Botox is a medication that temporarily suppresses certain muscle movements and is normally used for reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. While it works well for many people, Botox can have unintended consequences, such as dryness of the skin, drooping of the eyelids, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The causes of these side effects are so varied that it’s difficult to know how many individuals experience them. Some are severe enough to require hospitalization.
This product is the best in the state and has been around for decades, but medical myths and unfounded claims have consistently damaged its reputation. Here are some of the myths and facts about Botox.
Common Myths About Botox Nullified with Facts
There are several myths about Botox. The following are some of the common myths which are nullified by factual explanations.
Botox is Dangerous and Bad for Human Health
Botox is a safe and effective treatment for preventing and treating undesirable facial wrinkles. If a patient decides to get eyelid surgery, doctors may recommend other treatments in conjunction with Botox. These include injections for forehead frown lines and forehead lines above the eyebrows. These procedures are performed by the same highly trained surgeons who perform injectable fillers.
When Injected into the Dermis, Botulinum Toxin can Lead to Loss of the Chronaxie
Contrary to the myth, the chronaxie of a muscle can’t be lost with botulinum toxin injection into the dermis in the early stages of botulism. The loss of the chronaxie may be that the muscles contract very rapidly in response to stretching, causing an increase in muscle tone and stretch reflexes. When injected at sites other than the deltoid muscle or supraspinatus tendons, it is unlikely that any significant harm will occur, and the patient should not experience any harmful side effects.
Botox Causes Weak or Drooping Facial Muscles
This is false. When a muscle contracts, it produces a force called tension. The more the tension force, the greater the muscle power produced. However, if a muscle suddenly contracts too much, it will experience a stretch of stress and can tear. For people with weak or drooping facial muscles secondary to medical conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), injecting botulinum toxin into the muscles can prevent them from reaching their limit, allowing proper healing of the weakened areas. This drug can treat several conditions, including hypertonia (overactive muscle), Brodmann’s area 10 (brow area and eye area), feeding problems in infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and more.
It Takes Almost a Year to See Results from the Injections
The truth is that injections do not work overnight. However, it does not take too long to start seeing results. After one month, the acne should begin to clear up and improve. Each person’s symptoms vary, and some people may need to go through several treatments before they see results. Women with more severe cases of acne may require treatments at least once a month for several months before they see significant improvement in their skin.
Botox Will Increase Sun Damage and Cause Premature Skin Aging
Botox reduces wrinkles as it relaxes the muscle tissue, making the skin look more fluid. While there is a risk of bruising or swelling after injections, this is temporary and generally resolves in two to three weeks. On average, about two percent of people who receive Botox develop an adverse reaction known as an oculogyric crisis (OCD), which is typically experienced immediately after injection. In this case, the patient’s eyes reflexively blink excessively in response to light. This can be disruptive but usually resolves within 24 hours with proper treatment by a doctor.
Botox is Addictive
Botox is a once treatment that lasts between two to four years. Even after the initial injection, patients are advised to continue to receive injections every two months. The treatments do not cause addiction because they do not contain any harmful chemicals or heavy metals. There have been no reported adverse effects or allergic reactions associated with its use.
Most people would agree that Botox is cosmetic and helps create a youthful appearance. Several factors impact the outcome of injecting Botox, including the region being injected, the amount, and the type of medicine used. Despite these factors, Botox has been proven to reduce wrinkles. Botox can be used safely in various body areas but may cause a temporary allergic reaction in some cases. Individuals experiencing an allergic reaction should seek immediate medical treatment.
