Myths are a fun way to pass down history and traditions from generation to generation. But unfortunately, while fun, in many cases they’re simply not true. Such is the case for these tall tales that you may have heard about Botox. If you’ve been considering trying this dynamic injectable treatment but have held off due to misinformation, here are the facts behind these five falsehoods!
Myth #1: My Wrinkles Will Get Worse if I Stop Using BOTOX
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles it is injected into, smoothing out the wrinkle for approximately three to six months. During this time, your fine lines will not get worse, however if you stop using Botox, they will eventually return. When they do, in many cases they may actually have improved, or at very least their progression will have slowed.
Myth #2: BOTOX Can Remove All Wrinkles
There are two types of facial wrinkles: static and dynamic. Dynamic wrinkles appear when you move your face, and static are there when it is at rest. Although Botox can help with both types, it is recommended that you also use fillers or laser treatment to address static wrinkles.
Myth #3: BOTOX Will Freeze My Face
While it’s true that Botox does temporarily paralyze the facial muscles, this is only a temporary effect and should wear off in about three to six months. Furthermore, it should only affect the areas that receive treatment, so your face should be able to move freely in areas that are unaffected. Finally, to avoid that frozen look that many people associated with Botox in its early days, be sure to visit a well-trained, experienced injector who is familiar with the musculature of the face. That way, you can rest assured that they know exactly how much Botox to use to prevent you from looking frozen or overdone.
Myth #4: BOTOX is Toxic
Botox is a neurotoxin that is derived from Clostridium botulinum, which is an organism found in nature. Although it can be toxic in other forms, it is not toxic in Botox injections, which have been safely used to treat wrinkles and other medical conditions since the 1980s.
Myth #5: BOTOX is Permanent
The good news and the bad news about Botox are that it’s not permanent. While it would be nice to enjoy the amazing effects of a good injection for a lifetime, the truth is that your treatment should only last about three to six months. After that time, you can always do it again, but you are also free to wait longer or decline retreatment if you decide to do so, and you won’t suffer any negative side effects if you choose to stop. As mentioned before, your wrinkles will return once the injection wears off, but they will be no worse than before you were treated.
Remember, while it can be fun to tell ridiculous and silly stories for entertainment purposes, when it comes to Botox, knowing the facts can make all the difference. Don’t let these five falsehoods prevent you from looking and feeling your best. To learn more about Botox and see if it’s right for you, contact your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Milton Hill Dental, we want to make you smile! Whether we’re helping you prevent cavities at your regular preventive exam and cleaning, restoring your smile with dental implants, or giving you a younger, fresher looking appearance with Botox, we’ve got the solutions to keep your gorgeous grin going. To learn more about Botox and see if you’re a good candidate, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling 617-696-4800.
