Truth Behind Common Botox Myths

Botox cosmetic treatments are one of the most popular ways to reduce wrinkles and skin lines and prevent them from forming in the future. However, like with many other popular anti-aging procedures, the effects and results of Botox are often misunderstood.

Despite the overwhelming popularity of the procedure, many myths, rumors and horror stories have surfaced about cases of Botox "gone bad" or tales of women who have simply gone "too far" with their treatments. While many people are interested in trying out the procedure for themselves, there is still confusion surrounding what is fact and what is myth when it comes to Botox.

But now, once and for all, we will be debunking the common misconceptions and rumors surrounding this popular procedure:

MYTH: Botox Is Dangerous

FACT: Botox is one of the safest cosmetic procedures available to treat wrinkles and facial lines. With over 2.9 million procedures performed each year, no long-term side effects have been reported, even among patients who received 30 injection sessions over a nine-year period.

In fact, in addition to treating wrinkles and skin lines, Botox is also an effective treatment for other medical problems such as migraines, back pain, excessive underarm sweating, writer's cramp, etc.

MYTH: Botox Can Poison The Body

FACT: Botox is not made of dangerous synthetic materials. In fact, in its purified form, Botox is a chemical that is found naturally in nature and can often have therapeutic effects on the body.

The lethal dose of Botox is 2800 units―100 times the average dose that is given to patients for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles. A typical patient receives an average of 20-70 units of Botox per treatment. Therefore, when used in proper doses and administered correctly, it's effects are completely safe.

MYTH: Botox Injections Are Painful

FACT: On average, many Botox patients reported that their injections were practically pain free. However, because the injection is made with a tiny needle, some people may feel a slight sting similar to that of a mosquito bite when the injection is placed in the skin. At CosmeSurge we use the finest needle in the world (cut with a laser - made in Japan)

For patients who are concerned about any pain associated with Botox, many doctors will provide them with a topical anesthetic cream to make the procedure more comfortable.

MYTH: Botox Can Cause Droopy Eyelids

FACT: "Ptosis," or drooping eyelids that last for few days, is a rare side effect of Botox and can be avoided by receiving injections from an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist at CosmeSurge. When treatment is administered properly and in a safe environment, the risk of suffering from droopy eyelids is less than 2%. To minimize risks further, we do not push the limits but intend use a little bit less than the maximum dose and offer a free touch up in two weeks if needed.

MYTH: Creams Work Better Than Botox

FACT: There is no clinical evidence that supports the fact that topical creams and lotions treat wrinkles and skin lines better than Botox.

The overall complexity of aging skin makes it impossible for any type of cosmetic cream to completely eliminate wrinkles. The reason for this is that topical creams only work on the surface of the skin while Botox goes below the surface of the skin to relax muscles that cause wrinkles and facial lines.