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Myths and Facts about BOTOX®
June 16, 2011
There are many ideas and thoughts circulating about the cosmetic use of BOTOX®. As we live in a time where BOTOX® useage is becoming increasingly popular amongst all age categories, it's important to be able to discern facts from myths.
Myth - BOTOX® is a new prescription drug
Fact - Botulinum toxin was conceived for therapeutic use in the late 19th century. It was identified specifically for its ability to block neuromuscular transmission. In 1989, BOTOX® was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration - FDA and in 1990 by Health Canada for medical purposes.
Myth - BOTOX® is dangerous
Fact - BOTOX® is actually a natural protein produced from bacterium often found in improperly handled meat products. Any medication or drug that is administered improperly can be potentially dangerous. When applied by a licensed professional, BOTOX® is extremely effective.
Myth - BOTOX® is used specifically in the cosmetic industry
Fact - In 1980, Dr. Alan Scott officially used Botox to treat crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking. The toxin has also been used to effectively treat asthma, muscle pain disorders, achalasia (the spasming of the lower sphincter muscle) and to inhibit sweating. Most recently, Botox has been used successfully for the treatment of migraine headaches, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and for scar improvement.
Myth - BOTOX® has only been used in the cosmetic industry for a few years
Fact - Twenty two years ago, in 1989, Dr. Richard Clark of Sacramento documented the use of BOTOX® for the treatment of wrinkles and frown lines. In 2001, Health Canada approved BOTOX® for cosmetic use.
Myth - BOTOX® will cause irreparable damage to my facial tissue and muscles
Fact - When BOTOX® is injected, it relaxes facial muscles by blocking nerve impulses. It effectively reduces muscle activity that causes lines and eventually wrinkles. BOTOX® limits muscle activity but does not cause damage or complete paralysis to the area injected. This is the reason for its widespread use.
Myth - I will not be able to make any facial expressions after BOTOX® injections
Fact - It is possible to receive BOTOX® treatment that looks natural and not overdone. Normal facial expressions can still be made because BOTOX® reduces muscle activity, but does not radically change them.
Myth - Cosmetic use of BOTOX® Cosmetic is only available for the wealthy
Fact - According to a study published in 2010 in the Journal of Physicians and Surgeons, an average of $400.00 was spent per visit when receiving BOTOX® injections. It is accessible to all, not just the rich and famous!
Myth - Once I start receiving BOTOX® injections, I can never stop
Fact - BOTOX® effectively improves your appearance for 3 – 6 months at a time. Muscles return to their normal function and lines gradually return if you choose not to use the product again. No permanent damage to muscles takes place.
Myth - There are too many side effects after receiving injections
Fact - The most common side effects occur are only minor and temporary. They could include tenderness, swelling, redness and bruising. The more serious side effects could include eyelid drooping and lip weakness. These are usually incurred when treatments are performed by inexperienced injectors. I encourage anyone who is considering injections to visit only a facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon or dermatologist for their treatments.
Myth - Surgery is a better option than BOTOX® injections
Fact - The reason BOTOX® has become wildly successful is because it is less intrusive than surgery, with little or no recovery time - it also produces noticeable results within days. BOTOX® injections are an excellent option during a person's younger years. It is my opinion that surgery should only be considered when lines and wrinkles have deepened to the point where a surgical procedure is needed to produce the necessary results.
Myth - Receiving BOTOX® injections is a lengthy procedure
Fact - Affected areas can usually be injected within a ten minute time period!
Myth - Anyone can receive BOTOX® injections
Fact - BOTOX® should only be injected in people over the age of 18. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers, anyone with a disease affecting the muscles (eg: Lou Gerig's disease) or anyone with a skin infection in the area needing injection. A list of ingredients used in manufacturing BOTOX® is readily available for anyone fearing an allergic reaction. Allergan is the largest BOTOX® manufacturing company and has been licensed since 1989.
I am fully confident in this product and offer it as an effective solution for the reduction of lines and wrinkles. Hundreds of men and women have been delighted with the results BOTOX® has produced for them. If you think you would be a good candidate and haven't yet experienced BOTOX® for yourself, now may be the time to try it and see the wonderful results for yourself!
