Botox® Myths Debunked - NJ Plastic Surgeon

Botox is a wrinkle treatment used to help reduce the signs of aging. With age, collagen production in your body decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity. Loss of collagen and elasticity are the reasons for fine lines and wrinkles and causes the skin to sag and become less firm. Repeated facial expressions such as smiling, frowning, and squinting and environmental factors such as excess sun exposure can all lead to facial wrinkles as well.

There are large amounts of information being spread and discussed regarding Botox ever since it saw a rise in popularity in the late 1990s. As it became popular, and still is today, so has the idea that there are many negative side effects, issues, and overall misconceptions about the treatment. Myths spread about Botox treatment can be misleading and misrepresent the various benefits that Botox injections offer.

At Asaadi Plastic Surgery, we have debunked some of the most common myths circulating about Botox. This alllows our patients to feel reassured that they are making the right decisions based on facts, not fiction.

#1 Botox is toxic

• Botox has been FDA approved since 2002 and has been approved for a variety of different medical and cosmetic reasons over the span of 20 years. It has an established safety history and is extremely regulated and controlled. This myth stems from the knowledge that Botox is derived from botulinum toxin, which is extracted from the bacteria that causes botulism. Botox is not the same as botulism, and you cannot contract the illness from the use of Botox.

#2 Botox will give me a “frozen” or expressionless look

• The “frozen” expression that is often described is typically due to an overdosage when being injected. When done properly, Botox only affects the muscles at the location of injection, and it is not capable of spreading to other parts of the body. It is important to only have Botox administered by someone qualified, and experienced to get the desired effect, with natural-looking results and display a full range of normal facial expressions and emotions.

#3 Botox injections are painful

• Most patients describe a very mild pain, similar to a slight pinch, when getting their Botox treatment. The needles used for the procedure are very fine, and topical anesthetic creams specifically designed for Botox can be applied.

#4 Wrinkles will worsen if you stop getting Botox

• The wrinkles targeted during the Botox procedure will not worsen if a patient does not continue to get treatment. Botox does not have permanent effects, and results typically only lasts between 6 months to a year. So, over time as facial expressions, emotions, and use of facial muscles continue, the wrinkles will slowly begin to appear again to their initial state, but not worsen.

#5 Botox is addictive

• There are no addictive properties found in Botox. This myth largely stems from the fact that once patients complete a treatment, they are happy with their results and since it is not a permanent fix, they choose to continue to get Botox injections to maintain their appearance.

#6 Botox results are immediate

• This procedure does not provide immediate results. Gradually and subtly the results will start to show within the first 3 to 5 days. Then, the final results will appear between 7 to 10 days following the procedure.

Dr. Asaadi and his staff are available to answer any questions regarding Botox. Contact our New Jersey office at 913.731.7000, our New York office at 212.938.0158, or you may request an appointment online! 

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