10 x fables about Botox

Botox: we've all heard of it. Perhaps you're already familiar with Botox treatments, perhaps the thought of it makes you shudder. Whatever your opinion of Botox, it remains, year after year, the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment. The number of people undergoing Botox treatments continues to rise, and for millions of men and women worldwide, it has become an integral part of their personal grooming routine. Despite the unprecedented popularity of Botox, there are still numerous misconceptions surrounding the treatment. We've compiled the 10 biggest myths for you.

Fable 1: You look older when the Botox has worn off

Your face will not look older or worse when your treatment has worn off or if you decide to stop using Botox after a longer period of use. Botox itself does not cause wrinkles or new lines; existing wrinkles simply reappear when you stop using Botox or when the effects of your treatment wear off. These wrinkles can be treated again effectively if they continue to bother you. Even treatments with longer intervals, where the effect has completely worn off, are beneficial against wrinkles. Each time, you make the muscle slightly weaker, which genuinely slows down wrinkle formation. If you plan your Botox treatments consistently and regularly, you will notice that you eventually need less Botox, or fewer frequent visits. By repeatedly relaxing the muscles with Botox, they eventually become weaker and wrinkles stay away for longer.

Fable 2: Botox is addictive

Botox itself is in no way addictive. The substance itself does not therefore force you to continue repeating treatments. However, people do become rather fond of the results of Botox. This relatively simple and safe treatment has such a significant effect on specific wrinkles that it remains appealing for repetition. You can, however, stop your Botox treatments at any time, without your wrinkles getting worse as a result or you experiencing any other unpleasant side effects.

Fable 3: If you don't see immediate results, it didn't work

Botox binds to the nerve and blocks the nerve impulse to the muscles. This prevents the injected muscles from contracting and forming wrinkles. This process takes some time. You will therefore never feel the effect of your Botox treatment within the first 10 minutes. In reality, Botox can take up to 2 weeks after your treatment to work optimally.

Fable 4: Botox is not possible under your eyes

While Botox is regularly used to treat crow's feet, its use under the eyes is less common. However, that doesn't mean it can't be done. Sometimes, you may have fine, bothersome lines under your eyes. A small drop of Botox can help to open up the eyes and soften the area. However, it is precisely here that it is important to find an experienced doctor who can properly determine if you are a suitable candidate for Botox under the eyes. If this treatment is performed by an inexperienced doctor, it can (temporarily) negatively affect the shape of the eyes.

Fable 5: All wrinkle relaxers are Botox

Just as we call lip balm ‘Labello’, ‘Botox’ is a brand name used to refer to all wrinkle relaxers. In reality, there are various other brand names on the market such as BoCouture, Azzalure, Xeomin, Vistabel and Dysport. They are all different types of botulinum toxins, which subtly differ from each other in terms of structure, potency, duration and storage. However, their effects and results are very similar, although prices can vary. It is therefore worthwhile to discuss with your treating doctor which brand is used and whether you can choose from different options.

Fable 6: Botox and fillers are the same

Although Botox and fillers are both very popular cosmetic treatments, they are quite different. Both are intended to correct wrinkles, but they work in different ways. Botox helps to relax muscles, thereby preventing wrinkles caused by frequent muscle contractions. Think of frown lines, forehead lines, or crow's feet. Fillers help to plump up specific wrinkles, such as the nasolabial folds or marionette lines, or to create more volume in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, or lips.

Fable 7: Cosmetic surgery can completely replace Botox

You might think that cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift, would be a better option than a Botox treatment, but that's not necessarily the case. The biggest argument for this is often that people are looking for a permanent solution to wrinkles and don't want to repeat treatments like Botox all the time. Unfortunately, it's a bit more nuanced than that. Cosmetic surgery is great for correcting sagging skin around the cheeks (with a facelift) or the eyelids (with eyelid surgery). However, it's not necessarily the best solution for frown lines, forehead wrinkles, or crow's feet. In fact, you can keep repeating your Botox treatment very well and it can actually be a beautiful addition to the results of cosmetic surgery.

Fable 8: Botox is poison for the body

This is an understandable misconception, given that Botox is technically a poison. However, because Botox is injected into the muscle, it barely comes into contact with other tissues or structures. Therefore, unlike other (medicinal) injections, it does not enter the bloodstream. This makes it a relatively safe treatment, without adverse side effects for your body.

Fable 9: Botox is only for wrinkles

Botox is known as a cosmetic anti-wrinkle treatment, but did you know that Botox can be used for much more than just a more youthful appearance? In the medical world, Botox has been used for decades to treat migraines, teeth grinding, and excessive sweating. At good, experienced clinics, you can not only get cosmetic Botox treatments but can often also be helped to alleviate medical complaints and discomfort with Botox.

Fable 10: Botox freezes your face

Many people often think that Botox leaves you with no facial movement, that it makes your expressions disappear and gives you an emotionless, frozen look. However, this does not have to be the case at all, provided that your Botox treatment is carried out by an experienced doctor. The amount of Botox, the precise injection site, and which areas you wish to treat are all decisive for the results of your Botox treatment. Everyone is unique in this regard, and it is important to find a specialist who can look at your face and determine what you need. There are many methods for administering Botox, and they all offer different desired results. It is truly possible to soften wrinkles while still retaining the natural movement of the face. Find a specialist who suits you, discuss thoroughly what you want to achieve, and remember: Less is more.