Botulinum therapy (shortened to Botox) is swiftly becoming the latest thing in Sydney society and now it has become an integral part of a beauty routine for many in the Harbour City.
Nonetheless I am often dumbfounded by the various half-truths which surround this procedure. I have listed below some of the more misunderstandings that we encounter everyday at Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I practise as a physician.
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Misunderstanding Number 1: I might not be able to use my facial muscles normally!
Under the skin of the face are around sixty muscles. Their persistent use over time may result in the formation of wrinkles. If excessive Botox is used the muscles that are responsible for expression can become slightly less taut. The dosage injected by almost all doctors will result in you looking refreshed, nevertheless you will continue to be every bit as expressive.
Thus by using the right quantity of the preparation in just the right muscles you should accomplish a smoothing of any fine lines and wrinkles without any compromise in facial expression.
Misunderstanding Number 2: Botox is a toxin!
This to a small extent is correct. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the proper medical terminology. In large quantities it may relax facial muscles that you do not want loosened and can even make one really ill.
However to put everything into perspective - a well known pharmacy expression is that ‘everything is a poison - it all depends on the dose’. A large quantity of any drug will bring on sickness. Water can be fatal if you take enough.
Misunderstanding Number 3: Botox is painful!
The hypodermic needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine have a diameter less than a human hair. Quite a few patients have said that the treatments aren’t worse than getting bitten by bugs. It for certain is less painful than a procedure like a vaccination.
Misunderstanding Number 4: I will lose sensation in my face!
This is totally wrong. Botox works primarily on the neuromuscular junction, and not on sensate nerve fibers. Just the ability to relax muscles is impacted by Botox injections.
Misunderstanding Number 5. Once you start Botox you must keep going otherwise you might age faster than ever!
This is also wrong.
You can expect the first treatment to last for in the region of 3 months. Further injections tend to last a few weeks more. The lines will slowly re-emerge as the muscle returns to normal. Even So your lines will not be more pronounced than when you started your Botox therapy.
Even should you do not have Botox treatments again - any wrinkles should be better than if you hadn’t undergone the treatment. This is generally so because your skin has had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ during the treatment.