Botox is one of the most common and safest treatments in the cosmetics industry, and it is used for many reasons. Most commonly, it is used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the underlying muscles.

Over the recent decade or so, the procedure has become a term that we hear all over the media, and amongst our friends and family. As it has become such a household name, it has also acquired an array of misconceptions surrounding it.

That’s why we’re here today to help debunk 5 of the most common myths about Botox.

Myth #1 – It’s is only for women

Although the treatments are presumed to be reserved for women (as entertained by the media and the general chatter surrounding the treatment), it is a common misconception that men cannot undergo this treatment, too. Wanting to look and feel younger doesn’t come attached to one gender. In fact, many men opt to get Botox for several reasons, and they can reap the benefits that the treatment offers, just like women. Often, men seek to undergo these treatments in a bid to soften their wrinkles, which can appear to make them look older and/or angrier. Many men also begin their Botox treatments in their 30s as a preventative measure.

Myth #2 – It freezes your face

Again, this is another myth that is endorsed mostly by the media. Botox – or rather, over-filled Botox – has become a joke commonly seen on TV as a plotline or an insult. However, this isn’t the case. Any qualified practitioner, after your consultation, will know the appropriate number of units to inject to achieve a natural result – so overfilling is not something that you should worry about.

Myth #3 – It’s unsafe

There is a common misconception that Botox is unsafe, as it is presumed to be derived from botulinum toxin, which is typically connected to food poisoning. Botox is derived from a protein in botulinum toxin, however, not to worry – the levels injected into the body are not high enough to be toxic. On top of this, Botox has been used since the 1980s, so there is a lot of information available regarding its safety.

Myth #4 –  It’s just for wrinkles

Yes, Botox injections are noted primarily for the ability to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles. However, they are also used to treat many conditions, such as neck spasms (cervical dystonia), excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), and eye disorders. Botox injections also offer further cosmetic benefits, such as lifting of the eyebrows, treating chin dimples, softening the jawline and raising corners of the mouth which have begun to droop.

Myth #5 – Botox shouldn’t be a preventative measure

While Botox can help to reduce the appearance of pre-existing wrinkles or fine lines, research shows that it can be beneficial to begin having Botox treatments as a prevention method. Indeed, if you wait long enough until your wrinkles and signs of ageing have begun, it may be more difficult to smooth out the skin again. Studies also show that preventative use of Botox can also help to train muscles to not make certain expressions, lessening the amount of fine lines and wrinkles that can appear due to these repetitive movements.

Got any further questions about Botox, or are you interested in the treatment? Contact us today!