5 Most Common Myths about Botox – Botox, also known as Botulinum toxin type A, is an affordable, aesthetic treatment that seems to be on everyone’s lips these days. Even in the wake of the pandemic, a “Zoom Boom” in requests for cosmetic surgery and body tweaks saw a 17.4% increase over the last 12 months, with Botox accounting for half of the procedures.
However, despite years of success since its approval by the FDA back in 2002, many are still sceptical or unsure about this non-invasive procedure and its results. That’s why we’re here to put some of the most common myths about Botox to rest and help you make a more informed decision.
What is Botox?
First off, let’s define Botox. It is a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum that works to temporarily paralyze muscles via a series of small injections. This is predominately used to enhance a person’s appearance by reducing the uncontrollable signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful look.
Now that you know what the treatment is, let’s move on to 5 of the most common myths about Botox.
Myth 1: Botox is toxic
Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox, is a neurotoxin. However, it is one of the most widely studied and safest medical treatments available.
Furthermore, the UK government has taken progressive steps forward in safeguarding anyone under the age of 18 from the potential health risks of botulinum toxins and cosmetic fillers.
Myth 2: Botox can ‘freeze’ your face
I’m sure most of us have seen on TV or in films that Botox leaves a person’s facial expression and is almost ‘frozen’ in place. While this is done for comedic effect, it has given many viewers and first-time users the perception they won’t be able to move their face for a long time.
However, this is usually the result of an overdose by inexperienced practitioners and can be easily avoided when going to a medical professional who knows exactly the right amount of Botox units to achieve the natural, desired look.
Myth 3: Botox is only for wrinkles
Botox is highly advertised by celebrities as a ‘miracle jab’ for lifting eyebrows, sagging skin, and restoring volume to the face. But the treatment goes way beyond its cosmetic benefits.
In fact, botulinum toxin solutions have been used for more than 25 years to treat a variety of medical conditions such as excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis), chronic pain, muscle spasms, crossed eyes and migraines.
Myth 4: Botox is painful
One of the most common myths about Botox injections is that they are painful and result in severe bruising which is not the case. Patients describe the sensation as a small pinch at most and some barely even feel it.
Before the treatment, numbing cream is applied to make the process more comfortable, and then a cool compress is used afterwards to reduce any side effects like minor redness and swelling at the injection site.
Myth 5: Botox is expensive
Although Botox may seem expensive and only available for the rich and famous at first glance, it is one of the most cost-effective procedures available to the public. Doctors, Dentists, and other clinical physicians can be trained to offer Botox injections.
A single treatment typically lasts for 3 – 4 months, which means you only need to get treated a few times a year. This makes it a more affordable option than many other cosmetic treatments.
If you’re interested in learning more about Botox or are considering getting treated, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can answer any questions you have and help you decide if Botox is the right treatment for you.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article helped clear up some of the myths about Botox.
Poppy Watt