Poor Botox! Seriously, is there any cosmetic treatment (aside from lip fillers, maybe) that takes more of a beating in popular culture? Despite the fact that Botox has been the #1 nonsurgical procedure since 2002, with an estimated 7.4 million people in the United States receiving it each year, there are still a host of misconceptions and myths surrounding it.
Luckily, we’re here to set you straight regarding some of the most popular (and preposterous) Botox myths. Read on as we debunk a few misunderstandings about one of our favorite wrinkle-busting treatments.
Myth #1: Botox is Super Painful
Let’s be real: Any procedure involving a needle is going to cause a little pain, so some discomfort is to be expected. However, it’s quite minimal and only lasts for a few seconds. (In fact, most patients describe the sensation as being similar to a small pinch.)
After all, Botox needles are super thin (think 0.31 mm). because they’re only meant to inject tiny amounts of liquid. When in doubt, you can always reach for a stress ball to squeeze it out…but most don’t even need it. Topical numbing creams, ice, and vibration tools can also be used to minimize discomfort.
Myth #2: Botox Will “Freeze” Your Face
Thanks to years of online jokes, most people assume that Botox will make your face appear expressionless or paralyzed. But that’s only true if your Botox is NOT done by an experienced, licensed injector. (You know that “frozen” look you sometimes see? That’s the result of excessive dosing.)
At AESTHETICS 360°, our highly trained specialists know how to strategically target muscle groups in a way that properly relaxes the muscles and leaves our patients looking subtly refreshed, not frozen. We’ll take the time to assess your facial anatomy, existing expression lines, and goals to come up with a customized treatment plan that emphasizes natural-looking results.
Myth #3: Botox Isn’t Safe
It’s okay to be scared of things you don’t understand! That’s why we’re here to clear up any confusion. Let’s start by learning what Botox actually is: a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, which is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
It sounds like a ton of scientific jargon, but we promise, we’re getting there! Injected botulinum toxin type A blocks specific nerve signals that are responsible for “telling” our muscles to move. When injected with the proper dosing, we can quiet down the muscle movement (and thereby reduce or eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles).
The word “toxin” shouldn’t worry you; it’s completely safe, FDA-approved, and backed by more than 30 years of published studies. It’s the most widely researched treatment of its kind—plus, it’s approved for use in 95 countries!
Myth #4: Botox Is Only For “Mature” Women
The truth is that you don’t need to see an abundance of wrinkles to begin your Botox journey. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly common for people in their 20s to start getting Botox injections as a preventive treatment to suppress fine lines and wrinkles. (You know, instead of waiting for them to appear.)
Botox also isn’t just for women—men of all ages care about their appearance and restoring their confidence, too! (After all, men are one of the largest growing segments of the aesthetic market.) Outside of treating wrinkles, men commonly use Botox to help with excessive underarm sweating.
Myth #5: Some Lotions and Serums Work Like Botox
While it’s true that it’s good to have a consistent skincare routine that incorporates medical-grade products, there is unfortunately no topical product that can do the same thing as Botox. Although many lotions, creams, and serums advertise themselves as “Botox in a bottle”, it’s impossible for them to work the same way, and skincare companies are simply trying to market off the popularity of Botox.
Skincare products only treat the surface and immediate sub-layer of the skin, and are best suited for static wrinkles, which are fine lines when the face is at rest. Meanwhile, Botox treats static wrinkles and dynamic wrinkles (which are caused by facial movement). That’s because Botox is injected directly into the muscles, something that no “miracle” lotion or cream can do.
Myth #6: If I Stop Using Botox, My Wrinkles Will Get Worse
Your wrinkles won’t worsen overnight if you stop using Botox! When you stop using Botox, your wrinkles will eventually return, but this will happen slowly. They also won’t come back worse or deeper than they were before: they’ll simply return to their pre-treatment appearance. Remember, Botox doesn’t “stop the clock” on aging—think of it as gently slowing the hands of time!
Myth #7 Botox Only Smooths Forehead Wrinkles
Although one of the more popular places to inject Botox is between the brows, that’s not the only area of the face it’s used on. Botox can also treat crow’s feet, horizontal forehead lines, neck wrinkles, gummy smile, chin dimpling, downturned corners of the mouth, and more!* If you want to see some examples of different Botox treatments, then check out our patient before-and-after gallery for real-life Botox results.
*Please note that BOTOX Cosmetic is only FDA-approved to treat frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. All other areas are safely treated off-label by an experienced Aesthetic Nurse Specialist.
Begin Your Botox Journey at AESTHETICS 360°!
Now that you understand Botox better, are you ready to take the first step towards rejuvenating your appearance? If the answer is a resounding yes, then a wrinkle-free look is only a few clicks away! Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced aesthetic nurse specialists, or fill out our virtual assessment today. It’s time to experience the 360-degree difference!
