to static (visible at rest). Botulinum toxin relaxes these muscles, softening existing lines and slowing further etching.
Typical dose: 8–20 units. Price range: $150–$600.
Crow’s Feet
These appear when the orbicularis oculi muscle contracts during smiling and squinting. Treating them softens the lines while preserving expressiveness around the eyes — and produces a subtle lifting effect on the outer brow that most patients don’t expect.
Typical dose: 8–20 units (both sides). Price range: $150–$600.
Forehead Lines
Horizontal forehead lines form when the frontalis muscle contracts to raise the brows. Treating this area requires careful dosing — over-relaxing the frontalis can cause brow heaviness. Dr Justin Boey calibrates forehead doses conservatively to soften lines without compromising brow position — so your brows stay lifted and natural, not heavy or flat.
Typical dose: 8–25 units. Price range: $200–$700.
Jaw Slimming
Botulinum toxin injected into the masseter — the large chewing muscle at the angle of the jaw — reduces its bulk over a series of treatments. This narrows the lower face, creating a softer, more tapered jawline. The effect is gradual. Over four to six weeks, the muscle shrinks as activity drops — you won’t see the change overnight. Results last four to six months, and they tend to extend with repeat treatment as the muscle reduces further.
Typical dose: 40–80 units total (both sides). Price range: $400–$1,700.
Jaw botulinum toxin also provides relief for patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder — teeth grinding and jaw clenching — by reducing the force the masseter generates.
Hyperhidrosis
Botulinum toxin injected into the underarms blocks the nerve signals that trigger excessive sweating from the eccrine glands (sweat glands). The results are more durable here than for most cosmetic indications — six to twelve months is typical, and the evidence base is strong: multiple meta-analyses, not just anecdote. The procedure involves a series of small injections across the underarm area and requires no downtime.
Typical dose: 25-50 units. Price range: $800-1000
Bunny Lines (Nose)
Scrunching or sniffing creates fine wrinkles across the nose bridge. A small dose into the nasalis muscle softens them without touching nearby expressions — it’s a precise, contained treatment.
Typical dose: 4–10 units. Price range: $100–$500.
Lip Flip
A small dose of botulinum toxin placed above the upper lip relaxes the orbicularis oris muscle, causing the lip to roll slightly outward and appear fuller — without the volume of a filler. Results are subtle and last a shorter duration than other facial areas because the muscle is used constantly.
Typical dose: 4-10 units. Price range: $180-500
Chin
A dimpled or orange-peel texture on the chin comes from overactivity in the mentalis muscle. Botulinum toxin relaxes this muscle, smoothing the chin’s surface and softening an over-pronounced chin crease.
Typical dose: 4–8 units. Price range: $100–$500.
Neck (Platysmal Bands)
Vertical bands that appear down the neck when the platysma muscle contracts can be softened with botulinum toxin, giving the neckline a smoother appearance. This is a more advanced injection site requiring precise placement to avoid affecting swallowing muscles.
Typical dose: 20–60 units. Price range: $500-800
Undereye
Small, carefully placed doses of botulinum toxin can soften fine lines under the eyes, though this area requires a conservative approach — too much product can affect the muscle that supports the lower eyelid. Not every patient is a suitable candidate for this area; suitability is assessed at consultation.
Typical dose: 4-20 units. Price range: $300-500
Medical Indications Beyond Aesthetics
Beyond cosmetic use, botulinum toxin is an established medical treatment for conditions involving involuntary muscle activity or overactive glands. Jaw slimming and hyperhidrosis are two examples treated at Sozo Clinic. Other recognised indications include:
- Eyelid spasm (blepharospasm) and involuntary blinking
- Migraine headaches
- Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders (cervical dystonia)
- Overactive bladder
- Strabismus (lazy eye)
Doctor’s Note:
“My goal with every botulinum toxin treatment is a result that still looks like you—just more rested, refreshed, and with fewer lines. I assess each patient’s muscle strength and facial anatomy before deciding on the appropriate dose and injection points. There is no fixed unit count for every treatment area. Someone with very strong corrugator muscles may require more than the textbook range, while someone with naturally heavier brows often benefits from a more conservative forehead treatment. Getting these decisions right during the initial assessment is what helps create a result that looks natural rather than overdone.”
— Dr Justin Boey, Medical Director, Sozo Aesthetic Clinic
How Is Treatment Performed?
Treatment typically takes 15 to 30 minutes from consultation to completion.
- Consultation: Dr Justin Boey assesses the treatment area, asks about your goals and medical history, and confirms the appropriate areas and doses. Contraindications are reviewed at this stage.
- Preparation: the skin is cleansed. A topical anaesthetic cream or ice pack may be applied to minimise discomfort at the injection site.
