You may be thinking about having BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment to ease some of your deep facial folds and wrinkles, but could be reading some things about it that make you wonder if it is really right for you. Let’s clear up some of the misconceptions about BOTOX® that have existed for years.
Misconception #1—BOTOX injections lead to a frozen looking face.
Many people believe that using BOTOX for frown lines and smile lines will lead to being unable to make normal facial expressions. The treatment simply relaxes muscles, and with a skilled injector you will continue to be able to smile, frown, and make all your usual facial expressions without difficulties.
Misconception #2— BOTOX® injections are painful.
When asked about their experience, most patients state that, at most, they only felt a slight pinch. A topical anesthetic can be used if you request it.
Misconception #3—BOTOX is only for treating wrinkles and facial folds.
BOTOX is used for more than just cosmetic treatments. It was first used to treat a problem with eye muscles called strabismus. You may also be familiar with advertising that suggests the use of BOTOX for migraine headaches, various types of back or joint pain related to overly active muscles, bladder dysfunction, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). All these conditions can be helped with injections!
Misconception #4—BOTOX works immediately.
You might feel a little change shortly after the injection, but you will likely need three to five days before visible changes appear. Final results are usually evident by seven to ten days after injection. For especially stubborn wrinkles or folds, you may need more than one injection to achieve complete muscle relaxation. Do not wait until just before an important event to get BOTOX, as the best result may not appear until up to a week later.
Misconception #5—BOTOX is permanent.
BOTOX cosmetic is not permanent. Its effects last approximately three to six months. Each person is different, so you will need to see how long the wrinkle reduction lasts for you.
Misconception #6—BOTOX is only for women.
Men can have significant frown lines or big smile lines that they do not like, just as women do. Men often choose to have cosmetic work done and BOTOX can be very helpful for the same problems.
Misconception #7—I am too young to have BOTOX treatments.
BOTOX is approved for use in any person 18 years of age or older. As minor wrinkles start to appear, some people choose to start BOTOX Cosmetic treatments as a way to avoid deep folds and wrinkles.
Misconception #8—If I stop BOTOX treatments, my wrinkles will worsen.
Stopping BOTOX treatments will not produce more wrinkles or cause them to get worse. Your muscles will slowly go back to their contracted state and old wrinkles will likely reappear. If new wrinkles appear or old ones worsen, it is because of aging, not because you stopped injections.
Misconception #9—BOTOX is unsafe.
Since its FDA approval in 2002, BOTOX has been in use for cosmetic purposes. Over that time, it has had an excellent safety record. Just because it is a form of botulinum toxin does not make it automatically dangerous. To give you an idea of how safe BOTOX is, it would require a dose of more than 100 times the usual amount used for cosmetic purposes to become toxic.
Misconception #10—BOTOX will affect my entire body.
BOTOX never affects your whole body because it will only work on the muscles where it is injected. It is formulated to stay where it is injected so that it does not spread to distant areas of your body.
Misconception #11—BOTOX and dermal fillers are alike.
BOTOX and dermal fillers are not the same. BOTOX relaxes muscles while dermal fillers help fill in sunken areas. However, they can both be used to treat wrinkles and facial folds, and can even be used together.
Misconception #12—BOTOX prevents wrinkles.
Wrinkles will happen based on your personal genetic makeup, amount of sun exposure, and usual facial expressions. BOTOX cannot stop wrinkles from happening but it can help slow down the muscles that may be responsible for frown and smile lines.
Call Us to Discuss a Treatment Session With BOTOX Injections
Hopefully you have learned something and put some of your concerns to rest. BOTOX Cosmetic is a trusted, safe treatment that can significantly reduce frown lines and smile lines. There will always be misconceptions about BOTOX, but you can schedule a consultation with Dr. David Abramson to learn more about how it can benefit you, safely and effectively.