MYTH #1 Botox will make you look like you’ve had work done
Fortunately, Botox doesn’t have to result in a paralyzed face stuck on one emotion like Batman’s nemesis, the Joker. It’s muscle relaxing abilities can result in subtle, smooth skin that can still express emotions. It’s especially great for targeting the moderate to severe lines around your eyes and between your brows. If you’re trusting your face to an experienced, knowledgeable Plastic Surgeon like myself or my Physician’s Assistant, then you don’t have to worry about looking “worked” on.
MYTH#2 Botox and Dermal Fillers do the same thing
While they both lessen the appearance of wrinkles and restore youthful appearance, Botox and Dermal Fillers don’t work the same way. Botox addresses the muscles that create wrinkles and relaxes them. Dermal Fillers restore a youthful, plump look by adding volume to facial tissue. They both have their unique areas of the face that they are meant to address. For example, Botox is not approved for use in lips, but the hyaluronic filler Juvederm is. Dermal Fillers aren’t the best at treating crow’s feet or forehead frown line, but Botox is.
MYTH #3 Botox is only for women
While men may enjoy the distinguished look of maturity that comes with aging, there are certain features that as they age, they give the face a tired or angry appearance. This doesn’t communicate well in a personal or professional setting. As a result, there is much more acceptance of cosmetic procedures for men, especially as part of a health regimen. The nickname “Brotox” was coined for a reason: current statistics on Botox customers show that 1 in 10 are men!
MYTH #4 Botox injections are toxic to the body
Botox is one of the most widely studied and researched medical aesthetic products available today. Botox is designed to have a very localized effect of about a centimeter diameter and doesn’t spread to other areas of the body. It is completely safe when used in correct doses and in the hands of a trained, experienced injector. It is made from compounds found in nature, and not a synthetic, dangerous material as some people think. In 2002, it was the first FDA approved product for frown lines and in 2013, it became the first and only FDA approved product for crow’s feet.
MYTH #5 Botox Injections are Painful
Botox is known as the “lunchtime injection” for a reason. Treatment takes about 10 minutes and it has very little to no downtime, which is great because it can work with busy schedules. There could be minor redness or swelling at the injection site, but that quickly subsides so that you can experience the youth restoring benefits within the time span of a lunch break.
So did any of these answers bust any Botox myths you previously believed? If you’re ready turn turn back time with Botox, you can schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com. Or if you’re interested in Botox, but have some more myths or questions you’d like answered, stay tuned for next week’s blog: Common Myths about Botox, part 2.
Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon
