Botox Cosmetic® is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 7.23 million people got Botox in 2017 alone. Yet, a shroud of mystery and myth still surround the use of this anti-aging injectable and have led some people to have reservations about pursuing its wrinkle reducing benefits. Let’s take a look at some common myths about Botox and why you may want to rethink them to achieve a smoother and more youthful looking appearance.
Myth #1 – Botox has barely been studied.
Botox is actually one of the most extensively studied injectable treatments. Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox, has sponsored countless clinical trials, and Botox use is documented in over 417 peer-reviewed articles in medical journals. It has been used for over 18 years and is approved for medical use in over 78 countries.
Myth #2 – I’m too young for Botox.
It is easier to prevent a wrinkle from forming than it is to treat one. The medical aesthetics industry has observed that the average Botox patient is getting younger because patients are beginning to understand the preventative benefits.
Myth #3 – Botox is a dangerous toxin that can kill me!
Botox is a refined, purified, single strand of the Clostridium bacteria encapsulated with a protein that your body recognizes as itself. Over the course of two weeks, your body breaks down and eliminates this protein along with any Botox left in the area.
Myth #4 – There are other Botox-like products.
Botox Cosmetic® is the first and only FDA-approved product of its kind to make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines temporarily look better. The FDA has stated Botox Cosmetic® is non-interchangeable. That means that no other product can claim to offer the same safety and effectiveness that Botox provides.
Myth #5 – Botox can only treat wrinkles on the upper face.
Botox is not just for lines on your forehead or the furrow between your brows. Its benefits extend far beyond these applications. It can be used to give your eyebrows a subtle lift, reduce the bunny lines around your nose, decrease a gummy smile, soften lines above your lips, smooth dimpling in your chin, create a more youthful mouth shape, and even smooth the bands on your neck.
Myth #6 – Botox is only for women.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states the number of men getting facial injections has increased over 337% since 2000. Many men believe they will have more of a competitive edge in the workplace if they project a more youthful appearance. Botox delivers results that look natural and maintain masculine features.
Myth #7 – You won’t look like you after your Botox injections.
Although reality TV would have you believe otherwise, the majority of professional Botox injection specialists have the goal of giving you natural results that keep you looking like you, only younger. Botox is meant to enhance your features, not alter them.
Myth #8 – Once Botox wears off, you’ll look worse than before.
The effects of Botox wears off in three to four months, but you do not look worse than when you started. A Botox treatment is like turning back and pausing time. When the effects wear off, your wrinkles will be slightly improved even if you never treat again.
Myth #9 – You have to be super wealthy to afford Botox.
If you have a daily Starbucks habit, you can afford Botox! With the average treatment around $350, it’s true that Botox is not inexpensive. If you’ve been throwing your money away at wrinkle reducing treatments that don’t work, it could actually save you money! Plus, you can save hundreds on Botox each year by joining Allergan’s Brilliant Distinctions Rewards Program and becoming a member of The Refinery’s Membership Program.
Myth #10 – Anyone can safely inject Botox; so I may as well go with the lowest price.
Regulations on who can inject Botox vary. In some states, only physicians can administer treatment. In others, any person who has coverage under a medical director can inject Botox. This inconsistency has created an unsafe landscape for the patient. You want to be certain your provider has a medical license and experience injecting.
At The Refinery Skin Clinic, all of our injection specialists are registered nurses with advanced training and certifications in the aesthetics field. Rebecca Suess is an Allergan Medical Institute faculty member who regularly instructs other providers on safe, proper facial injection techniques. Our specialists also practice under the medical directorship of a board-certified plastic surgeon.
You can trust that the injection specialists at The Refinery Skin Clinic not only have the skill and expertise to safely administer Botox injections but that they also care about you and are personally invested in your results!
Do you have questions about Botox? Are you ready to look and more refreshed and receive your first treatment? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Rebecca Suess, RN, BSN, CPSN, CANS to discuss your options!