Amid all the buzz about Botox®, myths and misconceptions still cast a shadow of doubt on its safety and effectiveness as a wrinkle-relieving treatment. I’m sure you’ve heard some of them! Today, I’d like to shed light on Canada’s most-beloved procedure by separating fact from fiction.
But first, what is Botox?
Wrinkles are naturally caused by facial expressions—laughing, frowning, squinting, all those things we do on a daily basis. Botox is a neuromodulator that works by relaxing the muscles that are responsible for creating those wrinkles. Basically, Botox is a muscle relaxer.
Its active ingredient is Botulinum Toxin Type A, a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. That might sound scary but in fact, it was discovered in the 1820s and has been used in medical settings since the 1950s.
You might be interested to know that Vancouver ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers and her dermatologist husband, Alastair, pioneered the cosmetic use of Botox in 1983.
This 40-year treatment still suffers from many unfounded myths. Let’s look at a few of them and shed light on the truth, shall we?
Myth #1: Botox is dangerous.
One of the most common myths about Botox is that it’s dangerous. While it’s true that botulinum toxin can be deadly in high doses, the amount used in cosmetic treatments is very small and carefully regulated.
Nevertheless, it is critical that you choose a highly-trained and licensed practitioner—a medical doctor or nurse—to perform your Botox treatments. You can’t forget that aesthetic treatments are medical procedures that require extensive medical training and knowledge—as well as an aesthetic eye—to get the results you want.
Myth #2: Botox will make you look frozen.
Perhaps you’ve also heard about people becoming totally expressionless after their Botox treatment. You may have even seen those extreme cases where too much Botox was injected. The truth is, these cases are the exception and not the rule. The vast majority of people who get Botox end up with happy, natural results thanks to skilled medical aesthetic doctors who know how to find the sweet spot between softening the signs of aging and keeping a patient’s unique beauty intact. (Again, this underlines the importance of finding the right doctor for you!)
Myth #3: Botox is only for women
Botox knows no gender! Women aren’t the only ones who hope to maintain a fresh and youthful appearance. Men also deserve the confidence boost that comes with looking and feeling their best. At our clinic, we are seeing more men come through our doors to embrace the benefits of Botox. Whether they’re looking to soften their forehead furrows, erase their crow’s feet or smooth out frown lines, men are also pleased to find how Botox can help them feel more confident and relaxed.
Myth #4: Botox is painful
While there is some discomfort associated with Botox injections, it’s usually very mild and only lasts for a few seconds. At Be Beautiful Medical, we use the world’s smallest needle to minimize pain. We might also rely on a topical numbing cream and a vibrating device that distracts your nerves from feeling pain at the injection site.
I should mention that everyone’s pain threshold is different and can influence the experience. Anxiety and fear of needles could amplify the perception of pain but most of my patients report that the discomfort is manageable and short-lived. If you have concerns about pain, it’s always a good idea to discuss these with us prior to your procedure so we can comfort you, give you guidance, and address any specific needs.
Myth #5: Botox is permanent
Contrary to popular belief, Botox is not a permanent solution for wrinkle relief. In fact, it’s a temporary treatment that typically lasts for about three to four months (though individual experiences do vary). After this time, muscle activity gradually returns and wrinkles can start to reappear.
The temporary nature of Botox is actually an advantage though. It means that patients have the flexibility to evaluate and fine-tune their treatments and results over time.
Botox for the win.
I’ll be honest: As someone who prides themselves on safety and accuracy, it frustrates me when I hear people spreading misinformation about medical aesthetic treatments. That’s why I like to publish these myth-busting pieces on my blog and on social media. I know that real facts are the key to unlocking understanding and helping my patients make informed decisions, navigate complex situations, and engage in meaningful discussions.
Armed with this complete information about Botox, I hope you can step confidently in your journey with medical aesthetics!
Are you ready to open a discussion about Botox? Reach out to us to book your free consultation.