Botox softens expression lines (forehead, crow's feet, frown) without freezing the face. In Marrakech, Dr Sara Zahid, a dermatologist in Guéliz, injects personalised, gradual doses for a natural result that respects mobility and expression. The effect sets in over a few days and stabilises around two weeks. It generally lasts a few months, varying from person to person, and each face responds in its own way. A check-up consultation can be offered to fine-tune the result.
Botox is a purified botulinum toxin, used in very small doses in medicine for decades. Injected into a muscle, it temporarily blocks the nerve signal that makes it contract: the muscle relaxes and the line it was carving softens. The effect is temporary and reversible. Botox does not fill lines: it treats their cause, the repeated contraction of the expression muscles.
The most common are forehead lines, frown lines (between the eyebrows) and crow's feet (corners of the eyes). Other indications exist depending on the examination: nose lines ("bunny lines"), brow line, neck bands, masseter hypertrophy and bruxism, and excessive sweating of the underarms, hands or feet (see the hyperhidrosis page). Each area is chosen after examination, never by default.
Botox must not freeze the face. The amount injected is adapted to the strength of your muscles, your anatomy and what you want to keep: a forehead that moves, well-placed brows, an expressive look. It is better to start cautiously and adjust than to correct an excess. In men, doses and areas are adapted to generally stronger musculature.
The session begins with an examination of the face at rest and in movement, to identify the muscles to treat and decide on injection points. Injections are made with a very fine needle, in small amounts, in a few minutes. There is no time off work. A few simple tips are given afterwards: avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas and intense effort on the same day.
The effect sets in gradually over a few days and stabilises around two weeks. For facial lines it generally lasts a few months; when lines come back, the session can be repeated. Regular maintenance may allow sessions to be spaced out. Each face responds in its own way, and follow-up is what lets the dose be fine-tuned.
There is no ideal age. Preventive Botox means treating, at small doses, expression lines that are beginning to show, to stop them from deepening. It is not systematic and is part of a wider approach to skin quality and sun protection, described on the skin longevity page.
The most common effects are slight pain at injection, bruising and temporary headaches. More rarely: temporary asymmetry, a slightly drooping eyelid or brow, which fades as the effect wears off. Botox is avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in case of neuromuscular disease, known allergy to the product or infection of the area, and certain medications must be reported. Risks and limits are explained before the procedure.
Botox is also used against hyperhidrosis, notably of the underarms: it locally blocks the sweat glands. This indication has its own page, with the assessment, alternatives and how the session goes.
A few days beforehand, report treatments that thin the blood (aspirin, anticoagulants) or act on muscles, without stopping them on your own: the decision is the doctor's. Avoid alcohol the night before, which promotes bruising, and come with a make-up-free face. Let us know if you have a cold, herpes or a spot in the area to be treated: the session is then postponed.
"Botox freezes the face": no, when the dose respects the strength of your muscles. "You become dependent": no, there is no physical dependence; if you stop, muscles gradually regain their mobility and lines their original state. "Lines come back worse afterwards": no, they return as they were. "It is the same as a filler": no, Botox relaxes a muscle, filler fills a volume. "It is only for women": no, men consult too, with adapted doses.
At the Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, in Guéliz, with Dr Sara Zahid, dermatologist, by appointment, in French, English or Arabic. The procedure is preceded by a consultation, and a detailed quote is given before any procedure, with no single displayed price.
There is no fixed age: the indication depends on the presence of expression lines and your expectations, assessed at the consultation.
No. A personalised, gradual dose aims to soften lines while preserving natural mobility and expression.
Generally a few months for facial lines, varying with the person and area. The session can be repeated when lines return.
Botox relaxes the muscles responsible for expression lines (forehead, crow's feet, frown), whereas hyaluronic acid filler fills or restores volume (lips, under-eyes, cheekbones, contour). These are not the same indications, and they sometimes complement each other. These injections are medical procedures, to be performed by a trained doctor after a consultation.
Yes. It acts on the muscle, not on pigmentation: skin colour is no obstacle. Doses and injection points are adapted to each face.
A purified botulinum toxin which, injected in small doses into a muscle, temporarily relaxes it and softens expression lines (forehead, frown, crow's feet).
The discomfort is slight: the needle is very fine and injections are quick. An anaesthetic cream or skin cooling can be used if needed.
Used in small doses by a trained doctor, it is a common and well-known procedure. It has possible side effects (bruising, headaches, temporary asymmetry) and contraindications, explained before the session.
The effect appears gradually over a few days, and stabilises around two weeks.
No, as a precaution: Botox is postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas and intense physical effort on the same day, and follow the advice given at the end of the session. Return to activities is quick.
Yes, it is used against hyperhidrosis, notably of the underarms. A dedicated page details the assessment and alternatives.
The price is given by the clinic after the consultation, as it depends on the areas treated. A detailed quote is given before any procedure; there is no single displayed price.
No. There is no physical dependence. If you stop, the effect fades gradually and the muscles regain their mobility.
No, they return to how they were before. Botox does not deepen lines: it only acts for the duration of its effect.
Select your condition: the appointment form fills in automatically.
Explore the clinic's complementary expertise or contact us to determine the most suitable care.
