BOTOX® injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market, and it doesn’t look as if the momentum will stop anytime soon. It has a verifiable history of effectiveness in easing wrinkles, softening stubborn facial lines, and generally giving you a more youthful appearance.
Yet, for various reasons, misconceptions abound about what the injections do or don’t do and about the safety and efficacy of treatment. No doubt you’ve seen BOTOX before-and-after pictures of people who’ve had a mishap allegedly resulting from treatment.
The truth is that these injections have a history of transforming lives, and BOTOX is considered one of the greatest advancements in cosmetic dermatology of the last century. Yet, only you and a skin expert like dermatologist Dr. Melda Isaac of the Washington, DC, MI Skin Dermatology Center can determine if BOTOX injections are a good wrinkle treatment for you.
Five BOTOX Myths Debunked
Myth #1: BOTOX Is Botulinum
Although BOTOX Cosmetic is derived from botulinum toxin, it does not cause the botulism food poisoning that you hear horror stories about. While there is a substantial risk from the bacteria that causes botulism, this particular type is formulated differently, which provides you the cosmetic improvements that you’re anticipating.
This unique formula consists of an isolated protein, a purified portion of the bacteria onabotulinumtoxinA. It is this derivative that is used in manufacturing the cosmetic wrinkle treatment BOTOX.
Myth #2: Neuromodulators are Unsafe
BOTOX has a safe track record going back to 1989 when it was first approved by the FDA for specific medical purposes. And since 2002, when it was first approved for cosmetic purposes, the safe track record has been maintained. In fact, years of testing and commercial use have yielded such safe, outstanding results that, in some circles, it is referred to as the “aspirin of the 21st century.” It is such a popular treatment option that we now also have other neuromodulators in addition to BOTOX, including Dysport® and XEOMIN®. Today, we can also combine neuromodulators with dermal fillers for a liquid facelift. You can ready more about liquid facelifts in this related blog post.
However, there’s a caveat—for lip injections or other treatments to have their intended effect and for you to suffer no ill effects, they must be administered by a trained, experienced, board-certified doctor who can treat you with the correct doses and inject you in the proper places. In fact, it would take a dose 100 times stronger than the average BOTOX Cosmetic treatment dose for it to be fatal.
Myth #3: BOTOX Will Make My Face Look “Frozen”
Perhaps you’ve heard or read stories about the “frozen” look that you might suffer from a wrinkle treatment injection, but those stories are often sensationalized. The truth is that any such complications from BOTOX usually occur due to an unqualified practitioner, unapproved usage, or an improper combination treatment.
BOTOX affects only “dynamic” muscles, those that you use when making facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting. It does not affect other muscles. At the point of injection, those targeted facial muscles are relaxed, but the surrounding muscles are unaffected. So, if you have BOTOX injections for wrinkles, troublesome lines, crow’s feet, deep creases, or forehead furrows, other muscles will not be touched, and you’ll still be able to display your expressions. In fact, you might notice that your expressions are enhanced. Learn more about neuromodulator wrinkle treatments at WebMD.com.
Myth #4: BOTOX Is Only for Your Face
The original uses for BOTOX included treating neurological disorders and helping relieve strabismus (crossed eyes). While today the injections are known more for what they can do to improve your face, it is used to treat a multitude of medical conditions, as well. The injections are ideal for loosening muscle tension, reducing the strain on your nervous system, and blocking certain glands in your body. Accordingly, BOTOX medical treats migraines, cervical dystonia (uncontrollable neck spasms), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), upper limb spasticity (uncontrollable arm spasms), depression, writer’s cramps, and overactive bladder.
Myth #5: The Injections Hurt
BOTOX injections use ultrafine needles, and most patients report feeling only a slight pinch during the procedure. However, it must be noted that the number of BOTOX injections differs from person to person, so a number of injections could prove more uncomfortable than a mere one or two, even if the discomfort lasts for only a few seconds. Anesthetic is not normally used, but if you have a serious aversion to needles, talk to your doctor about it so she can make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Learn More about Neuromodulators at MI Skin Dermatology Center
BOTOX injections have spawned countless myths and misconceptions, but the reality is that they are neither mysterious nor dangerous. However, your practitioner must be qualified and experienced, and that’s why it’s best to trust a board-certified dermatologist in DC or wherever you live.
If you’re thinking about this treatment for cosmetic or medical reasons, rest assured that in my hands and the rest of my staff at MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington, DC, you’ll get a safe and effective BOTOX treatment. We’ll discuss the BOTOX price and other concerns that you might have, as well. Request a consultation online today for a consultation or call (202) 393-7546.
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