Botox was the buzz of the beauty world when it first hit the beauty scene. Everyone was talking about it. Celebs were looking younger, firmer, and defined. The promise of looking fresh and younger was enticing. Everyone wanted a Botox ‘touch-up’.
Today, it is as normal as any facial treatment. It’s almost like a lunchtime beauty fix. And its appeal is not restricted to women alone. Men are also warming up to this treatment.
Though it is widely known for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, it has many applications in the medical field. It is used to treat migraines, excessive sweating, neck spasms, and certain eye problems.
When it comes to Botox, the first image to pop up in your mind would perhaps be a frozen face without expressions. Or maybe an old woman who looks plastic. There are so many myths about this treatment. In this blog, we will debunk some of them.
Myth 1 – Botox is Only for Wrinkles
The most common myth is that Botox is only for cosmetic purposes. It is used to relax facial muscles and smooth out wrinkles. It is also used preventively to stop wrinkles from forming in the first place. But it has applications in the medical field for many conditions, too. Here are some of the common conditions where it is beneficial:
Migraines
Botox injections are an approved treatment for chronic migraine headaches in adults. It is a purified neurotoxin that works by blocking nerve signals that can trigger migraine pain. It will act to interrupt pain signals, and it inhibits the release of neurotransmitters that are involved in migraine pain.
Excessive Sweating
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is an embarrassing condition that affects many people. It acts by temporarily blocking the nerve signals that stimulate sweat glands. Botox paralyzes the overactive sweat glands.
Muscle Spasms
It can help muscle spasms by temporarily blocking nerve signals that cause the muscles to contract. It can help muscles relax in conditions like cervical dystonia (neck spasms) and blepharospasm (eyelid spasms).
TMJ
Botox injections are a good treatment option for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders, especially for those who experience pain and tension from teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
Other Conditions
It is used to treat strabismus (misaligned eyes), overactive bladder, and certain neurological disorders.
Myth 2 – It Will Freeze Your Face
It is believed to freeze the face and eliminate natural expressions. It is also believed to make you look expressionless. Botox will reduce your wrinkles, but it shouldn’t eliminate facial expressions. The frozen face look can be the side effect of incorrect dosage or technique.
When the administered dosage is incorrect, the muscle can get excessively relaxed, resulting in a lack of expression. If the technique is flawed, the practitioner doesn’t understand how to target the right muscles and the proper injection pattern, it can result in a frozen expression. Individual variations can also make the procedure look unnatural. So what works for one person might work for another.
When done by an experienced professional, Botox can give you that refreshed look. The right dosage and the proper technique can give you the advantage of the treatment without the frozen face look. Discuss your desired outcomes clearly and ask for natural-looking results. If you are concerned about looking overdone, start with small doses. Increase the dosage gradually as needed. It can take Botox a few days to take full effect, so don’t expect immediate results. Micro-dosing is another option. It involves using smaller doses of Botox in more frequent sessions to keep it natural.
Myth 3 – It is Only for Women
Though that was the case initially, there is a growing trend of men getting procedures to reduce wrinkles. When the results can be a young and refreshed look, why should men be left behind?
It is common for men to use Botox for cosmetic and medical reasons. Men are choosing this procedure to reduce wrinkles and prevent new ones. It helps men maintain a youthful appearance. Feeling good about one’s appearance boosts confidence and self-esteem. Men feel that maintaining a youthful appearance can help them stay relevant in workplaces where younger men are taking over. The rise of social media and dating platforms can be contributory factors in this change of mindset. Men also want to look their best for online profiles!
Men seek this treatment for some medical conditions as well. They frequently use it to treat excessive sweating and muscle spasms.
Myth 4 – It is Permanent
It is a neurotoxin that the body breaks down over time. The neurotoxin blocks nerve signals that cause muscle contractions. This side effect of the toxin is the result that we strive for. Once the toxin breaks down, the muscle regains its function. The side effects wear off, and the face loses the ‘lift’.
Myth 5 – It is Dangerous
It is derived from botulinum toxin, and the word toxin is not considered safe for use. In reality, it is a highly purified, board-approved product and is used in controlled doses. The amount of the toxin actually used in commercial Botox is minimal.
Myth 6 – It is Addictive
People believe that it causes a physical addiction. Patients go back for the procedure only to maintain the results. It is just like getting a facial or a regular haircut. Results of this treatment last for 3-6 months, and then regular maintenance is required to keep the results.
Myth 7 – It is Only for Older People
People think that only when wrinkles appear in your 40s and 50s, Botox is actually needed. In fact, people as young as their 20s and 30s are opting for preventive treatments. Start the treatment early with a minimal dosage to delay the deepening of the lines.
Conclusion
Botox is a widely used treatment to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Unfortunately, that is the only thing commonly known about it. It can also be used to treat medical conditions such as muscle spasms and excessive sweating.
Many misconceptions about this procedure have been debunked in this blog. Some are widely spread, like the idea that it is only for women and that it can freeze your facial expressions. Both of which are, in reality, not true. The modern man is big on looking sharp and doesn’t mind a bit of cosmetic help. The changing social scene has men changing their attitude towards grooming and prioritising self-care and appearance.
This procedure is not permanent; its effects last only3-6 months. Minuscule amounts of the toxin are used in Botox, and it is perfectly safe and board-approved. People seem to get addicted to it to maintain the results they desire. The addiction is not a side effect of this treatment. When the toxin is broken down by the body, the side effects disappear, and the face will lose the advantage of the treatment.
People as young as their 20s and 30s are opting for this procedure as a preventive measure to delay wrinkles.
The important thing is to get Botox done by a licensed practitioner, like at Colibri Laser and Beauty in Toronto. The right practitioner can give your face that refreshed, natural look. Visit the salon and get the conversation going.