Debunking the Top 10 Myths About BOTOX

Those who have had BOTOX injections often view it as some form of magic that makes wrinkles disappear. It’s fast, it’s painfree, and it makes you look years younger for up to 9 months at a very affordable cost.

Those who have not had BOTOX often view it with some suspicion. It seems too good to be true so there must be a downside. Perhaps this is why a number of myths about BOTOX injections persistently circulate – through word of mouth and online.

Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons and experienced nurse injectors at NuBody Concepts in Nashville and Memphis, who administer BOTOX on a near-daily basis, would like to address and dispel each of these myths.

Here are the top 10 myths about BOTOX injections with an explanation of why they are untrue.

1. BOTOX is unsafe.

Critics will tell you that BOTOX is dangerous and risky. However, BOTOX has been an FDA-approved treatment for the temporary improvement of glabellar lines (aka the “frown lines” between your eyebrows) since 2002, and its benefits and risks have been studied extensively since then. Furthermore, the treatment has been successfully used for millions of patients since its approval, without any emergence of new side effects or risks.

2. BOTOX is an invasive surgery.

Though commonly administered by plastic surgeons, BOTOX is not actually plastic surgery. It is a simple, non-surgical injection that takes just a few minutes and requires no anesthesia, no stitches, and no recovery time.

3. BOTOX injections are painful.

BOTOX injections are not considered painful. They are administered using a very thin needle that delivers a tiny prick that is comparable to a small pinch of the skin that is hardly noticeable. Some patients experience slight discomfort when receiving the injection, but it is generally delivered in a speedy manner so as to be easily tolerated.

4. Everyone will be able to tell if you’ve had BOTOX.

While you may experience some temporary swelling or redness after the injection, BOTOX is intended to produce natural results. You should look like yourself, only with fewer wrinkles. It should be mentioned that the results do vary by surgeon and injector. It is therefore advisable to seek out an experience cosmetic surgeon. Placement and dosage do matter, and an inexperienced administrator may be tempted to overdo it.

5. BOTOX will prevent you from being able to show emotions.

One of the most common myths regarding BOTOX is that it will leave you with a stiff, “plastic” appearance. In TV shows and movies, you’ll see people apparently unable to smile or show any kind of expression on their faces. This is extremely exaggerated for entertainment value. After you have received BOTOX injections you’ll still be able to smile, show fear and excitement, and more.

6. BOTOX is unnatural and filled with chemicals.

Contrary to what you may have heard, BOTOX is actually a natural drug. It is made from highly purified botulinum toxin, a substance that is found in nature and that acts as a paralyzing agent. In small doses, it can be targeted directly to the tiny muscles that cause us to frown, thereby disabling them and creating a smoother skin. Botox is the only treatment for frown lines that has been approved in the United States for safe injections in adults.

7. BOTOX is just for women.

Women and men of all ages are great candidates for BOTOX procedures. You don’t have to be a woman to appreciate the self-confidence boost you’ll get from a younger, more rejuvenated face. Over recent years, men have increasingly sought out cosmetic surgery and skincare treatments to rejuvenate their appearance.

8. BOTOX will be able to get rid of all of your lines/wrinkles.

BOTOX is mainly used to treat the fine lines and wrinkles between your brows, on your forehead, and around the eyes. It does not work that well on the lower areas of the face. If you are concerned with wrinkles around your nose and mouth, ask your provider for a dermal filler that can easily be administered during the same session.

9. Once you start getting BOTOX, you’ll never be able to stop.

You may have heard that once you start receiving BOTOX injections, you’ll have to get them for the rest of your life. This is not true! You could safely stop getting injections at any point. Your wrinkles and fine lines will eventually reappear, but they won’t be made worse than they would have been had you never started BOTOX. In fact, after repeated BOTOX treatments, your frown lines may remain less severe because your muscles will be trained to relax.

10. BOTOX starts working immediately.

While BOTOX is administered quickly and requires no downtime afterward, it may take 3 to 5 days before you start seeing results. Results should last for approximately 4 to 6 months. After that, your wrinkles and lines will gradually start to reappear and another treatment may be in order.

Are you ready to make an appointment for affordable BOTOX injections by an experienced provider? Contact us today, or directly schedule an appointment on the calendar below.