7 Common Myths about BOTOX® Cosmetic

Even people who have never thought twice about getting a cosmetic procedure have probably heard of BOTOX. It’s the single most popular aesthetic treatment in the world, and it’s been a household name for more than a decade. It’s surprising, then, that so many myths persist about BOTOX. At my Fort Worth, TX, practice, some patients believe certain misconceptions about BOTOX.

So, I’ve decided to lay these myths to rest. Feel free to share this blog post with friends on your social media platforms. Before we address the myths, it’s probably best to explain what BOTOX is and how it reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

BOTOX was first developed in the 1970s as a way to treat a condition called strabismus (commonly known as “lazy eye.”) It belongs to a group of medications called neuromodulators which causes muscles to relax when injected. BOTOX® Cosmetic is approved by the FDA for multiple uses, including treating facial wrinkles and lines. That’s the one-paragraph overview.

Now for the myths:

1. BOTOX is dangerous: Actually, research shows that BOTOX is remarkably safe and effective. It is a harmless neuromodulator derived from Clostridium botulinum, an organism found in the natural environment, where it is largely inactive and non-toxic. There can be some temporary side effects from BOTOX injections, but it’s extremely rare for patients to suffer serious complications when treatment a highly trained and qualified provider performs the treatment.
2. I’ll look “frozen” after getting BOTOX: This myth may persist because people have unqualified injectors do their BOTOX treatments. When overdone or not performed with precision, BOTOX injections can limit your facial expressions in an unnatural way. But you can minimize wrinkles without looking frozen by choosing an experienced provider.
3. BOTOX eliminates all facial lines or wrinkles: BOTOX minimizes wrinkles and lines caused by repeated muscle contractions as you change facial expressions throughout your life. These are called dynamic wrinkles, and BOTOX works by temporarily limiting these muscle movements. Static wrinkles, caused by sun exposure and the natural aging process, are better treated with fillers or laser skin rejuvenation procedures.
4. BOTOX injections hurt: We use super-thin needles to inject BOTOX. These fine needles create mild or minor discomfort among our patients. Additionally, the treatments are quick (taking between 10 and 15 minutes in most cases.) The limited time needed for BOTOX treatments are why they’re referred to as “lunchtime procedures.”
5. You can get addicted to BOTOX: The fact is that BOTOX contains no addictive properties and there is zero chance of becoming physically addicted to the medication. What about being psychologically addicted to having smooth skin? I work closely with patients and help them maintain realistic expectations about what looks natural. I also counsel patients who want to come for BOTOX injections more frequently than every 3 or 4 months.
6. You’ll look older if you stop BOTOX treatments: The job of BOTOX is to soften and smooth dynamic wrinkles. Stopping the injections will lead to those wrinkles slowly developing again, but not make you appear older than you would have without ever using BOTOX. In fact, those wrinkles may be slightly less pronounced because of the previous BOTOX treatments.
7. BOTOX works immediately: Some patients may see the initial signs of improvement within 24 hours of the injections, but the most noticeable results appear gradually during the next 5 to 7 days. If you’re getting BOTOX with a specific event in mind, it’s best to schedule the appointment at least 2 weeks ahead of time. I’ll also schedule an appointment with BOTOX patients 10 to 14 days after the procedure to observe the results and determine if additional injections are needed to meet their aesthetic goals.

Do you want to see what BOTOX results look like? Check out our before-and-after photo gallery of actual patients and then you can contact us using the online form to schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and goals.