Botox is a very popular procedure that millions of men and women receive regularly. It was introduced into the market in 1989 by a company called Allergen. It wasn’t until Bravo’s hit TV show called Real Housewives aired that many folks began jumping on the trend. Botox is a quick and relatively pain-free procedure that minimizes the visible signs of aging. It is a perfect alternative for people who do not like the idea of going under for surgery to look a few years younger. Since 2006, millions of people have been using botox as a way to smooth out any wrinkles in their face. Although controversy surrounding the treatment is prevalent, it still hasn’t stopped millions of people, especially women, from receiving it.

What does Botox do?

A Botox injection blocks the nerve signals to the muscle, which means that it cannot contract. Contractions are responsible for highlighting and deepening existing wrinkles. Botox injections are intended to counter this by giving your face a smoother and younger appearance. While it can be used to lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles, Botox can also be used for other issues like overactive neck muscles, migraines, excessive sweating, twitching eyes, and jaw pain. Botox injections are also an option to help soften a square jawline, smoothen a dimpled chin, and correct a gummy smile.

Are There Side Effects?

Botox injections are typically safe. There is, however, potential for side effects that can occur. Side effects can include: pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, headache, fever, chills. Price shouldn’t be your number one concern while looking for Botox treatment. Finding a credible practitioner to perform the operation is more important. That’s because there are complications that can arise from Botox if it’s not injected correctly. Headaches and swelling in certain areas are considered normal, but there are side effects that have a lasting impact. For example, Botox can unintentionally spread to muscles in your face and cause sagging or drooping in your eyelid if it is injected incorrectly.
Knowledge about side effects for any product can instill a sense of fear in people that are unfamiliar with it. Rumors about products can spread from that fear, so we’re going to debunk some myths about botox and what it does to your body.

Myth 1: Botox ingredients are toxic

Botox is an injectable drug that is made from botulinum toxin type A produced by the bacterium, Clostridium Botulinum. Although this type of toxin can be life threatening if a large quantity has entered the bloodstream, botox itself is not harmful because the quantity is very small. Only 36 cases of adverse effects have been reported to the FDA since 1989 and 2003.

Myth 2: People often look “frozen”

A frozen appearance only occurs when a person is injected with more botox than needed. That is why it is important to see an experienced injector because they will be able to predict what the appropriate amount is, to make you look natural.

Myth 3: The results are permanent

Botox treatment only lasts 3-4 months. They are not permanent and will need to be re-injected to maintain the look.

Myth 4: Botox is only used to treat wrinkles

Botox can actually be used to treat different types of issues like migraines, TMJ, and muscle spasms. Not everyone who uses botox does so for cosmetic purposes. Sometimes, it is more effective to inject botox every couple of months for a migraine than it is to constantly take pills.

Myth 5: If you stop using Botox, your wrinkles will get worse

Should you decide to stop using Botox, your wrinkles will gradually return. Botox won’t do anything to worsen them.

Botox vs Fillers

Filler can be used to contour and add volume to your face and lips. Fillers are injected under the skin’s surface to fill in the lines and wrinkles. The end result revitalizes your skin. Filler is often used in combination with Botox injections because it covers areas that Botox doesn’t. There are many types of fillers that you can get. All of them can make your Botox look even better. Filler lasts between 6 and 18 months so you get much a longer lifespan than you would with Botox.

Getting Botox with a Thread Lift

Just like with fillers, thread lifts can also be combined with Botox to achieve great looking results. Thread lifts are known as non-surgical facelifts because they do not require any incisions. The threads are injected beneath the skin to give a lifting effect. This minimally invasive procedure works in tandem with Botox to smooth wrinkles, lift sagging skin and tighten your browline.
Whether you decide to get a botox procedure done is up to you. Just know that there are many options for you out there to consider. While you’re doing that, you can also consider any myths you’ve heard about botox officially debunked.

Sources:

7 Common BOTOX Myths Debunked

https://www.healthline.com/health/botox-poison#safety
https://www.drfloralevin.com/blog/10-common-myths-about-botox-r/
https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/article/47177/1/brief-history-botox-injection-cosmetic-surgery-simon-cowell