Everything You Need to Know about Botox
Sydney Botulinum injections (BoTox for short) is rapidly becoming established in Sydney society and these days it has become an essential part of grooming for many in the city. But I never cease to be surprised when I hear the various half truths which have been heard around this procedure.
Below are some of the more common stories that I encounter frequently in Star Cosmetic Medicine, where I am employed as a doctor.
Delusion Number 1: I could lose the ability to express emotion!
Research has discovered there are about sixty muscles in the human face. Their continued use may cause fine lines or wrinkles. The overuse of Botulinum Toxin may result in the muscles of the face becoming too relaxed. The dose injected by most doctors are designed to make you look well rested, yet you will of course maintain your facial expression.
Therefore a carefully measured dosage of BoTox in the proper place means one should accomplish a reduction in any lines without any reduction in facial expression.
Delusion Number 2: BoTox is poisonous!
This to a small extent is right. Its medical term is Botulinum Toxin Type A. Too great a dose can result in loss of muscle tone or may even cause sickness.
But to help us understand the reality of the situation – an ancient chemist’s expression states that ‘everything is a poison – it all depends on the dose’. A large quantity of any medicinal drug can result in illness. If you drink too great a quantity of water you will die.
Delusion Number 3: BoTox hurts!
Your hair is thicker than the needles we have at Star Cosmetic Medicine. Some individuals liken the injections to a bug bite. It is certainly less traumatic than something like a blood test.
Delusion Number 4: BoTox will deaden my face!
Not true. BoTox works principally on the junction between the nerve and the facial muscle, not the nerves of sensation. BoTox only impacts on the ability to relax muscular tissues.
Delusion Number 5. You have to keep getting BoTox otherwise you will get even worse wrinkles than ever!
This is also untrue.
One treatment is effective for around three months. Any further treatments after the initial visit should be effective for a little longer. The lines will gradually return as the muscle recovers its normal function. But they will certainly not be any deeper than previously.
Even if you do not have BoTox treatments again – any wrinkles will most likely be a little less severe than if you had never been treated. Due to the fact that your facial muscles and skin have had a ‘wrinkle holiday’ for a few months.
