WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox is a medication made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, called botulinum toxin-A (Botox), as a solution to prevent eye spasms. This type of treatment proved to be extremely effective and was further utilized to correct all types of facial spasms – even those affecting the vocal cords.

Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium from which Botox is derived, is found in many natural settings, including soil, lakes, and forests. The bacterium can also be found in the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish and in the gills and organs of crabs and other shellfish.

When injected, these neurotoxins target the nervous system, disrupting the signaling processes that allow neurons to communicate effectively. This prevents the release of acetylcholine, keeping the targeted muscle cells from contracting—and thus lessening the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Today, Botox is one of the most common anti-aging procedures in the world. People from all walks of life have taken advantage of the amazing results this treatment can provide.

Is Botox the Same as Dermal Fillers?

Botox and dermal fillers share a few similarities, including how both treatments are administered to patients (through injections) and the fact that they are minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. However, unlike Botox, which freezes muscles to help soften the appearance of wrinkles, dermal fillers help you add more volume to certain areas of your face, including your cheeks and lips.

These 10 Myths May Be Keeping You from Younger-Looking Skin

MYTH #1 – YOU SHOULD ONLY START BOTOX ONCE YOU BEGIN TO SEE WRINKLES.

As it is true with most undesirable situations, prevention is key. In this case, waiting until lines are fully formed, visible and etched into your skin makes it more difficult to smooth their appearance again.

By starting Botox before you start seeing more noticeable wrinkles, you (and your muscles) will “learn” over time to avoid making certain faces and expressions that contribute to wrinkles and fine lines. This will translate into less wrinkle formation and reduced need for Botox in the future.

MYTH #2 – BOTOX IS REALLY EXPENSIVE AND COSTLY TO MAINTAIN.

The truth is that Botox can save you money in the long run. In fact, most of us will easily spend more money on fancy coffee in a year than it would cost for the 3-4 Botox treatment sessions usually needed to smooth out unwanted wrinkles and fine lines!

And aren’t you tired of throwing money away on skincare products and spa treatments that just don’t deliver the results you want? Well, Botox can deliver the results you’ve been looking for.

Though Botox isn’t inexpensive, per se, you should perceive it as an investment which produces reliable and visible results affordably.

MYTH #3 – BOTOX WILL “FREEZE” YOUR FACE.

When too much Botox is injected, or injected in the wrong place, facial expressiveness can be affected. However, a skilled practitioner will know to avoid doing this, and will only inject Botox in small amounts where wrinkles are present while leaving the muscles that allow you to make facial expressions unharmed.

MYTH #4 – BOTOX ONLY WORKS FOR WRINKLES.

Botox can now be used for much more than just wrinkles.

It can be used to lift eyebrows, treat dimpling of the chin, soften the jawline, and raise the corners of the mouth, which may begin to droop with age.

MYTH #5 – BOTOX IS ONLY FOR WOMEN.

This is one of the most common misconceptions about Botox (and most other cosmetic treatments, in fact). But the reality is that both men and women age and wish to regain the youthful appearance they once had.

But, thankfully, as our culture becomes more and more open minded, more men are comfortable with taking advantage of cosmetic enhancements, too. Many men are looking to soften their wrinkles to appear more approachable, as some believe their wrinkles not only make them appear older but also angrier.

Botox works great to address these flaws (and much more)!

MYTH #6 – UNDESIRABLE SIDE EFFECTS ARE COMMON WITH BOTOX.

Though it “makes sense” for people to buy into this misconception (since Botox is derived from a substance that is toxic in its unaltered form), this couldn’t be further from the truth.

While negative side effects are possible when injecting (or ingesting) any substance that is foreign to the body, Botox seldom ever causes serious adverse reactions.

What’s more, most adverse reactions to Botox will simply render the substance ineffective, producing a non-response to the active ingredient in Botox.

MYTH #7 – BOTOX IS DANGEROUS.

This goes together with the previous myth we’ve just debunked. However, the truth is that Botox is extremely safe!

Aside from the fact that this procedure has become very common nowadays, Botox has been (and still is) rigorously tested and controlled by the FDA. So, even though, it is essentially a toxin, Botox is used in very small, diluted amounts and is handled only by professional, trained providers. In order to cause harm, a very large dosage would have to be injected.

MYTH #8 – BOTOX PRODUCES IMMEDIATE RESULTS.

That would be great, but it’s not the case.

Once injecting Botox, the effects will be gradual – results usually become apparent within the first 3-5 days, and full results are typically visible after 7-10 days.

This is because Botox works by helping to relax and inhibit the movement of muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In some case, it may take one or two injections to see full results and complete relaxation.

MYTH #9 – PATIENTS CAN GET ADDICTED TO BOTOX

When patients receive Botox injections, it’s normal for them to return every 4-6 weeks for another treatment. This doesn’t mean they’re addicted to Botox; it’s simply means they are following a cosmetic treatment plan designed to help them achieve their goals. Because this treatment is not a permanent solution to aging skin, results may wear off after 6 to 12 weeks. This means if you’re happy with the outcome, and you want to continue to receive the skin refining benefits of Botox, you need to return for new injections, as this helps improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

MYTH #10 – BOTOX IS PAINFUL

Who ever said “beauty is pain” wasn’t talking about Botox. Though you may experience some slight discomfort or “pinching” during the injection procedure, the feeling typically goes away after a few short seconds. The needles used during each procedure are very fine and the number of injections will depend on the area being treated.

The Truth About Botox

As you can see, Botox is backed up by proven results and safety, as well as a loyal customer following. From celebrities to stay-at-home moms, Botox has helped restore youth and confidence to countless people around the world (women and men). So, what are you waiting for?!