Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments used around the world today, and the results are truly amazing!
Indeed, Botox can restore patients with a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance—all without the need for more invasive treatment methods, like surgery. We have witnessed these awesome results first hand and can attest to how beneficial this treatment method can be.
Not to mention that Botox is safer than you might think, and the results are more natural than you might have ever expected!
But, despite all this, you may have heard some not-so-thrilling “facts” about Botox treatment from family, friends, and social media. Unfortunately, this household name treatment has a lot of misconceptions surrounding it.
But what if we told you that everything you thought you knew about Botox might be wrong?
With so many circulating opinions on Botox and its increasing exposure and popularity on reality shows and mainstream media, it’s important to be able to separate fact from fiction so that you can make the choices that are right for YOU!
But first …
What is Botox?
It was 37 years ago when Dr. Alan Scot introduced a medication made from a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, called botulinum toxin-A (Botox), as a solution to prevent eye spasms. This type of treatment proved to be extremely effective and was further utilized to correct all types of facial spasms – even those affecting the vocal cords.
Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium from which Botox is derived, is found in many natural settings, including soil, lakes, and forests. The bacterium can also be found in the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish and in the gills and organs of crabs and other shellfish.
When injected, these neurotoxins target the nervous system, disrupting the signaling processes that allow neurons to communicate effectively. This prevents the release of acetylcholine, keeping the targeted muscle cells from contracting—and thus lessening the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Today, Botox is one of the most common anti-aging procedures in the world. People from all walks of life have taken advantage of the amazing results this treatment can provide.
If you are interested in getting rid of your wrinkles (and who isn’t, really?), it may comfort you to dispel some of the most common myths about Botox:
Myth #1 – You should only start Botox once you begin to see wrinkles.
As it is true with most undesirable situations, prevention is key. In this case, waiting until lines are fully formed, visible and etched into your skin makes it more difficult to smooth their appearance again.
By starting Botox before you actually start seeing more noticeable wrinkles, you (and your muscles) will “learn” over time to avoid making certain faces and expressions that contribute to wrinkles and fine lines. This will translate into less wrinkle formation and reduced need for Botox in the future.
Myth #2 – Botox is really expensive and costly to maintain.
The truth is that Botox can actually save you money in the long run. In fact, most of us will easily spend more money on fancy Starbucks coffee in a year than it would cost for the 3-4 Botox treatment sessions usually needed to smooth out unwanted wrinkles and fine lines!
And aren’t you tired of throwing money away on skincare products and spa treatments that just don’t deliver the results you want? Well, Botox can deliver the results you’ve been looking for.
Though Botox isn’t inexpensive, per se, you should perceive it as an investment which produces reliable and visible results affordably.
Myth #3 – Botox will “freeze” your face.
Now, this can be true, though only if you don’t choose your cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist carefully.
When too much Botox is injected, or injected in the wrong place, facial expressiveness can be affected. However, a skilled practitioner will know to avoid doing this, and will only inject Botox in small amounts where wrinkles are present while leaving the muscles that allow you to make facial expressions unharmed.
Dr. Lisa Learn is fully trained to safely performed Botox injections and has done so countless times at her Fort Lauderdale office with great results!
Myth #4 – Botox only works for wrinkles.
Botox can now be used for much more than just wrinkles.
It can be used to lift eyebrows, treat dimpling of the chin, soften the jawline, and raise the corners of the mouth, which may begin to droop with age.
Further still, Botox is also used to treat migraines by reducing the muscle tension and decreasing the strain that is put on the nervous system, as well as treat excessive sweating by injecting the armpits and forehead.
Myth #5 – Botox is only for women.
This is actually one of the most common misconceptions about Botox (and most other cosmetic treatments, in fact). But the reality is that both men and women age and wish to regain the youthful appearance they once had.
But, thankfully, as our culture becomes more and more open minded, more men are comfortable with taking advantage of cosmetic enhancements, too. Many men are looking to soften their wrinkles to appear more approachable, as some believe their wrinkles not only make them appear older but also angrier.
Botox works great to address these flaws (and much more)!
Myth #6 – Undesirable side effects are common with Botox.
Though it “makes sense” for people to buy into this misconception (since Botox is derived from a substance that is toxic in its unaltered form), this couldn’t be further from the truth.
While negative side effects are possible when injecting (or ingesting) any substance that is foreign to the body, Botox seldom ever causes serious adverse reactions. In fact, you’re more likely to experience an allergic reaction to nuts or artificial food coloring than Botox.
What’s more, most adverse reactions to Botox will simply render the substance ineffective, producing a non-response to the active ingredient in Botox.
Myth #7 – Botox is dangerous.
This goes hand-in-hand with the previous myth we’ve just debunked. However, the truth is that Botox is extremely safe!
Aside from the fact that this procedure has become very common nowadays, Botox has been (and still is) rigorously tested and controlled by the FDA. So, even though, it is essentially a toxin, Botox is used in very small, diluted amounts and is handled only by professional, trained providers. In order to actually cause harm, a very large dosage would have to be injected.
Myth #8 – Botox produces immediate results.
That would be great, but it’s actually not the case.
Once injecting Botox, the effects will be gradual – results usually become apparent within the first 3-5 days, and full results are typically visible after 7-10 days.
This is because Botox works by helping to relax and inhibit the movement of muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. In some case, it may take one or two injections to see full results and complete relaxation.
The Truth About Botox
As you can see, Botox is backed up by proven results and safety, as well as a loyal customer following. From VIP celebrities to stay-at-home moms, Botox has helped restore youth and confidence to countless people around the world (women and men).
So, what are you waiting for?!
If you are looking to get rid of those wrinkles and expression lines, or if you have any questions about Botox and want to determine if this treatment is right for you, just give us a call to request a consultation with Dr. Learn – our number is (954) 380-8411. You can also connect with us online through our request form.