- Injection: botulinum toxin is injected using a fine needle at precise anatomical points. Most patients describe a mild sting lasting a second. The number of injection points depends on the area being treated.
- Post-treatment: there is no downtime. Mild redness or pinpoint bruising at injection sites typically resolves within hours. You can return to normal activity immediately.
Results are not immediate. Botulinum toxin takes three to seven days to take effect, with full results visible at two weeks. A follow-up review can be arranged if any touch-up is needed.
How Many Units Do You Need?
The number of units required depends on the area being treated, the strength of the muscle involved, and your desired outcome. There is no fixed dose — units are calibrated to your anatomy at each appointment.
Two factors affect unit count beyond the treatment area: the natural strength of the muscle being treated, and whether you are being treated for the first time or maintaining a previous result. First-time patients sometimes require slightly more units than experienced patients, whose muscles have reduced in bulk over prior treatments.
For a detailed breakdown of unit counts and dosing context, see the dedicated how many units do you need guide. Full pricing for each area is in the cost section below.
How Much Does Botulinum Toxin Cost?
Botulinum toxin is priced by area treated and units used. The table below shows starting ranges for each indication. Final costs are confirmed at consultation once the appropriate dose is determined for your anatomy.
| Area | Typical Units | Price Range | Results Last |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead Lines | 8–25 units | $200–$700 | 3–6 months |
| Frown Lines (Glabellar) | 8–20 units | $150–$600 | 3–6 months |
| Crow’s Feet | 8–20 units | $150–$600 | 3–6 months |
| Bunny Lines | 4–10 units | $100–$500 | 3–6 months |
| Gummy Smile | 4–8 units | $150–$500 | 3–6 months |
| Downturned Lips | 4–8 units | $150–$500 | 3–6 months |
| Chin Dimpling | 4–8 units | $100–$500 | 3–6 months |
| Jaw Slimming (Masseter) | 40–80 units | $400–$1,700 | 4–6 months |
| Neck Bands (Platysma) | 20–60 units | $500–$800 | 3–6 months |
| Hyperhidrosis (Underarms) | 25–50 units | $800–$1,000 | 6–12 months |
Prices vary between clinics based on doctor experience, product brand, and unit count. At Sozo Clinic, all botulinum toxin treatments are performed by Dr Justin Boey, who is a certified Physician Trainer for botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. Product brand and batch details are disclosed at consultation on request.
Why Do Botulinum Toxin Prices Differ?
Two factors matter more than any price list.
1. The number of units used affects prices.
- Areas that require more units are generally more expensive. Jaw Botulinum toxin for jawline slimming costs the most because it requires the most Botulinum toxin units. Botulinum toxin medical aesthetic treatments for forehead lines, frown lines, deep lines, and facial wrinkles do not require as much dosage of botulinum toxin.
- The number of units required for each treatment area also varies between individuals. For example, the jaw masseter muscles of Person A may require only 24 units, whereas the same muscles in Person B may require 40 units.
Your doctor’s proper consultation, assessment, and tailored treatment plan are more important than the number of units actually given.
2. Doctor’s experience affects costs.
Your doctor’s expertise matters with botulinum toxin injections.
A proper understanding of medical anatomy is crucial for safety and natural-looking results.
Experienced doctors tend to charge higher for their Botulinum toxin.
Doctor’s Note:
“I do not offer fixed-unit treatment packages because the right dose is the one that suits your face, not one that fits a price list. Someone with strong masseter muscles will usually require more units to achieve jaw reduction than someone with moderate muscle hypertrophy. Using the same dose for every patient simply to keep pricing straightforward can lead to under-treated patients who see little improvement or over-treated patients who look unnatural. Before every treatment, I discuss the recommended dose, the expected outcome, and what is realistically achievable. I also review every patient at around two weeks to ensure the result matches what we planned.”
— Dr Justin Boey, Medical Director, Sozo Aesthetic Clinic
How Long Does Botulinum Toxin Last?
The effects of a Botulinum toxin treatment typically last between 3 to 6 months, providing temporary yet significant enhancement to facial features. The duration of Botulinum toxin’s effectiveness can vary based on several factors. One factor is the area treated; for instance, dynamic regions of the face, like the forehead, often see quicker effects due to constant muscle movement, necessitating more frequent touch-ups compared to less active areas.
The dosage administered is also critical, as higher doses may result in longer-lasting effects. Furthermore, individual metabolism can impact longevity; those with faster metabolic rates may process the botulinum toxin more rapidly, shortening its lifespan. Therefore, personal characteristics and the skilful determination of appropriate treatment approaches by a qualified aesthetic practitioner will influence how long a patient can expect to enjoy the results of Botulinum toxin injections.
