Debunking the Most Popular Botox Myths

There are a lot of misperceptions surrounding Botox and its use. It’s so popular that it’s constantly used as a punchline in TV shows and movies. While some are undeniably funny, these types of portrayals further cause more understanding of its purpose and what it can do to help you.
Primarily, Botox is a cosmetic treatment that helps erase fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Because of its effects, the skin looks plumper, and thus, youthful. This is what people know Botox to be. What it is, however, is something a bit more than that.

The Real Botox

Botox isn’t a filler; it is a muscle relaxer that helps improve the appearance of the skin on the surface. It is derived from botulinum, a bacterial toxin, and carries purified protein.
A little-known fact is that Botox was first used as a treatment for eye spasms and twitching. It just so happened that its application also addressed the fine lines around the eyes that the doctors realized its potential for cosmetic use.
Here are some of the more common myths about Botox that must be debunked:

Botox is a Toxic Chemical

While it’s true that the main component of Botox, Clostridium Botulinum, can cause botulism in large doses, small and controlled doses should not cause any problems. Used as injections on the skin, therefore, is safe.
It is so safe that it has earned the approval of the FDA since 2002. Over the years, its popularity has grown so much that it is now more readily available in dermatology clinics.
If there should be any concern about the use of Botox, it should be on the issue of who’s administering it. Make sure to get this treatment only from certified treatment centers and that a board-certified dermatologist would administer it.

Botox Treatment is Painful

This is not so much as a myth as an exaggeration of a truth. Getting Botox in your system is not painful, but having it delivered by injection could be. It’s a matter of tolerance at this point when it comes to needles.
If you fear needles, then getting a Botox treatment might cause some anxiety because there is no other way to administer the treatment. However, some people say that while there is possible pain, it is minimal because the needles are tiny anyway, so you don’t have to worry.

Botox Freezes Your Face

Yes, it does if too much has been administered. Keep in mind that it is a muscle relaxer. If you get too much of it, therefore, your facial muscles will be so relaxed that it will not be able to respond to any command of facial expression. It’s not that your face is “frozen” per se.
However, as long as the procedure is done correctly and with the proper dose, this should not be an issue, and you can still enjoy a wide range of facial expressions to convey your emotions. Frozen Botox Face is, therefore, the result of a mishandled Botox treatment and is not the standard.

Botox is Only for Cosmetic Use

As mentioned earlier, Botox was primarily used as a treatment for eye spasms. This important use has been generally clouded in public information by its popularity as a cosmetic treatment.
There remain, however, various other uses for Botox in the medical field. It can be used to help treat lazy eye, cervical dystonia, hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating, TMJ disorder, or even chronic migraine. It is also known to help with bladder dysfunction.
All of these, and more, can be addressed by Botox treatments. What’s most important is that you get it from someone genuinely knowledgeable about it, and has the skills to administer treatment the right way.