Botox injections continue to be one of the most popular cosmetic treatments around. Despite the fact that it has been around for over 20 years, there still continues to be some confusion as to how it works and what it treats. Word of mouth seems to contribute to the confusion like a game of chinese whispers. We’ve created a list of the most common myths that we hear about Botox injections along with the actual truths. Enjoy!
Myth: You should wait to do Botox when your wrinkles become visible
Nope! Though Botox works very well to reduce visible lines and wrinkles, it’s actually much more useful as a preventative measure. Botox is most often used for wrinkles and lines that have been formed by muscle movements such as frowning, smiling, squinting, and raising your eyebrows. If you have deep wrinkles at rest in these areas then it will be very difficult to completely get rid of them with Botox alone. Using Botox before these wrinkles appear you will weaken these muscles and prevent the deep lines from ever appearing. By weakening the strength of those muscles you may actually need less Botox or need it less often over time.
Myth: Your wrinkles will get worse if you stop getting Botox
Not true. If you stop getting Botox, your wrinkles will go back to the way they were before once the Botox wears off. Remember, the effects of Botox only last 3-4 months. If you stop getting treatment your wrinkles will eventually get worse as a normal part of the aging process. The best way to slow this process down is to get regular treatments.
Myth: Botox will give you a frozen face
A common misconception about Botox treatment is that once you get Botox you won’t be able to make any sort of facial expressions to convey emotion. Many celebrities have served as examples of this. This is simply not the case. If done by an experienced injector the results of your Botox injection will look very natural and you will still be able to make expressions and show emotion. In certain areas like the forehead, it’s important to use a minimal amount of Botox to maintain a natural result. This is why it’s important to choose your injector wisely!
Myth: Botox can leave you permanently disfigured
Again, we’ve all heard the horror stories of people who have been permanently scarred or disfigured by Botox injections gone wrong. But the truth is that the effects of Botox are not permanent. Any unwanted side effects that happen with Botox injections will completely return to normal once the Botox wears off in 3-4 months.
Myth: Botox is just for wrinkles
Sure, when we think of Botox the first thing that comes to mind is cosmetic treatment. However, Botox is used to treat a variety of medical conditions such as migraine headaches, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), bladder overactivity, and excessive sweating. Some studies have even shown Botox to be an effective treatment for depression! Cool huh?
Myth: Botox is only for women
Not anymore. Although Botox treatments are most commonly performed on women, every year the number of men getting treated with Botox increases. In fact, we perform Botox on almost as many men as women.
Myth: Botox is a dangerous poison
Though Botox technically is considered a toxin, it is completely safe. There has never been a death from cosmetic Botox injections and when used properly it is virtually impossible to overdose from it.
Do you have any myths about Botox to add to this list? Comment below. Remember, the best way to get the truth about Botox injections is through an in-person consultation with an experienced Botox physician such as Dr. Zadeh.