Side Effects and Risks of Botulinum Toxin
Side effects at cosmetic doses are generally mild and temporary:
- Mild pain or pinpoint bruising at the injection site — typically resolves within hours to a day.
- Temporary headache — occasionally reported; resolves without intervention.
- Temporary brow heaviness — may occur if forehead dose is too high; resolves as the product wears off. Avoided with careful dose calibration.
- Rare: spread beyond target area — at correctly calibrated cosmetic doses, spread is uncommon. Serious adverse events are associated with off-label high-dose use or non-clinical administration.
- Droopy eyelid or asymmetric eyebrows
- Crooked smile or drooling
- Eye dryness or excessive tearing
Although rare, botulinum toxin can spread beyond the injection site. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice any of the following hours to weeks after treatment:
- Muscle weakness or numbness
- Vision problems
- Trouble speaking or swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Urinary incontinence
Doctors generally recommend against using Botulinum toxin when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. And Botulinum toxin should not be used in people who are allergic to cow’s milk protein.
Is It Safe?
Botulinum toxin has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2002 and has an extensive safety record built over decades of use in both medical and aesthetic practice. At cosmetic doses, the side effect profile is well understood. The serious outcomes that make headlines are almost always tied to off-label, high-dose, or non-clinical use — not standard aesthetic treatment.
MOH-Registered Practitioner
In Singapore, botulinum toxin is classified as a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) and must be administered by a licensed medical practitioner. Sozo Aesthetic Clinic operates as a registered aesthetic clinic under the Ministry of Health Singapore. Dr Justin Boey holds MOH-approved Certificates of Competence in Aesthetics and is a Vice President of the Society of Aesthetic Medicine (Singapore).
Who is Suitable for Botulinum Toxin?
Botulinum toxin is most effective on people aged 30 and above, as dynamic wrinkles tend to form and deepen from this age onward. There is no upper age limit — patients can continue treatment as long as they are in good general health and meet the criteria below.
A few conditions rule it out entirely:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition such as myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis
- Allergic to cow’s milk protein
- Under 18 years of age
Other factors assessed at consultation include facial muscle weakness, ptosis (droopy eyelids), deep facial scars, uneven facial features, and skin problems near the treatment area. A full medical history is taken before any treatment is recommended
Product Brands Used
Botulinum toxin products are not all identical. Differences in formulation, unit equivalency, and diffusion characteristics affect how they perform in different anatomical areas. Sozo Clinic stocks all major botulinum toxin brands. The product brand and batch number used in your treatment is available on request. Dr Justin Boey will confirm which product is being used and why at your consultation.
FAQ
Does botulinum toxin hurt?
Not much. Most patients describe a mild sting at the injection site lasting a second. A topical anaesthetic cream or ice pack can be applied beforehand if preferred. The treatment itself takes under 15 minutes for most areas.
When will I see results?
Slower than you might expect. The product takes three to seven days to begin taking effect, with full results visible at two weeks. Jaw slimming is slower still — visible muscle reduction typically occurs four to six weeks after treatment as the masseter reduces in bulk.
How long do results last?
Three to six months for expression lines; four to six months for jaw slimming. Repeat treatments are typically spaced every four to six months. Over time, many patients find the muscle has reduced enough that maintenance becomes less frequent — the interval stretches naturally.
Will my face look frozen?
Not when dosed correctly. The goal is to relax the specific muscles driving the lines you want to soften — not to immobilise the face. Dr Justin Boey calibrates each treatment to preserve natural movement while reducing unwanted muscle activity. Overcorrection is a product of poor dosing, not the treatment itself.
Can I combine botulinum toxin with fillers or other treatments?
Yes. Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are frequently combined in the same session — botulinum toxin addresses dynamic lines driven by muscle movement, while fillers restore volume in static lines and hollowed areas. The two treatments are complementary. Your doctor will advise on the appropriate combination based on your concerns.
What happens when it wears off?
The muscle gradually returns to its previous activity level and lines re-appear. Nothing is accelerated — the skin returns to its untreated state, not a worse one. Stopping treatment doesn’t cause a rebound or make lines worse than they would have been otherwise.
Is botulinum toxin the same as Botox?
Botox is a brand name for one formulation of botulinum toxin type A, manufactured by Allergan. Other brands — including Dysport, Xeomin, and Nabota — contain the same active molecule but differ in formulation and unit equivalency. At Sozo Clinic, the product used will be confirmed at consultation.
Book Your Botulinum Toxin Consultation
To find out which areas are suitable for treatment and what results are realistic for your anatomy, book a consultation with Dr Justin Boey at Sozo Aesthetic Clinic.
Consultations take approximately 15 minutes. Dr Justin Boey will assess the treatment areas, explain what each option involves, and confirm a dose plan before anything is recommended. There are no fixed packages and no pressure to proceed on the day.