BOTOX® Cosmetic is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. FDA-approved for use in more than 96 countries, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are performed on more than 1.5 million people annually. Despite its popularity, or perhaps because of it, there are many myths surrounding its use. At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, many of our clients have seen successful results with BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, which is why we’d like to help dispel these misconceptions so you can better determine if BOTOX® Cosmetic is right for you.
Myth: BOTOX® Cosmetic Is for Middle-Aged Adults
BOTOX® Cosmetic is most commonly used to treat signs of aging caused by repetitive facial movements, such as squinting, frowning and smiling. Since most people associate aging with being middle-aged, you may think that BOTOX® Cosmetic would only be suitable for middle-aged adults. But it’s not your age that matters; it’s how deep-set your wrinkles and fine lines are.
Wrinkles from repetitive facial movements can appear as early as your 20s, and the rate at which they appear is based on a number of factors, including:
- Genetics
- Sun damage
- Smoking and other environmental pollutants
This means that everyone’s wrinkles and facial lines form differently, which is why people of all ages seek BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments. Some data show that more than one hundred thousand people in their 20s received BOTOX® Cosmetic injections in 2017, and more than 1 million people in their 30s did as well.
Myth: BOTOX® Cosmetic Looks Unnatural
Movies like “Legally Blonde” and “Christmas with the Kranks” make fun of BOTOX® Cosmetic, and many people worry their results will be similar to the “frozen faces” they’ve seen on screen. Board-certified dermatologists know how to safely and effectively administer BOTOX® Cosmetic injections for a natural look. Beyond a provider’s credentials, looking at their patients’ before-and-after photos can be another way to determine if they can help you achieve the results you desire. Dr. Renuka Diwan, MD and the team at our Cleveland office will meet with you before treatment to ensure they understand your goals and desired outcomes, and they will do their best to help you achieve them.
Myth: BOTOX® Cosmetic Contains Harmful Toxins
BOTOX® Cosmetic is made from a purified botulinum toxin that reduces movement in your underlying facial muscles to prevent additional wrinkles and lines from forming. When most people hear that BOTOX® Cosmetic is made from a toxin, they get scared. However, BOTOX® Cosmetic is FDA-approved and backed by more than 25 years of clinical studies. It’s also carefully manufactured to ensure certain medical-grade standards are met. While BOTOX® Cosmetic is generally safe, your healthcare provider will ensure you meet the criteria for BOTOX® Cosmetic injections prior to treatment, and will work to ensure you know about any potential side effects.
Myth: BOTOX® Cosmetic Only Treats the Signs of Aging
BOTOX® Cosmetic has also undergone clinical studies to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Muscle spasms
- Excessive sweating
- Chronic migraines
- Overactive bladder
If you suffer from one of these conditions, or another condition caused by chronic pain or a lack of muscular control, don’t be alarmed if your healthcare provider suggests BOTOX® Cosmetic as a possible treatment. You may consider BOTOX® Cosmetic to be a treatment for aging, but it’s effective for other ailments, too.
Myth: You Can’t Stop BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatments
The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic are apparent in just a few days, but results do wear off after an average of about four to six months. Regardless of where they use BOTOX® Cosmetic, many patients fear negative side effects or a worsening of their condition if they discontinue use.
In reality, BOTOX® Cosmetic is like many other treatments — if you don’t do it, it stops working. So while stopping treatments will not worsen your facial wrinkles, it will return them to their pre-treatment appearance. Treating your wrinkles with BOTOX® Cosmetic not only improves or eliminates existing wrinkles, it prevents progression of wrinkles which would have occurred without the treatment.
Discontinuing BOTOX® Cosmetic will simply allow wrinkles (or excessive perspiration) to progress again as they would without it. In other words, your wrinkles and fine lines will be more noticeable again. It is important to know that BOTOX® Cosmetic is not a permanent solution.
Get BOTOX® Cosmetic in Cleveland
If you have questions about BOTOX® Cosmetic or would like to schedule a consultation at our Cleveland office, call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center at 440-871-9832.
