MYTH #6 Botox is Permanent
Some people actually wish Botox was permanent, but it isn’t. Your muscles, that have been relaxed by Botox, will eventually regain movement after about 3 months. Fortunately, the benefits of Botox can last for 6 to 12 while the muscle memory gradually returns.
MYTH #7 You are never too young or old for Botox
There’s not an age where Botox magically stops working, and not everyone’s skin ages the same, so there isn’t an exact age on when to start or stop Botox. As a matter of fact, some plastic surgeons report success with Botox patients more than 65 years old. Botox will always work to relax the muscles, but in older patients, it may not be enough or it may throw off facial harmony – if other treatments are not done in other areas of the face. On the other side of the timeline, I’d say there definitely is a lower limit on the age. I’d advise teenagers against it. There certainly is value to preventative Botox in the 20s, but until then, there really isn’t enough constant muscle movement to warrant this treatment for cosmetic reasons.
MYTH #8 The best time for Botox is when the lines appear
As stated in the previous question, there is surging interest in using Botox for wrinkle prevention starting in the 20s. Getting started early, rather than waiting until the wrinkles get deeper and more noticeable, can help you in the long run. Getting Botox early can also help make you conscious of the facial expressions that cause those wrinkles – and can raise your awareness to avoid or limit them. To not frequently furrow your brows or frown is a good habit anyway!
MYTH #9 You can become addicted to Botox
It’s true that you’ll probably love the results from Botox so much you will want to keep coming back. You’ll feel great about looking fabulous and won’t want to stop, but Botox has nothing in it that would make you physically addicted. There’s no “withdrawal” or negative side effects from stopping Botox. You’ll just return to your usual “wrinkling pattern” as before you started getting Botox treatments.
MYTH #10 If you stop getting Botox, your wrinkles will be worse
In contrast to how smooth your skin will be while getting Botox, it might seem like it’s gotten worse once you stop, but really, it’s just resumed the same muscle position as prior to receiving treatment. Once you start Botox, it will relax the muscles so the wrinkles seem to disappear. Even though they don’t actually disappear and normal development of wrinkles, with muscle movement will resume… they won’t be any worse.
I hope this has helped clear up any Botox “myths.” You can schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com if you’re ready to stop those wrinkles in their tracks and smooth out those lines with Botox. We can take care of you during a normal lunch break.
Steven Davison M.D.
Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon
