Botox is used to reduce or eliminate lines and wrinkles by blocking the nerve impulses to the muscles that are responsible for creating the lines and wrinkles. Although Botox is actually derived from the bacteria that causes botulism, it’s used today in a very controlled and careful manner that safeguards us from any negative effects.
A Short History of Botox
It’s exactly 200 years since botulism was first described in clinical literature, and 125 years since the botulinum toxin was identified and isolated. Modified forms of the botulinum toxin were first used for cosmetic purposes in 1989, and the FDA approved the use of Allergan’s botulinum-derived “Botox Cosmetic” product to reduce the appearance of forehead wrinkles back in 2002.
In the twenty or so years since then, Botox and similar products have steadily grown in popularity, and are now, by a considerable margin, the most widely performed non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Somewhere in the region of 7.5 million Botox treatments were performed last year in the US.
Over time the benefits of Botox have become widely known, but so has the perception that Botox has negative side-effects that mitigate some of its benefits. Our doctors would like to debunk several of the more widely-believed negative “facts” about Botox and reassure potential users who might be hesitating about moving ahead with Botox treatments.
Myth 1: Botox injections can be painful.
Botox needles are very fine and are used to inject extremely small amounts of liquid. As a result, most people experience only mild discomfort during treatment. Your practitioner can apply anesthetic cream or cold packs before performing the injections to minimize the discomfort.
Myth 2: Botox can be addictive.
None of the ingredients in Botox are addictive, so you do not run the risk of becoming physically dependent on it. That being said, it’s possible to become dependent on the cosmetic benefits of using Botox, along with any other cosmetic treatment that offers clear and visible benefits.
Myth 3: Botox can be used to remove all facial lines and wrinkles.
There are two types of lines and wrinkles – dynamic wrinkles are associated with particular muscle movements, while static lines are present even when no muscles are activated. Botox works by relaxing muscles, and hence can only help to reduce or eliminate the appearance of dynamic wrinkles.
Myth 4: Botox can freeze your facial muscles.
When properly applied, Botox only affects muscles at the precise location of each injection, leaving you still able to display the full range of normal facial expressions. As long as you ensure Botox is administered by someone properly qualified and experienced in its use, you do not run the risk of losing the ability to express emotions.
Myth 5: Wrinkles can get worse after stopping Botox.
Botox does not have any permanent effects. However, repeated applications at the same location can have the effect of lessening the need to re-apply Botox to relax the muscle. As a result, wrinkles cannot become worse after stopping Botox, but may, in fact, remain better than their initial state.
Myth 6: Botox is toxic to the body.
While Botox is derived from botulinum toxin, which is itself extracted from the bacteria that causes botulism, Botox is not the same as botulism, and you cannot contract botulism from Botox. The use of Botox is extremely carefully regulated and controlled.
Its use was approved by the FDA only after extensive safety testing, and it now has a 20-year record with many millions of injections administered. Its use is considered very safe when administered by qualified medical personnel.
Myth 7: Botox builds up in the body over time.
Botox does not in fact accumulate in the body, and its effects on muscles are only temporary. Typically nerves recover their function three to four months after treatment, and their related muscles will regain their normal ability to move if Botox is not subsequently re-applied.
Get Botox in Los Angeles from Our Reputable Clinic
Your Laser Skin Care can answer any questions you have on how best to use Botox for your specific needs. We are very experienced in administering Botox, as well as several other complementary cosmetic techniques.
Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or follow us on social media for regular updates! Learn why we consistently receive 5-star reviews.
