Botox in Thailand

What it is

Botulinum toxin type A is a prescription medicine that relaxes the muscles it’s injected into. In cosmetic treatment, it’s used to soften lines caused by muscle movement. “Botox” is Allergan’s brand name, but many people use it for all botulinum toxin products.

Clinics in Thailand commonly offer:

• Allergan’s Botox (USA), usually the most expensive
• Korean brands, such as Hugel and Nabota, usually cheaper
• other European brands, at some clinics

Common uses

• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Forehead lines
• Crow’s feet around the eyes
• Jaw slimming, injected into the masseter muscle. This is popular in Thailand and uses more units.
• Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), in the underarms or elsewhere

How pricing works

Most clinics in Thailand charge per unit rather than per area. The number of units you need depends on the area, the strength of your muscles and the brand. For Allergan’s product, the manufacturer’s approved doses for common areas are about 20 units for frown lines, 24 units for crow’s feet and 20 units for forehead lines. Jaw slimming usually needs considerably more.

Units aren’t always interchangeable between brands, so compare quotes for the whole treatment rather than just the unit price.

Very cheap Botox is a warning sign. Counterfeit and unregistered botulinum toxin products have caused serious harm. Ask to see the sealed box and vial before treatment, and check it’s a product registered in Thailand.

What to expect

The doctor marks the areas and uses a very fine needle to give a few small injections. It takes minutes, and most people need no anaesthetic. You’ll notice the effect after 3–7 days, and it reaches full effect at about two weeks. Many clinics offer a free top-up check at this point. The effect usually wears off gradually over 3–4 months.

Side effects and risks

Side effects are usually mild and temporary:

• redness, swelling or bruising where the needle went in
• headache
• a “heavy” feeling in the forehead
• asymmetry

Less often, the toxin affects nearby muscles, causing a drooping eyelid or eyebrow. This wears off, but can last several weeks. Serious reactions, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, are rare, and you should get medical help urgently if they happen.

Don’t have treatment if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain neuromuscular conditions. Tell the doctor about any medicines you take.

Choosing a clinic

In Thailand, botulinum toxin should be injected by a licensed doctor in a licensed clinic, not by a beautician. Before treatment, check:

• the clinic’s licence and the doctor’s registration (here’s how)
• the product’s brand, and that it comes from a sealed box
• how many units you’re getting and the total price
• what happens at your follow-up