Sydney Botulinum injections (BoTox for short) has become established amongst smart Sydney society and now it has become a grooming necessity for individuals in the city.
But I never fail to be astounded by the rumours in connection with the treatment.
Below are a selection of the more myths that we hear everyday at Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I practise as a doctor.
Misconception no. 1: I could lose my facial expressions!
Research has determined there are about sixty muscles in the human face. Their excessive use may result in the formation of fine lines. The overuse of BoTox can lead to the facial muscles looking less taut. The dosage used by nearly all doctors are calculated to make you appear well rested, nevertheless you will maintain your natural expression.
Therefore by injecting small quantities of the preparation in precisely the right muscles facial expression is saved whilst the fine lines and wrinkles are reduced.
Misconception no. 2: BoTox is toxic!
Actually there is a grain of truth in this argument. Botulinum Toxin Type A is the exact pharmaceutical nomenclature. An overdose may end up in loss of muscle tone or can even cause sickness.
However to put things into perspective: an ancient pharmacy expression is that ‘everything is a poison - it all depends on the dose’. All medicinal drugs in a big enough dosage may make you sick. In fact water can kill you if enough is taken.
Misconception no. 3: BoTox injections hurt!
Your hair is larger than the needles we have at Star Cosmetic Medicine. Some individuals liken the injections to mosquito bites. Definitely not as sore as getting a vaccination.
Misconception no. 4: BoTox will numb the feeling in my face!
This is completely incorrect. BoTox works on the junction between the nerve and the facial muscle, and not on sensate nerves. Just the ability to relax your muscles is affected by BoTox.
Misconception no. 5. You must keep getting BoTox or you will develop even worse wrinkles than before!
Also wrong.
BoTox is expected to last for upwards of three months. Any injections after the first one ordinarily last a little longer. The lines will slowly reform as the muscle returns to normal. Even So they won’t be any more pronounced than before the treatment.
Even if you never have BoTox treatments again - those lines will in all likelihood be a little better than if you hadn’t undergone the treatment. This is chiefly the case due to the fact your facial muscles and skin have had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ for a few months.