Common Misconceptions About Botox

Botox is one of the safest, easiest, and most popular cosmetic solutions on the market today, and can address a wide range of issues when a trained physician administers it. However, despite its revolutionary success, the many misconceptions persistently surrounding this treatment have tarnished its reputation. Today, we are putting on our myth-busting hats to debunk these common fallacies.

1. Botox will “freeze” your face and make you look like a mannequin.

It’s a common movie and TV trope for characters to become expressionless after too many Botox treatments. While it’s true that Botox causes temporary muscle paralysis, a skilled practitioner will know exactly the right dosage to administer and where to place it so fewer wrinkles form in your face – not to the point that you can’t make normal facial expressions. “Frozen face” is the result of inexperienced practitioners administering too many units of Botox, and you can easily avoid this issue if you seek a provider who has the proper expertise and training.

2. Botox is purely cosmetic.

The benefits of Botox are far-reaching, and it can address several unfortunate real-life medical complaints. In fact, the FDA originally approved Botox to treat eye twitches and muscle spasms, and it did not become an aesthetic treatment until several years later. Since then, it has seen a wide range of uses, and today’s doctors now prescribe Botox injections to patients who suffer from issues like migraine headaches, hyperhidrosis, and acne.

3. Botox is poisonous.

While it is true Botox is based on botulinum toxin, it gets purified under laboratory conditions to the point where it becomes largely nontoxic. In addition, because your physician will inject the protein directly into your muscles to help relax them, it won’t get absorbed into your bloodstream. The dosage for cosmetic treatments is so small that it would take hundreds of times the amount of the protein to be toxic.

4. You can become addicted to Botox.

There is nothing physically or chemically addictive about Botox, though most people who receive it as a cosmetic treatment are so pleased with their anti-aging results that they wish to maintain them by getting follow-up injections a few times per year.

5. It will be too obvious that you had Botox treatments.

You may have read or heard overly dramatic “horror stories” that make it seem as if Botox injections will result in a massive change in your facial appearance. In reality, it has very subtle effects and gradual results. Botox will help you look younger and more relaxed, but it will not create a drastic change in how you look.

6. Botox injections are painful.

Because Botox is an injectable product, many patients worry about discomfort, but a mild local anesthetic numbs the injection sites and minimizes pain. In addition, the needles are small enough that you will barely even notice the treatment taking place. You may experience mild tenderness or slight bruising in the injection areas for a short time, but generally, Botox injections are a fast, easy, and virtually painless treatment that requires no recovery time.

7. Botox is only for one kind of person.

There is no such thing as an “ideal Botox patient.” Botox injections benefit younger patients and older patients equally well since preventative Botox for patients in their 20s and early 30s can stop lines from forming and reduce the need for future treatments. Men are also choosing to get Botox more today, often to maintain a youthful appearance as they re-enter the job market or dating scene.

Seek a Skilled Botox Practitioner in San Francisco

Unfortunately, misconceptions surrounding Botox injections are extremely persistent. That’s why Dr. Seth Matarasso works hard to provide results that speak for themselves. If you have any lingering doubts about the benefits of Botox as a natural-looking anti-aging treatment, contact Dr. Matarasso’s office for a personalized consultation.