Botulinum toxin
Also known as: Botox, botulinum
A bacterial protein that temporarily blocks the nerve signals reaching a muscle — used to smooth wrinkles and to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).
Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a neurotoxin that temporarily blocks the signal between a nerve and a muscle. In aesthetic medicine it's injected at beauty clinics holding a Health Board (Terviseamet) operating licence to soften facial wrinkles — wrinkles form from repeated muscle contraction, and once the muscle relaxes, the wrinkles smooth out. In Estonia, only doctors and specially trained specialists at beauty clinics give these medical injections — not ordinary beauty salons.
How does botulinum toxin work?
Botox is injected directly into the mimic muscle — for example between the brows, on the forehead, or into the crow's-feet area around the eyes. The toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine at the nerve ending, and because the muscle no longer receives the signal to move, it relaxes. The result appears within 3–7 days and usually lasts 3–6 months, after which it can be repeated.
Dosing is individual and depends on muscle mass, sex and the desired effect. At Estonian beauty clinics, a doctor assesses your facial dynamics at the first consultation and chooses the injection points. Too strong a dose can give the face a "frozen" look — a natural-look philosophy is used to avoid this.
Botulinum toxin in Estonia
In Estonia, only beauty clinics and medical facilities registered with the Health Board (Terviseamet) hold an operating licence for botulinum toxin injections. The database lists 25 Botox providers, mostly in Tallinn and Tartu. The price usually starts at €200 for one zone (forehead OR the eye area) and can reach €500–700 for a multi-zone package. The injection is given by a doctor, who is responsible for dosing and patient safety.
Frequently asked questions
What is botulinum toxin?
Botulinum toxin, or Botox, is a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes muscles at the injection site. In aesthetic medicine it's used to soften facial wrinkles, and the effect lasts 3–6 months.
Is botulinum toxin safe in Estonia?
Injections are given only by doctors at beauty clinics holding a Health Board (Terviseamet) operating licence — under these conditions the procedure is safe and side effects are minimal. Always choose a licensed clinic and ask to see the doctor's credentials before the injection.
Where can I learn more about botulinum toxin?
Consult an aesthetic-medicine doctor at an Estonian beauty clinic, who will explain the procedure, the expected result and the risk of side effects. See also clinics offering Botox services.
Related pages
This service in Estonia
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