What is Botox?
Botox® is a neuromodulator that causes muscles to relax and has been used for over 20 years in cosmetics treatments. Botox helps to improve the cosmetic appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. There are also many medical uses for Botox which treat various symptoms and conditions, including chronic migraines.
If you’re considering Botox for cosmetic or medical purposes, you may be wondering what information is true and what’s false. Ready to bust the myths? Read on and let’s separate fact from fiction!
Myth #1: Botox is not safe
Fact: Botox has been safely injected for years
Botox is FDA approved for cosmetic treatments (since 2002) and certain medical conditions. Millions of people have used Botox safely and effectively for years. Botox treatments are safest in the hands of a qualified injector who follows all recommended protocols for dosing, storage, and administration of the drug. Always find an injector with experience, knowledge of anatomy and qualifications to ensure you have a safe and effective experience.
Myth #2: Botox will give me a “frozen” look
Fact: Botox relaxes muscles to help you look well-rested and bright, while maintaining facial expressions
Botox relaxes strong muscles at the point of injection which softens wrinkles. A few injection points are around the crows feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles. Botox does not affect other muscles involved in overall facial expressions, therefore you will still be able to express yourself. The quality of your results depends on the skill of your injector. So do your research and find an experienced and qualified injector who approaches injections as an art!
Botox is now becoming widely popular for its preventative benefits as well. If someone looks “frozen” or unnatural after injections, it may be due to incorrect dosing or technique. Botox must be injected carefully and skillfully to maintain the harmony of the muscles and the natural facial balance.
Myth #3: Botox is Botulism
Fact: Botox is NOT Botulism
Botox is a purified protein, Botulinum toxin, derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and is a product that has been approved as safe by the FDA. The product is administered in small doses and remains at the injection site, to reduce specific muscle activity by blocking the nerve impulses that trigger muscle contractions.
Myth #4: Botox only treats facial wrinkles
Fact: Botox has many medical uses
Botox was initially used for medical conditions around the eyes. While treating these patients, the cosmetic benefits were discovered. A few medical uses for Botox include depression, chronic migraines, bruxism (teeth grinding), strabismus, eyelid muscle spasms, overactive bladder, excessive underarm sweating and sweaty palms. Botox is quickly becoming the drug that treats everything!
Myth #5: Botox is painful
Fact: Botox treatments are minimal to no pain
Overall most patients report only mild discomfort during Botox injections. The needles are very small and thin with a tiny amount of liquid being injected into the muscle. This means the treatment is quick and you should only feel a slight prick, if anything, during an injection. The number of injections depends on the areas being treated and varies for each person. Most people tolerate Botox injections well, each injection only taking seconds to yield youthful, well rested, natural looking results lasting 4-6 months! Sign me up!
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