Many probably learned about Botox from a social circle or from friends who, unfortunately, spread a lot of misinformation to people who probably need this treatment the most, thereby, creating some level of fear, anxiety, and mistrust in this treatment option.
A general perception of Botox is accompanied by stereotyping about what exactly this treatment is all about. In any case, just so you know, most of these stereotypes you hear of are just Botox myths. Come to think of it, there’s a reason why this particular procedure is performed each year and trusted by so many people across the globe. Could it be because Botox helps people feel confident about the way they look and reduces the signs of aging? Why are there thousands of appointments for Botox procedures booked in thousands of clinics daily?
Botox injections are equally one of the most popular and most criticized treatments in the aesthetics, beauty, and the cosmetics industry, however, the majority of this criticism stems from incorrect information.
We would love to share these #BotoxFacts with you! So, here’s what we know!
Botox is globally recommended by medical associations, health regulators, and researchers as a safe, cosmetic procedure used to treat skin conditions. It is also used by medical practitioners to treat genetically acquired and pre-existing skin and health conditions such as excessive underarm sweating, eyelid muscle spasms, severe neck spasms, cervical dystonia, overactive bladder, limb spasticity, chronic migraines, and more.
Here at LaserDerm Clinics, we endorse Botox treatments and rate it Five Stars!
We are refuting some common myths about Botox, to give you some level of rest assuredness and preparedness before your appointment.
MYTH #1 – BOTOX IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE WITH WRINKLES.
This is most certainly untrue.
Every face has lines and these lines on the face are generally two types. Dynamic lines and static lines. On the one hand, dynamic lines are the creases that appear when the face is animated either when speaking, laughing, or expressing facial expressions. On the other hand, static lines are those that appear without any intended facial muscle-flexing. You tend to even see them when the face is at rest. Static lines worsen over time as dynamic lines become etched into the skin and create a more permanent fold in the face.
Botox targets dynamic lines and softens the static ones, it is also effective for preventing wrinkles. It works by weakening the facial muscles and causing the dynamic lines to appear less deep and most times unseen.
The Truth: Botox is most effective in treating wrinkles that appear at the crinkles and crow’s feet areas of the face. It also reduces the lines when you frown or the lines on your forehead when you raise your brows.
Starting Botox injections from a young age can help you age slower and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Myth #2 – BOTOX RESULTS IN FROZEN FACE
Like everything else, too much Botox is not safe!
You must have seen a lot of movies, videos, and jokes about Botox. You may have had a real-life encounter with someone sporting that “frozen” look everyone thinks can only be traced back to Botox treatments. When Botox is administered correctly, there’ll be no trouble making facial expressions. Some cases of frozen faces are due to over-injecting. It may even be as a result of a botched facelift!
The Truth: Botox looks natural when properly injected and only affects the muscles targeted at the precise region of each injection; it’s meant to relax the muscles and give patients a more youthful, refreshed, and rejuvenated appearance.
MYTH #3 – BOTOX CAUSES WORSE WRINKLES LONG-TERM
One experience with new patients during consultations is that they have assumed that Botox actually worsens wrinkles in the long-term, that is- when they stop receiving the Botox injections. Very untrue. Patients who stop receiving injections, after any number of years, never experience advanced aging in comparison to individuals that never had Botox and there are no adverse effects caused by the injections. When a patient stops receiving the Botox injection, wrinkles slowly return to their former state. And as the injections wane, the muscles will begin to function and return to normal as they were before. Any additional wrinkles seen slowly over time post Botox injections are part of the natural aging process
But of course! You should not expect to look the same age as when you started receiving injections. Years have passed, right?
The Truth: Botox does not need to be a lifelong commitment and can be stopped at any time. Some patients even use Botox for a short period of time to temporarily make improvements in preparation for an event…yes! You just read that! We are waiting….
MYTH #4 – BOTOX IS FOR FEMALES
People generally assume that Botox treatments are only available to women. Wrinkles affect both men and women and similarly, Botox is used to treat both men and women. With male interest in grooming and cosmetic surgery generally rises, men now more and more frequently seek Botox injections.
MYTH #5 – BOTOX IS PAINFUL
Botox needles are very thin because they’re meant to inject exceptionally small amounts of liquid into the skin. A lot of patients are surprised by what little discomfort there actually is during and after their treatments. A very tiny needle is used to administer Botox and of course, having a duly accredited medical practitioner to perform the procedure produces the best outcome. Any procedure involving a needle is going to cause a little discomfort, so you will sense some pain as the Botox is injected into your skin. However, the pain is less and is mostly temporary.
The fear of needles shouldn’t hold you back- it has minimal pain! Most patients report barely feeling the injections.
The Truth: The best part is there’s no recovery time for Botox treatments, though it’s possible to experience some minor bruising or swelling near the affected area post-procedure. Additionally, it may take a few days or weeks before the results are noticeable.
MYTH #6 – BOTOX IS ONLY MEANT FOR ANTI-AGING
Botox has gained a reputation for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles however, this drug can actually be used in many areas of the face and body for other clinical purposes. For example, Dr. Omobola Savage, an aesthetics doctor and general medical practitioner, and Damilola Amodu RN. at LaserDerm Clinics have treated the very common skin condition- hyperhidrosis -excessive and uncontrollable sweating, by injecting Botox to the affected areas. To learn more about this condition, check our last blog post here.
To elaborate the uses on other areas of the body: injecting Botox into the armpits can help reduce excessive sweating for patients who struggle with hyperhidrosis; Botox can provide jaw relief for patients who experience joint pains; and minimal Botox can correct “gummy smile”, a condition in which an individual displays too much upper gum while smiling. Don’t you just love Botox?
MYTH #7 – BOTOX CAN BE INJECTED BY ANYONE
The Botox procedure is becoming more accessible than ever with treatments available in major spas and an expanding number of clinics that are not accredited or recognized by the public health governing regulatory bodies. Getting Botox treatment services from places like these may offer convenience and lower prices however, the grave danger in this is getting it from the wrong hands. This could cost you greatly.
The Truth—Botox is a prescription drug that must always be handled and injected with expertise and precision.Your practitioner needs to have a deep understanding of facial anatomy including what muscles to target, what quantity to recommend and use, how to avoid nerves and blood vessels, and how to ultimately deliver the most effective results.
Here at LaserDerm Clinics, you can be rest assured that you’ll receive only the most skilled care should you decide to embark upon a Botox treatment program. Our medical practitioners are professionally trained and well equipped with the best resources.
Why not pamper yourself with this very resourceful and effective anti-aging fighting tool today?
