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What Does Botox Do?
After more than a decade on the market, Botox remains one of the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments. Despite the injectable’s continued popularity, there are still a number of misconceptions about this treatment.
So what does botox do? Botox Cosmetic injections, or botulinum toxin, is a natural, purified protein approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Botox is injected into muscles that cause wrinkles in the face, temporarily relaxing them. The treatments leave the overlying skin smooth and unwrinkled, while untreated facial muscles are unaffected, allowing normal facial expressions.
Whether you’ve considered Botox or not, you have most likely heard some of the myths below. However, it’s important to know Botox facts and myths before you see a facial plastic surgeon or aesthetic nurse for your Botox treatments.
Myth: Botox Can Correct Any Wrinkle or Line
The truth is, Botox is meant to be used only on specific types of wrinkles and lines. Right now, it’s approved by the FDA for use on the glabellar (frown) lines – those two vertical lines that some people develop between their eyebrows – and on crow’s feet – the little crinkly lines some people develop at the corners of their eyes. It can also be used to help reduce the appearance of neck bands and creases across the forehead.
The lines and wrinkles Botox treats all share one feature in common: they develop due to repetitive muscle movements over time. Botox is injected into muscles that cause wrinkles in the face, temporarily relaxing them. Botox treatments leave the overlying skin smooth and unwrinkled, while untreated facial muscles are unaffected, allowing normal facial expressions.
Myth: Botox is Only for Cosmetic Purposes
It might surprise you to learn that Botox’s usefulness is much more than skin deep. In fact, initial research into Botox was exploring its use as a way to control muscle spasms in people with dystonia. Researchers have also looked into Botox as a way to control strabismus, also known as a lazy eye.
Beyond that, the FDA has approved many different uses of Botox. The injections can be helpful for people who suffer from a condition that causes them to sweat excessively, for example, It can also help those who suffer from migraines or people who have overactive bladders.
Myth: Botox Eliminates the Need for Surgery
The truth is that Botox isn’t necessarily a substitute or replacement for facial plastic surgery, nor does having a facelift or similar surgery mean that you’ll never be a candidate for Botox. Botox treats a very specific type of wrinkle. But facial surgery treats other very specific concerns, such as looser or sagging skin. You can have Botox starting from your early 30s and still be a candidate for a facelift in your 40s or 50s. Additionally, if you’ve already had a facelift or brow lift, having Botox injections performed regularly can help you maintain a more youthful look for longer.
Myth: Botox Hurts A Lot
The truth is, most patients say the injection feels “like a pinch” and don’t experience complications or pains that prevent them from completing a session or returning for ongoing treatments.
Fact: Only a Trained Provider Should Inject Botox
You want to always choose your Botox injector with care, for a number of reasons. The manufacturer of Botox will only sell its products to licensed medical professionals. That means if you see someone who’s not a medical provider, you are most likely not going to get the real deal. Counterfeit Botox can be particularly dangerous.
Even if you have the assurance that the person injecting you is using real Botox, make sure they know what they are doing. Have they received the right training? Do they perform the injections frequently?
At Quintessa, the answers to those questions are “Yes!” Quintessa only employs injectors that are Registered Nurses and Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. Also, one of the nation’s most recognized facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Andrew Campbell, trains the injectors.
Fact: Botox is Appropriate for a Wide Range of Ages
People occasionally wonder if they are too young or too old for Botox. The truth is, there’s no magic age for Botox injections. Instead, whether the treatment is right for you depends on your lines and wrinkles. Some people have Botox injections as a preventative anti-aging treatment. Some develop frown lines at an early age, by their late 20s or early 30s, for example, and might want Botox to feel more confident about their appearance. Others might not develop frown lines or crow’s feet until they are much older and won’t think about Botox until they are in their 50s or even older.
Fact: Botox Results Are Only Temporary
Perhaps one of the biggest downsides of Botox is the duration of its results. Typically, results last between three and six months. While you won’t achieve permanent results from the injections, the good news is that you can repeat them as needed to keep the wrinkles away.
