10 Myths About Botox
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People mostly misunderstand Botox, the hot topic of debate for everyone in today’s world. There are a lot of myths surrounding the subject. This article deals with some of the major myths that exist regarding Botox treatment and their true understanding. One must keep all these things in mind before going ahead with Botox to avoid any misunderstanding or future confusion. This article aims at clearing all these doubts and makes you more aware about this much talked about treatment.
When we think of the Hollywood stars like Vanessa Williams, Kim Cattrall, Kylie Minogue and even some big Bollywood stars, the one thing that comes out of the conversion as a common feature of all is Botox usage. However, only a few Bollywood stars will admit the same, but the truth is naked now. This word is avoided not only by the celebs but also by the normal people who use the technique because of certain unknown fears of the society and thus there is not much awareness on the subject, especially among the not so rich people. Botox, also known as the magic potion for the ones getting a complete new look and glow, is a mystery to many. This article will try to deal with and clear some of the most prevalent myths on the subject.
What exactly is Botox?
An injectable medicine or rather a purified protein that is majorly used to treat ageing conditions like frown lines, wrinkles or crossed eyes is known as Botox. Botox serves the purpose by decreasing the nerve signals that are sent to muscles. For decreasing the nerve signals, it paralyses or strongly weakens the facial muscles and smoothens or eliminates the wrinkles on the skin for some time. The time for which Botox effect will last is generally a few months. However, it also depends from the skin type and other medical conditions of a person. Botox is a toxin produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria and is available only if prescribed by a practicing doctor.
Top 10 Myths about Botox
As discussed above, the subject confuses the most and is a mystery. Let us discuss the top 10 myths on Botox usage one by one. We sincerely hope that this piece of writing would play a role in assisting you to take your decision on using Botox.
- Botox is painful: It is the most common myth about Botox treatment that it is very painful to undergo the procedure. A Botox treatment involves inserting a few small injections filled with the so-called magic potion into the affected part of the skin. It does not even require anesthesia. However, doctors apply the anesthetic cream or use an ice pack before they start with the treatment to make it as simple for you as possible. We advise you to consult a well-qualified doctor in the field so that this fear can be cleared.
- Botox results in an expressionless face: Our facial muscles have a defined balance that enables us to express through our facial expressions. Small doses of Botox applied on some specific muscles do not in any way affect your facial expressions. However, as said, excess of everything is bad. If large doses of Botox are injected regularly, your face can lose the action of muscles of expression and the fear can become a reality.
- Botox is child’s play: Although Botox does not result in any side effects if performed correctly, yet it should be done only by experienced aesthetic-specialized physicians, including plastic surgeons and dermatologists.
- Botox is poisonous: On an average, 20-70 units of Botox are injected per treatment. Our body naturally eliminates the injected Botox over a period of time. This is the reason its effect is timely. However, if it is administered in large doses and at regular intervals, it can surely be poisonous and results in various side effects.
- Botox can be harmful for cosmetic use: Botox is medically prescribed for cosmetic purposes. It has been used by millions of patients across the globe and is one of the most researched medicines. In addition, it is authorized to be used by only trained specialists.
- Not continuing Botox will make you look worse than before: The simple answer to this myth would be a complete no. Botox’s effects can remain for up to four months and the body naturally eliminates the drug after that. After this period, if one stops using Botox, the face returns to its pre-treatment looks.
- Men cannot opt for Botox: Currently Men constitute more than 10 per cent of all the Botox treatments happening and the number is increasing continuously with awareness.
- Botox has serious repercussions: If used for cosmetic purposes, Botox generally has either no or very mild side effects that can be easily cured. However, if you are using the substance for some other medical condition, consulting your doctor would be the best option to know about the exact repercussion involved. For example, Botox is strictly prohibited for pregnant or breast-feeding women.
- Botox treatment can be done only once: You can keep on taking Botox treatment as long as your muscles respond to it. Your doctor is the best judge and he may not repeat the treatment only if you suffer allergic reactions or other significant side effects during the first course.
- Botox is only meant for enhancing beauty: Botox is used in many medical conditions as well and is very effective there as well. The Food and Drug Administration [FDA], USA, has approved Botox to treat cervical dystonia [CD], blepharospasm or eyelid spasms, strabismus and even severe underarm sweating despite anti-perspirants.
After considering the above discussion, it can easily be conclude that Botox is not as bad as it is thought to be. However, if you are thinking of going for Botox treatment, consulting a trained physician is always recommended.
