Have you ever passed a mirror and stopped to look at your facial lines? Let’s face it, most of us have. All of a sudden Botox starts to look like a pretty good option. It begs the question, what do we know about Botox?
What is Botox?
Botox is a drug made from a neurotoxin produced by the clostridium botulinum bacterium. There are both medical and cosmetic uses to Botox. Cosmetically it can be used to help temporarily get rid of lines around the face. Although Botox is widely used, there are still many misconceptions about it. Here are the five most common myths about Botox:
1. It is the end all, be all for wrinkles.
Most assume that Botox injections are some sort of magic elixir you can use when you notice wrinkles on your face. But did you know that not all wrinkles are the same? Your face has both static and dynamic wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles are those that appear as a result of repetitive motion. Expressions like happiness and squinting are responsible for the formation of your dynamic wrinkles. Static wrinkles are actually the result of a loss of collagen and the forces of gravity. Botox injections can only work on dynamic wrinkles because the injections work by relaxing facial muscles. Not all lines on your face can be solved by a Botox injection.
2. Botox is only for wrinkles.
Although Botulinum toxin’s primary use is for the correction of dynamic wrinkles, it has been approved as treatment in other medical conditions that require paralysis of muscles. Among the conditions for which Botulinum toxin has been approved as treatment are:
- Chronic Migraines
- Overactive bladder
- Excessive sweating
- Neck and shoulder muscle spasms
- Crossed eyes
It can also be used to treat other conditions, albeit off-label for example:
- Cerebral palsy
- Hyper salivation
- Forceful jaw contraction
- Vocal cord contractions
- Depression
3. You can become addicted to Botox.
People who frequently use Botox injections cannot become addicted, as Botulinum toxin does not have addictive qualities. However, to maintain the best possible look, regular use is recommended. The addiction myth is touted alongside the myth that if you stop, you look worse. When Botox injections are stopped, patients return to how they looked originally, before commencement of injections. Patients can become addicted to what they see when they look in a mirror, not to Botox.
4. Age Limit
Botox has a reputation that it is only necessary for those who are older. The fact is age is not the only determining factor to the onset of wrinkles. As dynamic wrinkles are brought about by motion in the face area, activities that use your face muscles more make you more susceptible to getting wrinkles, not matter the age.
5. Blank face
The most popular misconception about Botox is that it leaves you expressionless and unable to express human emotions. This myth is a bit on the ironic side as the injections purpose is to relax the facial muscles. Botox does not restrict any facial movement. Emotions that require facial change can still be seen, only you will be looking great as you do it.
There are plenty more misconception and pre-conceived notions about Botox injections and the only way to get the right information is to visit a professional who is certified in the field. At Whitehall Health Centre and Laser Spa, we have the experience and knowledge to make you look and feel your best. Contact us for your free consultation today!
