Written By Kathleen Lowe
If you are considering Botox, it’s natural to have doubts or worries. However, even though Botox has been used in cosmetic treatments for approximately 20 years, misconceptions surrounding the treatment remain. Botox injections use Botulinum toxin, a purified protein, to relax the face. Botox is completely safe to use when administered by a licensed, qualified practitioner who follows all the recommended regulations, protocols and dosage.
Botox is a non-surgical treatment that only takes a few minutes to administer and does not require the use of anaesthetic. Botox is a relatively low-pain treatment. Of course, while we all have different pain thresholds, the sensation of receiving a Botox injection is described as feeling a slight pinching lasting a few seconds.
Read on to discover the truth about Botox and bust a few common misconceptions.
Misconception #1: Botox® is Unsafe
False! Botox® is, medically, extremely safe. Besides being a very common procedure, it is still rigorously tested and controlled. Although it is technically a toxin, it is used in minuscule, diluted dosages and should only be administered by a professional, trained injector. It would actually take a very large (and illegal) amount to harm a person. To put it into perspective, Botox® injections are typically under 100 units. It would take over 3000 to cause severe damage.
Misconception #2: My Face Will Freeze and I Will Look Unnatural
A big concern for first-time users is the idea that your facial expressions will appear frozen and fake. If someone looks frozen or unnatural after a treatment, it may be due to incorrect dosing or placement. Botox® is a very precise drug and can be injected carefully to maintain the harmony of the muscles and the natural balance.This is why it is important to use only trusted and experienced injectors.
Understanding how Botox® works is key to dispelling this misconception: Botox® is injected into specific muscles of the face, where it acts as a neuron blocker, blocking signals from the nerves to the muscles. It allows those muscles to remain relaxed, resulting in the lessening of wrinkles in the skin, and giving the patient a smoother appearance.
Botox®, when administered properly, will appear natural and go unnoticed by others.
Misconception #3: Botox Lasts Forever
Botox® injections typically last between 3-4 months. As muscle action gradually returns, so do the appearance of lines and wrinkles, which may make you want to receive treatment again. However, lines and wrinkles can often appear looking less severe with time as muscles shrink.
Misconception #4: Botox and Dermal Fillers are the Same
Botox® and dermal fillers are cosmetic injectable treatments, however they are different products and are used for different outcomes. Botox® is a muscle relaxant used to soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as to prevent wrinkles from forming. They can also be used cleverly to lift or drop certain features, for example to lift a brow or to drop a top lip to fix a gummy smile.
Dermal fillers are used to build up an area, whether that is to restore lost volume, for example in the tear troughs under the eyes, or to completely reshape a feature such as the nose and chin. Dermal fillers are longer lasting than Botox® and consist of hyaluronic acid.
Misconception #5– Botox Treatments are Immediate
On average Botox® treatments take about 5 days to fully take effect. Everyone is different, so this is a general time-frame, you may see results sooner, however results are not immediate.
If you have any questions about Botox® or any cosmetic treatment, we’re here to help. Please schedule a consultation and discover the right treatment options for you.