When it comes to injectables, BOTOX® Cosmetic is by far the most popular. Millions of people swear by it to improve the look of their fine lines and wrinkles. However, the treatment is surrounded by misconceptions.
Dr. Stan Castor is a board-certified plastic surgeon who believes if you have the information you need, you can better determine what cosmetic services are right for you. To that end, we are going to debunk five of the most common BOTOX® myths below.
Myth #1: BOTOX® Will Make You Look Frozen or Unnatural
Arguably, the most common myth tied to BOTOX® is that it will leave you looking stiff. The truth is that BOTOX® is a technique-sensitive treatment.
When someone ends up with a frozen or expressionless appearance, it’s usually because the injector was not properly trained. The injector’s inexperience could have resulted in a mistake, such as over-injecting the product. This outcome is uncommon, especially if you choose your provider carefully.
Dr. Castor is a qualified and skilled injector who can provide you with subtle results. Using his detailed knowledge of facial anatomy, he places moderate amounts of BOTOX® based on careful observation of your facial features. Afterward, you’ll look like yourself, but with fewer lines.
Myth #2: BOTOX® is Unsafe
BOTOX® is a form of Botulinum toxin A. It’s the word “toxin” that often leads people to question if it’s okay to inject. As the most thoroughly studied treatment of its kind, BOTOX® is known to be safe and effective.
The numbers speak for themselves: BOTOX® is vetted by over 16 years of published studies, approved for use in 98 countries, and discussed in over 528 peer-reviewed scientific and medical articles. The FDA approved BOTOX® to temporarily treat moderate to severe from lines back in 2002 and has since approved it for other uses.
It’s still worth being cautious over this treatment to minimize the risk of side effects. Only allow a well-qualified provider to perform your injections.
Myth #3: BOTOX® Only Treats Visible Wrinkles
BOTOX® is best known for smoothing stubborn frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and other visible signs of facial aging. However, there are also lesser-known applications for BOTOX®.
In terms of aesthetics, BOTOX® is sometimes used as a preventative treatment. Instead of waiting for wrinkles and lines to appear, patients are opting for injections in their 20’s to limit muscle activity proactively. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 109,385 Botulinum toxin type A injections were performed on patients age 20-29 in 2018.
BOTOX® is also used to treat:
- Excessive sweating
- Chronic migraines
- Neck spasms
- Certain eye conditions
Myth #4: BOTOX® is the Only Treatment of Its Kind
While BOTOX® is the most well-known wrinkle relaxer, it isn’t the only one. Other options include Dysport and Xeomin.
There are few differences between these injectable treatments. They work in the same way, by temporarily preventing the movement of targeted facial muscles to smooth overlying lines. Dr. Castor can help you decide which treatment is best for your specific goals.
Myth #5: Only Women Get BOTOX®
An increasing number of men are turning to BOTOX® to help them put their best face forward. They know that it is a quick, downtime-free way to look refreshed. Some even refer to BOTOX® for men as “BROTOX,” though it is the same product.
Today, guys face far less stigma surrounding cosmetic treatments than they did in the past. Since 2000, there has been a 381% increase in BOTOX® for men, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Now, hundreds of thousands of BOTOX® injections are performed on men each year in the United States alone.
Schedule Your Tampa Bay BOTOX® Treatment
If you’re ready to refresh your look with BOTOX®, call 813-971-2000 today to schedule a treatment or complimentary consultation. Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery and Laser Center serves the Tampa Bay, Florida area.
