Debunking 7 Common Botox Myths

Botox has become one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures available for treating lines, wrinkles, and other conditions. In 2017, over seven million Botox treatments were performed in the US alone. But, despite being a tried-and-tested solution for over two decades, people still hold onto a number of rumours and misconceptions about it.

Here, we dispel seven myths people have when it comes to Botox. Keep reading to learn more:

Myth #1: Botox Causes a Loss of Facial Expression

A concern many people have is that Botox injections will make their face look “frozen.”

When done properly, Botox is an incredibly precise treatment that can be used to target specific areas and muscles, such as lines and wrinkles on your forehead or around your eyes. This is why Botox should always be administered by a trained and experienced injection specialist to ensure it’s applied in the right locations and is not overdone.

Myth #2: Botox Will Add Volume

Although Botox and fillers can both be used to accomplish similar goals, there are important differences between them when it comes to how they work and what they treat.

Botox is a type of neuro-modulator, used to block chemical signals that force muscles to contract. It is ideally suited for addressing “lines of expression”, wrinkles that form in areas prone to movement like between your brows or around your eyes.

Fillers, by contrast, are substances formulated specifically to restore volume and fullness. Many are made with hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in your skin that gradually disappears as you age. Fillers can be used to plump up lips and fill in shallow areas, while also addressing “lines at rest,” those caused more by a loss of collagen and elastin and less through muscle movement.

Depending on the areas you would like to address, Botox and fillers may be combined as part of a single treatment. If you have questions and would like to discuss your needs in more detail, we encourage you to get in touch with us.

Myth #3: Botox Is Only Used to Relax Wrinkles

Another misconception is that Botox is used for purely cosmetic reasons. While correcting lines and wrinkles may be what Botox is most known for, the reality is that it can be used for a variety of other purposes including treating hyperhidrosis, migraines and improving your smile. Although we do not offer the migraine program here, we would refer to a neurologist or physician that specializes in treating migraines. Oftentimes, the regular cosmetic dose can help to relieve headaches

Treating Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating, sweating beyond what’s necessary to cool the body, is a medical condition that impacts nearly one million people across Canada. It can happen at any time, regardless of the temperature or what a person is wearing, making it both uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Botox is Health Canada approved to treat hyperhidrosis, blocking the signals between the nerves and the sweat glands to reduce sweating to a normal rate.

If you have a private health insurance plan, treatment for hyperhidrosis is covered through extended benefits.

Reducing Gummy Smiles

Botox can be used to treat ones smile that feels insecure about the amount of gum that shows when smiling. Injecting a small amount of botox in the upper lip region can relax the muscle that pulls up, which results in too much gum showing when smiling. A mini lip plump and flip is a combination lip enhancement treatment that uses a dermal filler like Juvederm or Teosyal to add volume to your lips and a neuro-modulator like Botox to relax muscles, letting your lip gently “flip” or roll out and giving you a full, rounded smile.

Myth #4: Botox Is Unsafe

Sometimes when people think about Botox, they get scared. It’s made from a toxin, the same one that causes botulism in food, so doesn’t that make it dangerous?

The short answer is no, and here’s why:

• Although it is derived from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, Botox is a purified protein. This means that there are no live bacteria in it and it cannot replicate.
• Botox is injected into your skin, not your bloodstream.
• Even if it somehow did enter your bloodstream, the concentration is far too low to have an actual effect, and it would quickly be metabolized away.

Clostridium botulinum bacteria occur naturally in many places including soil, lakes, and even mammals and fish. As spores they are harmless, but when they transform into live botulinum toxin, they become toxic. And yet, when formulated as a purified protein and injected by an experienced professional in extremely small concentrations, they have also proven to be incredibly effective at treating a variety of issues, most notably lines and wrinkles.

Myth #5: Botox Is Only for Older People

People view Botox as something used as a corrective measure to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles that have come with age. But today, people in their 20s are turning to Botox as a way to treat fine lines and prevent them from developing into more noticeable and long-lasting wrinkles.

Myth #6: Botox Causes Permanent Damage

Botox does not build up in your body over time and, as a result, does not cause lasting harm. If you discontinue use, the treated areas will over time simply return to where they started.

You can expect results after a treatment to last approximately four months. To maintain them over the long term you will need to schedule touch-up appointments three to four times per years, though injection specialist can work with you to set up a treatment plan customized to suit your needs.

Myth #7: Botox Can Be Injected by Anyone

Botox is becoming more accessible than ever with treatments available from major chains and an expanding number of clinics. Services like these may offer convenience and lower prices, but at what cost?

Remember—Botox is a prescription drug that should always be handled and injected with care and precision. Your injection specialist needs to have a deep understanding of facial anatomy including what muscles to target, what quantity to recommend and use, how to avoid nerves and blood vessels, and how to ultimately deliver the most optimal results for you.

At Brampton Cosmetic, we offer Botox and Dysport treatments that can help to relax and minimize facial lines and wrinkles and treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Contact us today to learn more!

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