Fact or Fiction: Botox Myths

Botox is one of the most sought-after cosmetic solutions in the world, and a trained physician can use it to help address a variety of common concerns. However, even though Botox has earned FDA approval for a range of aesthetic and medical issues, many people still believe various fallacies that make them hesitant to seek the benefits of this treatment. Let’s break down the reality behind a few of these.

Fiction: It Doesn’t Matter Who Does My Botox Injections

Fact: The popularity of at-home Botox parties might have led you to believe you can get Botox injected by anyone in any setting. The truth is that getting Botox injected outside a clinical setting can lead to unsatisfying and even risky results. You are much better off having an experienced dermatologist such as Dr. Seth Matarasso perform your treatment in the safety of his San Francisco office.

Fiction: Botox Is Unhealthy

Fact: While it’s true that Botox derives from a purified version of the botulinum toxin, the amount used for cosmetic purposes is a fraction of the amount that it would take to be toxic to humans. Indeed, Botox has been FDA-approved for cosmetic use since 2002 after undergoing a series of clinical trials to determine its safety and efficacy. Since Dr. Matarasso injects the protein directly into your muscles, there’s no danger of it entering your bloodstream. The most common side effects of Botox are minor bruising and swelling, but other risks include infection, wheezing, dizziness, and faintness. When Dr. Matarasso does your injections, however, these dangers are minimal.

Fiction: Botox and Fillers Serve the Same Purpose

Fact: There is a distinction between Botox and dermal fillers such as Juvéderm. The specific purpose of Botox is to relax the muscles around your eye and eyebrow area, thus minimizing the wrinkles that form from repetitive facial movements such as squinting and frowning. In contrast, fillers create volume in areas that have begun to sag or look hollow. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can also diminish wrinkles such as the nasolabial folds that bracket your mouth. When used in combination, Botox and fillers help provide an overall non-surgical facial rejuvenation known as a “liquid facelift.”

Fiction: I’m Too Young for Botox to Benefit Me

Fact: You don’t have to have deep-set wrinkles to take advantage of Botox injections. We often work with patients in their 20s or early 30s who choose to get Botox as a preventive measure. When used at an early age, Botox can help keep dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet or eyebrow furrows from deepening and causing you to look older than you really are.

Fiction: Botox Will Make Me Look Expressionless

Fact: You might be hesitant to get Botox for fear that it will leave your face looking paralyzed or unnatural. We’ve all seen at least one movie or TV show where someone gets Botox treatments and returns with a frozen, mannequin-esque appearance. However, this stereotype is more of an exaggeration for comedic effect than it is a depiction of what happens in reality. Dr. Matarasso takes care to inject precise amounts of Botox in the exact spots where it will have the optimal results. Once it takes effect, you’ll look natural, never overdone, or mask-like. People who know you well will never guess you had “work done,” unless you choose to share your beauty secrets.

Schedule Your Botox Consultation Today

Despite the persistent myths surrounding Botox, Dr. Matarasso takes pride in his ability to provide consistently natural-looking results that speak for themselves. If you have any questions about discreetly, non-invasively refreshing your appearance with this solution, contact us today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!