Botox is undoubtedly one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dermatology, but it’s also one of the treatments I get the most questions about! I think it’s a very misunderstood treatment, so I’m going to bust some myths for you today!
MYTH #1 - If you start getting Botox you will be worse off than before you started.
TRUTH: Botox is a preventative treatment and you will have less wrinkles in the long run!
I hear a lot of people worry that wrinkles will settle in and get deeper later on in life if they start Botox when they’re young. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Botox is a preventative treatment, and it helps to stop wrinkles before they start. The more your muscles contract, the deeper your lines will become. So if you start early and prevent major muscle movement and creasing in the skin over time, you will have less wrinkles in the long run.
MYTH #2: It’s a dangerous toxin.
TRUTH: Botox is one of the most studied and safe pharmaceuticals out there!
People often hear the word neuromodulator and they get nervous, which I totally get! But I’m here to tell you that Botox is the most studied pharmaceutical, and it is completely safe! It’s not only used for cosmetic procedures but it’s also used medicinally for things like migraines, muscular dystrophy, spasmic bladders, etc. It’s even used in pediatrics for some things! However, as with everything in life, there are minor risks when it comes to Botox. About 2% or less of the patient population will experience flu-like symptoms or headaches after getting neuromodulators. These symptoms are temporary, and you can use a preservative free neuromodulator like Xeomin in place of Botox for this 2% of patients.
But rest assured, long term use of Botox has been well researched and studied with low side effect/complication profile!
MYTH #3: All injectors are created equal.
TRUTH: Not all injectors are experienced or reputable!
The danger with this is that watering down the product increases the risk for migration and undesirable effects. So make sure you go to someone who is not only experienced but very reputable and ethical in their practice!
MYTH #4: Forehead Botox will lift your brows.
TRUTH: Brow lifting comes from under the lateral eyebrow, not the frontalis muscle.
Botox will always drop the muscle it is injected into, never lifting it. However, there are ways that you can get certain lifting effects by strategically placing Botox into supporting muscles. It takes a skilled injector to know these patterns, so make sure you go to someone who is experienced in these techniques!
MYTH #5: You need a lot of Botox!
TRUTH: Placement is just as important as number of units!
Every patient is unique and needs a different amount of Botox strategically placed for their specific anatomy. You don’t necessarily need a lot of product if the product is placed well. The idea is to make you look refreshed, like you just took a nap, never frozen!
MYTH #6: It’s painful!
TRUTH: When done correctly it should be a very comfortable experience!
Experienced and skilled injectors will use a gentle hand, and delicate needle to inject your Botox in a very comfortable fashion. You really shouldn’t need any numbing for this treatment. In my office we use 33 gauge needles that are more expensive, but provide a much better experience for patients. The injector should always be light with their hands and use a high quality needle for maximum patient comfort.
MYTH #7: One Botox pattern fits every!
TRUTH: Everyone is unique!
Every patient will need a different pattern of Botox based on their anatomy and where they need it most. And this goes for every cosmetic procedure! There is no “one size fits all” treatment in cosmetic dermatology!
Are there any myths you want busted!? Leave a comment on my YouTube video below so I can answer, and maybe even make a video on! See you next time, my beauties!
