Anti-Wrinkle Injections in Istanbul: BoNTA Wrinkle Treatment
Ageing is a natural part of life, but the lines we see in the mirror do not always reflect how we feel. Forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet can make us look tired, worried or older than we are. Anti-wrinkle injections with botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) are one of the most effective and widely performed aesthetic treatments in the world for softening these lines.
I am Op. Dr. Akın Şahin, a facial plastic surgeon in Istanbul. My approach to anti-wrinkle treatment is simple: you should look rested and refreshed, never frozen.
What Is BoNTA?
BoNTA (botulinum toxin type A) is a purified protein that temporarily relaxes the muscles into which it is injected. It is the active ingredient in well-known anti-wrinkle treatments. Used in tiny, precise doses, it reduces the muscle activity that creates expression lines, allowing the skin above to smooth out.
A Guide to Smoother, Younger-Looking Skin
Every time we smile, frown or raise our eyebrows, the muscles of the face contract and the skin above them folds. Over the years, these repeated folds become etched into the skin as permanent lines. Anti-wrinkle injections interrupt this cycle: by relaxing the muscles, they soften existing lines and prevent new ones from deepening.
How Does It Work?
BoNTA works by temporarily blocking the signal between the nerve and the muscle. The treated muscle relaxes, reducing the tension on the skin. The result is a smoother forehead, more open eyes and a calmer, rested expression. The effect is temporary, and muscle activity gradually returns over several months.
Where Are Anti-Wrinkle Injections Used?
1. Forehead Lines
Horizontal lines across the forehead are caused by the frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrows. Careful, balanced injection smooths these lines while keeping natural eyebrow movement.
2. Frown Lines (Glabella)
The vertical lines between the eyebrows can make you look angry or worried. Relaxing the frown muscles softens these lines and gives a more relaxed expression.
3. Crow’s Feet
The fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes appear when we smile. Treatment smooths these lines while preserving a natural smile.
4. Lines Around the Mouth and Lip Lines
Small doses can soften vertical lip lines (“barcode lines”) and lift downturned mouth corners.
BoNTA is also used for other aesthetic and medical purposes:
- Brow lift: Lifting the tail of the eyebrows for a more open look
- Masseter slimming: Reducing enlarged jaw muscles for a slimmer, oval lower face
- Gummy smile: Reducing excessive gum display when smiling
- Excessive sweating: Treating underarm, hand and foot sweating. See Botox for excessive sweating.
The Treatment: What to Expect
The treatment is quick and simple. After a short consultation and facial analysis, I mark the injection points according to your muscle activity. Very fine needles are used, so discomfort is minimal. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes, and you can return to your daily activities immediately.
Results start to appear within 3–5 days, and the full effect is seen after about two weeks. At this point, I can check your result and make small adjustments if needed.
Why Choose Anti-Wrinkle Injections?
- Quick treatment with no downtime
- Visible, natural results within days
- Prevents existing lines from deepening
- Can be adjusted precisely to your face
- Suitable for both women and men
Myths and Facts
- Myth: “My face will look like a mask.” Fact: When dosed correctly, the treatment softens lines while preserving natural expression. BoNTA is not a filler and does not add volume.
- Myth: “When it wears off, wrinkles will get worse.” Fact: Lines return gradually to their previous state. In fact, while the muscles are relaxed, the skin ages more slowly in the treated area.
- Myth: “It is only for people over 40.” Fact: From the late twenties onwards, it is increasingly used preventively to stop lines from forming.
Why Choose a Facial Plastic Surgeon?
Natural results depend on understanding how each facial muscle works and how the muscles balance each other. Injecting the wrong muscle, or using too much in one area, can cause a heavy brow, a drooping eyelid or an unnatural expression. As a facial plastic surgeon, I know the anatomy of the facial muscles in detail and adjust the dose and injection points to your individual movement pattern. My goal is always a softer, fresher face that still moves naturally.
Preventive Treatment
More and more people in their late twenties and thirties choose small doses of anti-wrinkle injections before deep lines form. This approach, sometimes called “baby Botox”, uses lower doses to soften movement slightly, so lines are less likely to become permanent. It is a subtle treatment that keeps the face looking natural.
Golden Rules After Treatment
- Stay upright for 4 hours after treatment.
- Do not touch, rub or massage the treated area on the first day.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and hammams for 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol on the day of treatment.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
Anti-wrinkle injections are suitable for most healthy adults who want to soften expression lines. They are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in people with certain neuromuscular diseases, or in those with an infection in the treatment area.
Anti-Wrinkle Injection Costs
The cost depends on the number of areas treated. You can find detailed information on my Botox cost in Turkey page. To learn how long results last and how to make them last longer, read how long does Botox last?.
A Strong Ally Against Time
Anti-wrinkle injections are not about changing your face, but about letting it look as rested as you feel. To find out which treatment is right for you, please contact my clinic.
