Facts and Misconceptions About Botox - Part 1

Botox is probably one of the most popular cosmetic treatment but often the most misunderstood. Botox inspires both confusion and admiration but is it right for you ? The information here helps to clarify some of the common misconceptions related to Botox.

What Can Botox Do ?

Botox is administered to treat dynamic wrinkles - wrinkles that occur only when we use our facial muscles to form expressions, such as crow's feet and forehead frown lines. Botox does not alter existing static wrinkles - wrinkles and folds that are present even at rest, such as laugh lines. But Botox does play a role in preventing static wrinkles (Please refer to a separate article which further elaborates on this topic). Other indications for Botox includes facial reshaping, reducing excessive sweating, neck rejuvenation and many more.

Photo source : Allergan

Unretouched photos of paid models taken at maximum frown before treatment with Botox and taken at maximum frown after treatment with Botox at indicated time points. Botox is FDA approved to treat frown lines between the eyebrows - the glabellar lines.

Limitations of Botox

Botox is not permanent. Results only last about 4 to 6 months for wrinkle elimination.

Botox Facts and Misconceptions :

Photo source : Allure

Still wondering if Botox is the right choice for you ? Read on to find out more regarding this "miracle" wrinkle eraser. 

1) Botox is a Toxin. Isn't That Dangerous ?

Yes, Botox is purified Botulinum Toxin type A produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. But because the dose and volume used in aesthetics is so small, Botox is incapable of spreading to other parts of the body, and is extremely safe.

Photo source : David Cook

Botox is safe when administered at the correct dosage by a properly trained doctor.

2) Will I Look “Frozen” After Botox ?

Botox will not radically change your facial appearance. The muscle activity is temporarily reduced by Botox, so you can still frown or smile without the wrinkles. Some patients do report that their facial expressions become less intense after Botox but at the same time, they also looked more pleasant, relaxed and refreshed.

It is important to communicate your expectations to the doctor before the procedure - whether you prefer to retain some mobility of the treated muscles. An experienced doctor will have the knowledge to administer just enough Botox to relax the targeted muscles and not make the patient appear "frozen".

To be continued in the next article : Facts and Misconceptions About Botox - Part 2