When it comes to reversing the hands of time, one treatment that has undoubtedly
revolutionized beauty standards over the last few decades, and re-defined the way we approach aging, is Botox.
First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1989 for the treatment of blepharospasm and other eye muscle problems, Botox has since gained considerable traction, becoming the number one non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the U.S. and for many other people around the world.
While its popularity shows no signs of diminishing, many people may still question its safety, reliability or effectiveness as a cosmetic beauty treatment. This is often due to the many myths surrounding the topic of Botox. In this article, we seek to dispel many of these common misconceptions, helping you make an informed decision regarding your beauty regime.
- Botox freezes your face: This myth has been widely popularized in the media, often with much comic effect. Fortunately, it is a misconception and when administered correctly and in the right amount, Botox will act to temporarily relax specific muscles while still allowing for natural-looking facial expressions and movement.
- Botox is addictive: There is a common misconception that once a person begins Botox treatments, they will become dependent on them to maintain their appearance. While it may also appear that some people in the public eye rely heavily on Botox treatments, this overuse does not mean it is an addictive substance.
Unlike substances that create a physical dependence or addiction, Botox does not act on the brain in a similar way. Addictions typically form when a substance produces changes in a person’s brain chemistry, impacting the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine , serotonin and endorphins which are responsible for regulating pleasure, mood and pain in their body.
In addition, when its effects wear off, Botox does not create withdrawal symptoms within an individual, unlike addictive substances such as opioids or alcohol.
- Botox treatments are painful: While it is natural to assume a procedure that requires needles will be painful, most people who undergo Botox treatments find it to be virtually painless. People commonly describe Botox injections as a slight pinching or stinging sensation. However, many healthcare providers will apply an ice pack or numbing agent to their patient’s skin before administering injections to help reduce any discomfort they may feel during their treatment.
- Botox is toxic: Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. While this neurotoxin has been termed as both the “miracle poison,” and “one of the most poisonous biological substances known”, a purified form of botulinum toxin is used for application in cosmetic treatments. This has been approved by the FDA and meets medical safety standards.
Furthermore, the doses of botulinum toxin administered in cosmetic procedures are significantly smaller than the quantities required to cause botulism or other serious health issues in humans.
With many of the common myths surrounding Botox treatments dispelled, you can now better understand whether Botox treatments can offer a suitable option for your anti-aging or beauty regimen.
