May 30th, 2023
By: Ashley Cochran, FNP-C, cosmetic dermatology provider
What was once a taboo subject now comes up in casual conversation. Thanks to social media, people are sharing their secrets to keep up with youthful appearances, including cosmetic fillers. With that openness are also misconceptions about one of the most popular cosmetic procedures – Botox.
Botox is a botulinum toxin Type A injection typically used for cosmetic treatment purposes. It helps to relax muscles by blocking the signal sent by our nerves telling them to constrict, thus decreasing the amount of fine lines and wrinkles found on the skin. Additionally, Botox can also help with hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, by blocking the nerve signals that tell the sweat glands to become active and a hypertrophied masseter muscle.
With more people opening up about their positive and negative experiences with Botox, several myths have gone viral about the popular cosmetic treatment.
They include the following:
Myth #1: Botox causes faces to freeze, and I won’t have expressions.
The amount of Botox used is custom for each individual and their desired outcomes. Botox is injected to relax specific muscles, and administration can be more conservative in those who desire higher levels of expression. Always clearly communicate your skin care goals with your injector during your consultation.
Myth #2: Botox isn’t for me. I’m too young.
Botox can be administered cosmetically for those age 18 and older. In addition to relaxing muscles, which temporarily prevents the overlying skin from folding and improving wrinkles that are already present, it is also used as a preventative treatment prior to developing those fine lines and wrinkles.
Myth #3: If I don’t keep up with my Botox, my wrinkles will get worse.
Discontinuing the use of Botox will not cause more wrinkles. It will allow your muscles to contract again, and in turn, can cause wrinkles. As we age, we tend to get more wrinkles especially when we are not utilizing preventative measures.
Myth #4: Botox can only be used to treat wrinkles.
Botox has been approved by the Food & Drug Administration for several non-cosmetic purposes. At Pinehurst Medical Clinic Dermatology, we offer Botox for hyperhidrosis and hypertrophied masseter muscle in addition to treating fine lines and wrinkles.
Myth #5: Botox injections are painful.
Botox is injected with a very small needle, and most patients are very comfortable during the procedure. If unable to tolerate the procedure there are alternate methods such as ice, vibratory analgesia, stress balls and/or topical numbing to assist with discomfort.
Myth #6: Botox isn’t safe.
Administration of any treatment has safety considerations. To ensure the utmost safety, Botox should be injected by a knowledgeable licensed provider who has had proper training and is aware of our anatomical structure.
As more people share their Botox journey and the products and treatments they use in their skincare routine, it is important to always fact-check with your provider. What works for your favorite influencer may not be what is best for you based on age, skin type, and skin concerns. Talk with your skincare provider today to curate a personalized skin care routine to help achieve your skincare goals.
Ashley Cochran, FNP-C, is a cosmetic dermatology provider at Pinehurst Medical Clinic.
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