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Botulinum medicine (shortened to Botox) is now the latest thing amongst Sydney’s fashionable crowd in fact it is becoming an important part of grooming for those in the city.
Nevertheless I never fail to be astonished when I hear the various urban legends and half truths that have originated about this painless treatment. I have listed below a selection of the more falsehoods which we encounter frequently in Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I practise as a doctor.
Misconception Number 1: Botox may freeze the muscles in my face!
There are approximately 60 muscles in the human face. The facial muscles usually work harmoniously, but from excessive movement fine lines may start to form. Too great a dose of Botox have the effect of the muscles of the face becoming too relaxed. Generally physicians use relatively minute amounts to will result in you appearing ‘refreshed’, but still you will keep your facial expression.
Indeed the correct amount of Botox in the right place means one should get a softening of the wrinkles without reducing facial expression.
Misconception Number 2: Botulinum is a toxic substance!
This to a small extent is correct. Its pharmaceutical name is Botulinum Toxin Type A. In very large amounts it may end up in loss of muscle tone and can even cause sickness.
But to help you understand the reality of the situation: a well-known pharmacist’s saying is that ‘everything is a poison - it all depends on the dose’. All medicinal drugs can make an individual really sick in large enough doses. Even water can be a poison if too much is taken.
Misconception Number 3: Botox is painful!
Your hair is larger than the needles we use at Star Cosmetic Medicine. Some individuals liken the shots to a mosquito bite. Definitely not painful compared to getting a vaccination.
Misconception Number 4: Botox will numb my face!
Untrue. Botox works on the neuromuscular junction, and not on the nerves of sensation. Just the ability to relax muscles is affected by Botox.
Misconception Number 5. You cannot stop having Botox or else you will have even worse wrinkles than before!
Also incorrect.
One treatment will last around three months. Any further injections after the initial consultation should last a little longer. Gradually as muscle strength returns to normal the lines will eventually re-emerge. Nevertheless your lines will not be any more pronounced than when you started your treatment.
We do suggest you review this remarkable resource for Sydney Botulinum injections tips.
As A Matter Of Fact the lines should be be softer than if you hadn’t had Botox injections - even if you never persevere with the therapy. This, of course is generally the case because your skin has had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ whilst the treatment was effective.
